what is a developer?
As a developer, you build or create software programs and applications to run various devices. For instance, you develop the software used to control systems in a company. You also create the operating systems for various devices on the market. Developers are well-versed in programming languages and are proficient in structuring or developing code for programs and software.
Depending on the software or applications you develop, you can become a software developer, application developer, web developer or mobile developer. Although the primary role of a developer is to write code, you gather requirements for developing the software program, enabling it to run on computers or mobile phones.
The roles you perform as a developer depend on your company. In a large company, you delegate computer instruction writing and coding to computer programmers and other junior developers. However, when you work in a small start-up, your role starts with conceptualising a software or mobile application and writing the code. The programs you develop also depend on the industry you work in. For instance, you develop programs for manufacturing, mining and construction consultancy firms, helping them to automate routines and run business operations more efficiently.
As a developer, you steer the software development process throughout the project cycle. That means you learn user requirements and devise plans to meet those needs. You delegate tasks to the team and verify that the program or computer system works. Having exceptional technical skills and coding ability helps you understand computer programs and test their functionality.
view developer vacanciesaverage developer salary
The typical salary of a developer in Australia is $120,000 per year. In entry-level positions, developers receive a remuneration package of $110,000 yearly. As your experience improves, your earnings increase to over $130,000 annually. The earnings depend on experience and area of specialisation.
how to increase your salary as a developer
As a developer, your earnings depend on your expertise. When you have exceptional mastery of programming languages, you are likely to earn more than developers with minimal coding skills. Your area of specialisation may also influence your earnings. For instance, you can specialise in software, mobile apps, or game development to improve your earning potential.
Working in metro areas also improves your earning prospects. Most innovation hubs and technology firms are based in metro areas, and due to the high demand for developers, companies pay higher remuneration to developers. Working in small cities attracts lower salaries due to the reduced demand for developers.
The company's size also influences your remuneration package. When you work for a large company, you are likely to earn more due to the complexity of the projects. Smaller start-ups have limited funding and may pay lower developer salaries.
Want to know what you will earn as a developer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of developers
Developers have numerous areas of specialisation. For instance, you can focus on developing mobile applications, websites or software. As a mobile developer, your job is to create software for phones. Your role revolves around building apps for Android and iOS phones. You continuously improve applications and check for bugs.
As a software developer, you develop computer programs and create operating systems. You help your employer identify issues or challenges in new programs and work to resolve the issues. When you work as a web developer, you design and create websites. You ensure websites run smoothly by checking code for bugs. The role requires knowledge of HTML and programming languages like Javascript to develop the front and back ends of a website. DevOps developers come up with software development strategies to test and deploy technologies. The role requires a full understanding of the software development life cycle.
working as a developer
Are you excited about working in information technology (IT)? Discover the duties, responsibilities and work environments of developers.
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developer job description
The tasks of developers revolve around software or application development cycles. Some of the duties and responsibilities of developers include the following:
- discussing business requirements with clients: as a developer, you attend meetings with clients to determine their requirements. Your job is to listen to the requirements to ensure you develop a program or application that meets the client's needs. You also meet with development and project managers to discuss the project scope and create a reasonable budget.
- creating models and diagrams for new software: as a developer, you analyse the user requirements and develop models, diagrams and prototypes. The models you create show programmers the code required for the software or application.
- writing and implementing code: as a developer, you write code for new software programs from scratch. Before you deploy the code, you verify and test the software system to ensure it meets the client's needs. Sometimes, developing new code requires in-depth research on existing software systems and programs before you develop the application.
- analysing existing programs and software: as a developer, you monitor the quality and performance of existing software programs. If the applications require modification, you improve them. You also troubleshoot and debug code for software programs.
- creating technical documents: as a developer, you document all work for future reference. You develop technical documents that explain the code and record all development steps
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work environment
Developers work in an office setting and spend most days on the computer, writing and reviewing code. Despite being a desk job, most companies have improved their work environments to boost creativity. Employers have creative workspaces for developers who spend a lot of time in the office. As a developer, you work in interesting work environments, from IT to healthcare, government organisations and education. Developers also work remotely since most duties are completed on a computer.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include cloud engineers, DevOps engineers and development engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to full-stack developers and software engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, front-end developers, software developers and systems administrators.
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work schedule
As a developer, you work the typical office hours of up to 40 hours a week. Aside from business hours, you work some nights and weekends to complete projects or resolve technical issues. The work schedule is flexible, and you will find full-time and part-time roles. Some jobs are on a contractual basis or a project basis.
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job outlook
Developers have exciting job outlooks and opportunities for career advancement. When you start as a junior developer, you improve your skills and experience to become a senior developer. Some developers specialise in specific areas like web, software or mobile applications development. Other developers improve their skills and become project managers.
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advantages of finding a developer job through randstad
Finding your developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
It is possible to land a job as a developer without any academic qualifications. If you have the necessary coding skills and knowledge in the required programming languages, you can work as a developer. However, most employers prefer candidates with qualifications in computer science. Consider pursuing a bachelor of computer science or a bachelor of information technology. If you have a bachelor’s degree, advance your skills with a postgraduate degree, such as a master of computer science.
Alternatively, find vocational education training qualifications, like a diploma in IT, to learn the necessary skills. Improve your coding skills and learn more programming languages through boot camps that prepare you for IT-related jobs.
developer skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a developer include:
- problem-solving skills: as a developer, you create programs and applications that may experience technical issues. You require problem-solving skills to identify bugs and other issues in the code. Your skills also help you resolve problems and fix any technical issues.
- detail-oriented skills: as a developer, you work on various parts of software systems or computer applications. If you are not keen, you will likely miss the fine details. When you are attentive to details, you can identify every detail and prevent errors that could damage the entire system.
- analytical skills: as a developer, your job involves gathering and analysing information before creating applications that solve users' problems. Your analytical skills help you design computer programs that match users' needs.
- communication skills: as a developer, you work with a team of programmers and other IT professionals. You require great communication skills to provide clear instructions. You also explain to clients how the software solves their customers’ problems.
FAQs about working as a developer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a developer.
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what does a developer do?
As a developer, you create computer software and applications. You design mobile and web applications using programming languages. It is also your job to test the software's functionality to ensure it meets user requirements and performs the desired functions. Other duties include monitoring or upgrading software programs and training users to use the applications.
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are developers in demand in Australia?
Developers use code to create programs and computer software that performs various functions. With the increasing innovation in IT, developers are in high demand in Australia. The projected five-year job growth rate for the role is 27%.
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is developer a good career?
As a developer, you work in the IT department, creating computer programs that meet users’ needs. If you enjoy designing new programs, working as a developer is a great career for you. The earnings are quite promising, and you have multiple areas of specialisation.
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how much do developers get paid in Australia?
As a developer, you receive an average remuneration package of $120,000 per year. When you are new in the role, you start with a salary of $110,000 annually. With experience, developers take home over $130,000 yearly. The earnings can also increase based on your area of specialisation.
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what skills does a developer need?
To work as a developer, you require exceptional coding skills since you rely on programming languages to develop software programs. You also require good problem-solving skills to identify problems in software and resolve them promptly.
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how do I apply for a developer vacancy?
Applying for a developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.