Java Developer Pay and Salary as well as Job Description for 2023 (r)

Feb 1, 2023
Learning all about Java developer salary

The first version of Java was released in 1995. Java is one of the most well-known and well-established programming languages.

This is why Java developers enjoy a steady increase in demand as well as job opportunities as programming trends and paradigms remain in flux. In fact, Statista reports that a third of all developers utilized Java in 2022, a figure which is predicted to increase over the next few years.

What kind of wage can a Java developer be expecting?

In this piece we'll look at the typical Java developer's earnings by their the level of experience, seniority, and the location. We'll also cover the roles and responsibilities for Java developers and the expected rate of development in career and top practices to secure the position (and the hefty paycheck typically that follows).

What is a Java Developer?

But before we get to the specifics of what it takes to be an Java developer Let's take a deeper review of the language. If you are familiar with the language first will help you to comprehend the significance of Java development, as well as the aspects that affect the amount of money a Java developer's salary.

What Is Java?

The Java coffee cup logo
Java

From its very first versions, Java has grown and transformed over the past two decades into the extremely flexible and secure software we use today. Because of its cross-platform compatibility, Java can be found all over the world, from laptops and supercomputers, to phones and gaming consoles.

One of Java's best-known features is the Java Virtual Machine or JVM, a highly compatible platform for running Java software. Contrary to other programming languages that require translating or compiling high-level code to the binary "machine" programming language that is specific to each operating system Java converts to the bytecode format and executes it within the JVM rather than directly to an operating system.

Java source code runs in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
Java Virtual Machine (JVM) ( Source: TechVidvan)

In the end, Java can run on anydevice as well as any operating system with it's JVM installed. This gives Java developers a ton of flexibilitysince they aren't required to fret about specific operating system conventions or issues with performance. However, programmers working with C or C++ need to "work near to the hardware" by carefully writing software that is specific to the machine's operating system (or central processing unit (CPU).

Java also gives developers helpful tools such as class libraries, which simplify development by using already-built components. In combination with a high-level, simple-to-read language, Java development is usually easier than other programming languages, sometimes resulting in lower technical requirements for certain developer tasks.

Who Is a Java Developer?

That's only the most general explanation, however. Because Java is very flexible and general-purpose, Java developers can work with a variety of tasks. Spotify as well as Twitter are only two of the many Java applications that you may make use of on a daily basis.

Java developers work on a wide range of different projects
Applications that make use of Java ( Source: DataFlair)

Here are some of the principal applications a Java developer will typically work on.

  • Desktop GUIsJava is a major language for building Windows-based desktop applications with graphic user interfaces (GUIs). They are more "traditional" applications that which you can download and install to your PC.
  • Embedded Systems:Small-scale computers serving a specific purpose, like control of traffic lights, or for taking sensor data. Although many embedded systems are programmed in C, Java is a well-known choice for more robust hardware.
  • Enterprise Application:Unlike the other applications that we've discussed, these massive-scale applications make use of Java to provide logic and functionality across an entire enterprise (rather than just a few users). An overwhelming number of enterprise applications choose Java for its security, speed as well as its scalability.
  • Scientific Applications:Java's powerful computational features allow it to be used for a variety of math and science-related applications. MATLAB is one extremely popular example that is widely used by scientists.

As you can probably already be able to guess, Java developers usually work on the backend of the technology stack.

Key differences between frontend and backend
Key differences between backend and frontend ( Source: Kenzie Academy)

Alongside coding the core features of applications, Java developers are responsible to work with other programmers or engineers as well as others across the stack. While development teams come in all shapes and sizes, good development is almost always a team effort built on effective communication.

We'll learn later that developers may have multiple duties -- and no two positions are the same.

Who is hiring Java Developers?

The world's top technology firms employ Java developers to create and maintain their software.

Microsoft, Google, and Amazon hire Java developers
Microsoft, Google, and Amazon hire Java developers

They could include backend mobile apps, web services, and even frontend services as standalone software programs. Below are a handful of the top tech companies who employ Java developers.

  • Netflix:The world's most watched streaming service makes use of Java to do almost everything. This is why they are always seeking talented Java developers.

But software companies aren't the only ones who hire Java developers. In fact, many insurance firms employ Java developers to create and maintain applications that allow customers to make claims, supply insurance information pay for their insurance, and so on.

Are Java Developers In Demand?

Yes! With over 9 million Java developers worldwide, Java development is here to stay -- especially because it's the basis for many new technologies and business systems.

With the number of software developers expected to increase to 28.7 millions by 2024 (up 3.2 million since 2021), Java development (and software development in general) is a promising career choice.

Java Developer Jobs Descriptions

As with most software development or engineering positions, Java developers are usually split into three main tiers: junior, middle, and the senior developer.

Ranking developer seniority levels
Seniority levels for developers ( Source: Altexsoft)

As seen in the graphic below, some businesses employ developers who have only a few years of experience. While that may seem counterintuitive, it can be an effective way to invest in new talent while ensuring the skills they possess are appropriate for the objectives of the company.

However, trainee positions are few and far between They are also not often found in large corporations or tech giants. Although not all companies categorize Java developers that way but it will give you a a basic idea of what you can expect.

Java Developer Job Description Junior Java Developer Description of Job

Junior or entry-level post are usually reserved for recent graduates, interns, or anyone looking to enter the field. Some companies may also call these associate or assistant positions.

Young developers are under constant supervision and are able to create small code-focused features with minimal. Though they usually don't need to be aware of the "big picture," their knowledge as junior developers will allow them to take on bigger tasks in future roles.

Intermediate Java Developer Description of Job

Middle-level positions or mid-level ones usually are reserved for people with at least three to five years' experience working in software development.

At work Mid-level developers have significantly lesser oversight than junior developers and generally focus on writing individual portions of the "big big picture." In this case, where a junior developer would've written individual lines of code or very simple algorithms, mid-level developers might write complete classes or methods.

Mid-level developers are also expected to play more of a strategic role in team players and be in a position to come up with new solutions in their own time.

Senior Java Developer Job Description

The name implies that senior positions are in the upper echelons of the development totem pole.

Top qualities of a senior developer
Senior qualities that define a development ( Source: Springboard)

While working, the top programmers rely on their hard-earned experience to connect business needs with technology-based solutions. Doing so not only requires the utmost technical knowledge of the Java programming languages and their associated parts (e.g. Java Servlets or Java Beans) but also soft abilities and knowledge of project management.

Another important role of senior developers is to mentor students, interns, as well as junior developers. When they're working on a large project, or just a single (albeit large) component, senior developers are the "captains" on their respective ships.

Average Java Developer Salary

The most important question to ask what is the average amount you can anticipate to earn as developer for Java developer?

Although Java developers have a great average salary but the precise amount is contingent on experience, location, and key skills. It's the base average salary for Java developers across the United States as reported by major job boards.

  • In fact: $106K per year, with a low of $70K , and a peak of $161K.
  • ZipRecruiter: $107K per year With a minimum of $41K and a high of $157K.
  • Payscale $82K annually The lowest amount is $56K, and a peak of $120K.
Many Java developers earn salaries above $100K
Java Developer salary

Java Developer Salary based on the Experience Niveau

Java developer salary entry level averages are no less than $41K within the United States, with the median higher Java developer salary exceeding $100K for 10+ years in experience.

Average salary for Java developers by experience level
The average salary of Java developers, based on their experience.

Many major corporations also offer rewards like cash bonus as well as a match 401(k), which may impact reported figures.

Java Developer Salary Based on the location

Estimates of salary can be wildly different across different regions and states. As with many jobs in tech, Java developer salaries are most expensive in states with large metropolitan hubs.

US states with the best (and worst) Java developer salaries
US states with the best (and the worst) Java developer salaries ( Source: Indeed)

From the map above it is clear that US-based Java developers can expect to earn the most (15-25% above the average) in states like Colorado (Denver), New York (New York City), Maryland (Baltimore), Washington D.C., Georgia (Atlanta) as well as Washington (Seattle).

Java developers also receive an equivalent amount globally. Here are the average salaries for various countries outside the US in accordance with Web3 Jobs:

Java developer salary range by country
Java Developer salary ranges by country ( Source: Web3 Jobs)
  • Japan: $120K
  • Switzerland: $120K
  • France: $85K
  • United Kingdom:$42K
  • Italy: $65K
  • China: $40K
  • Hong Kong:$90K
  • Taiwan: $50K
  • India: $60K

Java Developer Salary as compared to other developer salaries

Although Java developers receive a generous salary however, how do their wages stand up to the other categories of developers? We'll compare them against figures from Indeed.com It provides an average full stack Java developer's salary of $106K.

How Can Java Developers Increase Their Salary?

As more companies start to use Java for data and enterprise applications, these skills will become more sought-after -- as well as earning greater salaries.

  • advanced Java technologies:In addition to Java Servlets and JSP previously mentioned, the knowledge of additional advanced Java technologies like Enterprise Java Beans (EJB) and J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition) are in incredibly high demand , as they become widespread.
  • Architecture of the enterprise systemUnderstanding the networking, servers as well as other elements of enterprise systems is an essential requirement for experienced developers (and the huge salaries they earn).
  • Agile project management:Most teams working on development use Agile project management to deliver big results in small management increments as well as sprints. In the end, knowing the Agile approach is a huge step up for any developer.
  • Application development using libraries:Most development teams use libraries already in use to speed up app development. In the end, having some knowledge of libraries could help boost your pay.
  • A deep understanding of Java:Like with any knowledge or language, having a deep and complete understanding of Java can help you develop quicker, more effective, and more efficient systems which are exactly the ones that command big salaries and even bigger bonuses.

How To Become a Java Developer

17 Essential Skills to be Java Developers Java Developer

Java development demands a solid grasp of the fundamentals of programming combined with Java-specific language and technologies.

An image showing the top skills expected of a full-stack Java developer
The top skills required of a full-stack Java Developer ( Source: Javatpoint)

This is what full-stack Java developers must be aware of. It's not necessary to master every single one of them, however the basics are enough for most beginning jobs.

  1. decision-making in Java:Like any other language, developers should know Java's arithmeticand ternary and assignment operators. The use of conditionals like if else-if, and statements are essential.
  2. Control of flow:As an extension of decision-making processes, developers should know how to control the flow of decision-making and logic by using do-while, while for, do-while, and nested loops. They should also know how to use break, continue as well as modulo operator.
  3. Methods:Developers are expected to develop and invoke methods that take into account inputs (or parameters) or return value (return declarations).
  4. Core concepts:Developers should understand how Java deals with core notions like interfaces blocking blocks for try-catch, exception handling as well as user inputs, data types for example. A majority of the introductory courses teach this information.
  5. Java arraysAll designers should understand how to create, iterate through, and perform operations with Java arrays (you'll use them a lot! ).
  6. Collection frameworks:Like arrays, other collection frameworks as well as data structures like ArrayList, LinkedList, Stack and others are also essential.
  7. GenericsAllows the abstract type of data (integers, strings, etc.) to serve as input parameters for classes, methods, or interfaces. It is essential to write reliable, flexible code that can be used as an input parameter to classes, methods, or interfaces.
  8. Multithreading concurrency controls:More experienced developers need to understand how Java's multithreading to run several simultaneous processes.
  9. Lambda expressionsAdvanced developers may also be required to write these shorthand methods inline along with the other codes.
  10. File handlingData streams, reading/writing files, and serialization of objects are only a few key file-handling skills every developer should know.
  11. Spring FrameworkA well-known framework used for creating Java applications, especially with Java Enterprise Edition (EE).

Finding Developer Jobs

Java developers enjoy a very demanded job -- and it's very easy to land an excellent job with enough experience and skills.

Java developers are always in high demand
Java developers are constantly in the market for

There are also opportunities to find work through participating in communities for developers that are on Stack Overflow, Reddit, etc.

Summary

With an median Java developer salary set above 100K (and having a host of other benefits to come), Java developers enjoy a comfortable living in exchange for their specialized skill set. As the number of jobs in software is increasing in the millions each year, there's never been a better time to fine-tune your skills and join the field.

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