Software Development

Java Developer Salary: What Can You Expect?

Written byJohn Terra
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Updated onSeptember 14, 2023

Java is a venerable programming language that just won’t quit. Released in 1995, its “write once, run anywhere” functionality makes it an attractive choice for web and app developers. Java is a platform-independent language that can be used to develop desktop and end-to-end mobile applications that run on different operating systems and servers.

Today’s subject is the Java developer salary, based explicitly on nationality, U.S. city, experience level, different companies, and other mitigating factors. Remember that the following figures are subject to fluctuation and change and can vary from city to city based on demand and local economic conditions. Salaries also depend on skills and qualifications you can gain from the right web development program

But before we look at Java developer salaries, including figures on specific items such as a Java full stack developer salary, let’s establish what a Java developer is.

What is a Java Developer?

A Java developer oversees the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Additionally, the Java developer uses their knowledge to create, monitor, adapt, and repair software across different platforms. They work closely with software engineers, web developers, and designers to create fully integrated client applications and programs.

Also Read: The Latest Buzz on Full Stack Developer Salaries

The Roles and Responsibilities of the Typical Java Developer

Today’s organizations expect a lot from Java developers. Here’s a sample of the roles and responsibilities of the typical Java developer.

Design, implement, and maintain Java applications that are typically high-volume and low-latency and are required for mission-critical systems
Manage Java and Java EE application development
Contribute to all phases of the application development lifecycle
Write well-designed, efficient, and testable code
Conduct required software analysis, programming, testing, and debugging
Ensure that designs comply with specifications
Prepare and produce software component releases
Deliver high availability and performance
Transform requirements into stipulations
Support continuous improvement by researching and presenting alternatives and technologies for architectural review.

What Skills Does a Java Developer Need?

Naturally, the extensive collection of roles and responsibilities requires the developer to have a comprehensive collection of skills under their belt.

Proficiency in programming languages like Java (of course!), JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL
Front-end frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.js
Back-end frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, and Node.js
Databases such as MySQL, MongoDB, and Oracle
Web technologies, including REST APIs, AJAX, and JSON
DevOps tools and resources like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins
Assorted miscellaneous technical skills such as Git, Agile methodology, and testing frameworks
Soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration
Extra credit: Although Java developers don’t require a college degree, many pursue a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, programming, computer science, or some other related major

Now that we’ve sorted out what a Java developer does and what skills they need, let’s look at the typical Java developer salary.

Java Developer Salary Based on Country

Every nation has its unique employment landscape, economy, and demand for IT positions. Here is a sample of the nations that often employ Java developers and how much they pay annually. Salary data is courtesy of Glassdoor.com.

Australia: A$102,678
Canada: $80,748
France: €52,500
Germany: €62,200
India: ₹507,000
Japan: JP¥53,60,822
UAE (Dubai): AED 240,000
United Kingdom: £64,560
United States: $104,997

Also Read: What Does a Coder Do? A Beginner’s Guide

Java Developer Salary Based on U.S. Cities

Now, let’s focus on the United States and see how various cities compensate their Java developers. These are the ten top-paying cities, according to the ZipRecruiter.com job site.

Santa Clara, CA: $143,597 per year
San Francisco, CA: $141,496 per year
Marysville, WA: $137,444 per year
San Jose, CA: $137,021 per year
Fremont, CA: $136,782 per year
Oakland, CA: $135,223 per year
San Francisco Bay Area, CA: $133,624 per year
Cameron, AZ: $132,625 per year
Antioch, CA: $132,221 per year
Lebanon, NH: $131,070 per year

Java Developer Salary Based on Company

Java developer salaries vary among today’s businesses, depending on how much emphasis they place on development. Here is a sample of some of the best-paying companies in the United States for Java developers and the specific positions they are looking to fill, according to Glassdoor.com

Google: Java Software Engineer, $215,531per year
Apple: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $209,652 per year
Amazon: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $97 per hour
Xevo: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $201,689 per year
JTH-Tech: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $93 per hour
Amazon: Software Developer (Java), $192,113 per year
Amazon: Java Software Engineer, $190,281 per year
eBay: Java Software Engineer, $185,264 per year
Workday: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $183,346 per year
Apple: Java Software Engineer, $183,005 per year
Netuitive: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $181,617 per year
Google: Java Developer, $178,225 per year
Atlassian: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $177,010 per year
Oracle: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $176,409 per year
Atlassian: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $175,692 per year
KPG99: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $173,358 per year
McKinsey & Company: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $173,217 per year
Datadog: Software Engineer – Java Developer, $172,542 per year
Microsoft: Java Software Engineer, $172,432 per year

Java Developer Salary Based on Industries

Not every industry pays the same. Here is a sampling of the best-paying industries for Java developers, according to Glassdoor.com.

Financial Services: $110,372 per year, 3% higher than other industries
Insurance: $110,316 per year, 3% higher than other industries
Manufacturing: $108,423 per year, 1% higher than other industries
Human Resources and Staffing: $108,266 per year, 1% higher than other industries
Information Technology: $108,195 per year, 1% higher than other industries

Also Read: An Ultimate Guide to Full Stack Developer Skills

Java Developer Salary Based on Job Roles

The average Java full stack developer salary will be higher than the annual salary of, for example, a front-end developer’s salary. Full stack developers are more versatile and do more, so they are paid commensurately better. According to ZipRecruiter.com, these are five popular Java Developer job roles and what they pay.

Core Java Software Engineer: $170,833 per year
Core Java Engineer: $170,833 per year
Java Development: $170,250 per year
Java Lead Engineer: $149,311 per year
Lead Java Engineer: $149,311 per year

Java Developer Salary Based on Experience Level

Experience plays a big part in determining how much a Java developer makes. The average experienced Java developer’s salary will naturally be higher than the typical junior Java developer’s salary.

Here are the average annual salaries for Java developers, according to Glassdoor.com, broken down by how many years on the job.

Entry-level-1 Year: $84,185 per year
1-3 Years: $88,692 per year
4-6 Years: $93,921 per year
7-9 Years: $97,541 per year
10-14 Years: $103,671 per year
15+ Years: $115,042 per year

These averages can vary due to geography, industry, company size, and local economic conditions. As the cliche goes, “Your actual mileage may vary.”

How to Increase Your Java Developer Salary

So, say that you’re already working as a Java developer. You see the above salary figures and realize that your own salary needs to catch up to these numbers. What options do you have to rectify that shortfall? The good news is that you do have many choices available. These include:

Don’t stop learning. Keep your skill set flexible and up-to-date, including learning new Java tools. It also helps to be proficient in different database management languages.
Earn a master’s degree. We already established that you don’t need any degree to become a Java developer, but realistically speaking, it’s an enormous help. A master’s degree earned in computer science, information technology, or other related subjects can help advance your position and put you into consideration for leadership positions.
Relocate to a more technology-friendly environment. If you’re willing to relocate, consider moving to a city or state considered a technology hub. Granted, the rise of remote work makes your physical location less critical, but it doesn’t hurt to be physically close to the action. Besides, many CEOs and managers are trying to get their employees back into the physical office, even if it’s for only a part of the work week.
Choose the right employer. There’s a job-hunting axiom that goes, “People don’t quit their jobs; they quit their bosses.” Some employers pay better and offer more benefits than others. Start-ups typically lure in talent with generous perks and high salaries but often demand next-level dedication and work ethics. We’ve already seen how some industries pay better than others. Focus your search on tech and social media organizations.
Earn a certificate; earn two or three! Certifications help showcase your advanced knowledge and provide tangible documentation of your skills. Getting certified in Java development or full stack web development can help you get a good position faster and bolster your chances of upward mobility. The more you know, the more valuable a resource you are, and the higher a salary you can command..

And, if you’re looking for an opportunity to get certified, read on!

Do You Want to Grow as a Java Developer?

As we mentioned, you can improve your prospects of earning a better Java developer salary if you continue your education and work towards certification. This full stack developer course has what you need to satisfy these requirements and increase value in the fast-paced, competitive IT marketplace.

Full stack developers are in high demand because they can handle all software and application development aspects. This intense, nine-month program teaches advanced coding techniques that cover the entire stack, everything from the front to the back end of software development. You will work with hands-on projects while you build your own Git Portfolio from the ground up.

Get started today. Sign up for this information-dense program and amplify your Java development skills to new heights.