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What is a java application developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Frank McCown Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

Java developers are the visionaries behind information solutions. They are responsible for designing and developing applications and system solutions that can affect an entire company. They frequently act as the support structure for business by recommending new solutions to improve user experience. They typically analyze the most appropriate tools, methodologies, and languages to use for a particular problem or solution.

Java developers have the ability to drastically improve application functioning within a business through the speed and scalability of their solutions. However, many Java developers find themselves working beyond programming and take part in the full software development lifecycle.

According to Payscale, Java developers make an average base salary of $73,268 in the United States. The more languages and methodologies Java developers know, the more they'll be paid.

What general advice would you give to a Java Application Developer?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.
ScoreJava Application DeveloperUS Average
Salary
7.3

Avg. Salary $92,924

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.2

Growth rate 13%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 16.08%

Black or African American 6.48%

Hispanic or Latino 12.07%

Unknown 6.52%

White 58.43%

Gender

female 28.71%

male 71.29%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress level
5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Java Application Developer career paths

Key steps to become a java application developer

  1. Explore java application developer education requirements

    Most common java application developer degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.1 %

    Master's

    29.1 %

    Associate

    1.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific java application developer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java19.55%
    Database3.59%
    GIT3.40%
    Spring Boot3.32%
    HTML3.04%
  3. Complete relevant java application developer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New java application developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a java application developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real java application developer resumes.
  4. Research java application developer duties and responsibilities

    • Used SVN as a repository for managing and using Jenkins for deploying application code.
    • Code JSP pages and used JavaScript for client side validations and to achieve other client-side event handling.
    • Develop all the UI pages using HTML5, DHTML, XSL/XSLT, HTTP, DOM, CSS3, and JSON.
    • Utilize the concepts of J2EE and API classes and create dynamic web pages.
  5. Prepare your java application developer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your java application developer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a java application developer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable java application developer resume templates

    Build a professional java application developer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your java application developer resume.
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
    Java Application Developer Resume
  6. Apply for java application developer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a java application developer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first java application developer job

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Average java application developer salary

The average java application developer salary in the United States is $92,924 per year or $45 per hour. Java application developer salaries range between $72,000 and $119,000 per year.

Average Java Application Developer Salary
$92,924 Yearly
$44.67 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do java application developers rate their job?

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Java Application Developer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set

Cons

Still have to deal with people :)


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface

Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.

Cons

Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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