How Much Does A Java Developer Make? (With Job Roles)

Indeed Editorial Team

Updated 26 January 2023

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Java developers offer tremendous value to an organisation by creating and building software and web applications. If you want to consider a career in software development, Java developers are among a few highly paid specialists in the IT industry. Several factors impact a Java developer's salary and learning ways to increase your salary can make this career rewarding. In this article, we answer “How much does a Java developer make?”, the primary responsibilities of a Java developer, understand the factors affecting and ways to increase your salary and explore some related job roles.


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How Much Does A Java Developer Make?

If you are considering a role in technology, you may wonder, "How much does a Java developer make?". The average salary of a Java developer is ₹6,70,902 per year. Several factors can affect their salary, including education, location, job-specific duties, responsibilities and experience. Some cities pay a higher salary than others. For instance, the average salary in Bengaluru is ₹8,15,671 per year, while the average salary in Gurgaon is ₹7,27,061 per year. Having in-demand certifications and a strong portfolio of developing and maintaining Java-based applications can increase your learning potential.

Why Is Java In Demand?

Java is a popular programming language and developers use it to create many applications. Java allows a developer to alter the code during run-time and run the code on any platform. This increases creativity and helps in building innovative Java-based applications. Some other reasons this language is in demand are:

  • Java allows you to create various applications. Using Java, developers create Android applications, web applications and software tools. Often, Java is the default choice for scientific applications.

  • Java ensures high performance. Because of Java's Just-in-time (JIT), developers get the required speed when developing applications.

  • Java is a secure language. This language reduces security threats because it does not use explicit pointers.

  • Java is simple. Java is easy to write, learn and understand. Compared with other programming languages, Java is simple because it does not use complex features like explicit pointers, operator overloading and storage classes.

What Is A Java Developer?

A Java developer is an IT professional who uses Java programming and coding knowledge to design, create, build and manage Java-based applications. Apart from running or debugging the code they develop, these professionals are integral to the application or software development process. From finding and solving errors in applications to writing understandable codes, these professionals ensure the effective development and deployment of applications or software on the server. Because of language's popularity, many companies use Java to develop a wide range of software, websites or applications.


Related: What Does A Java Full Stack Developer Do?


What Does A Java Developer Do?

The primary duty of a Java developer is to create and improve products Java-based applications and products. Depending on the project, experience and employer, the job role may vary. Some typical duties of a Java developer are:

  • Analyse user requirements to create application design

  • Align the Java-based application design with a project or organisational goal

  • Participate in architectural and software development phases

  • Write well-defined and testable codes

  • Produce clean Java codes

  • Advise management to improve the performance of application or software

  • Conduct software analysis and evaluation

  • Work with database management systems

What Factors Affect The Salary Of A Java Developer?

Some common factors that affect the salary of a Java developer are:

Experience

From designing, developing, implementing and improving Java-based applications, a Java developer requires in-depth knowledge of every aspect of development and deployment. Employers prefer paying higher salaries to those candidates who can work independently and bring existing skills to the job role. Those with more experience work in a senior role and draw a higher salary than entry-level Java developers.

Location

Work location can significantly affect the average salary of Java developers because every location has unique demands and opportunities. For instance, one city may be famous for manufacturing jobs while another may be famous for technical jobs. Usually, metropolitan cities pay a higher salary to Java developers than small towns. The average salary in Ahmedabad is ₹4,66,659 per year, whereas the average salary in Hyderabad is ₹6,82,514 per year.

Educational qualification

Often, Java developers are high in demand because candidates with the right mix of experience and education are difficult to find. While a Bachelor of Science (BSc) can help you become a Java developer, many employers prefer candidates with an engineering degree in computer or related areas. Usually, engineers earn a higher salary than science graduates. Also, a master's degree in a related area can help you fast track your career.

Skill set

A Java developer's skill set can affect their salary. Knowledge of cloud computing, J2EE or Spring Framework can be helpful when negotiating salary with a potential employer. Mastery over essential soft and technical skills can help you earn a higher salary than other candidates.


Related: 15 Important Java Developer Skills (And How To Improve)


Job role

The salary of a Java developer may depend upon their job role. When planning to become a Java developer, you may get hired as a software developer, software architect, software engineer and DevOps engineer. Each of these job roles is different and may require prior experience in Java development.

Why Is A Java Developer's Salary High?

Java developers withdraw a higher salary than most other developers. For instance, the average salary of a Java developer is ₹6,70,902 per year, whereas the average salary of a web developer is ₹16,715 per month. The salary is high because:

  • Java is in demand and widely used by many industries.

  • The language allows creating complex applications.

  • The demand for Java developers in the software development field is very high.

Way To Increase The Salary Of A Java Developer

Here are a few ways of increasing your salary as a Java development professional:

Keep learning

Even if you work in a single language, keeping your skill set flexible and up-to-date is important. Having proficiency in different database management languages can help you withdraw a higher salary. Also, when working as a Java developer, learn new Java tools to remain up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies.

Earn certifications

Certifications can help you showcase advanced knowledge in the language. It serves as proof of your knowledge and expertise in Java. Certification in Java development can help you find employment more quickly and help in the faster progression of your career.

Earn a master's degree

A master's degree in computer science, information technology or related areas can help you join leadership positions in various industries. An advanced degree improves your skills and competencies and makes you adept at building complex software applications. Pursue a postgraduate degree based on the undergraduate degree you completed.

Move to a technology hub

Because this career is in high demand, feel confident relocating to a new location. Some cities and states in the country are technology hubs. Relocating to these positions can open up high-paying Java development opportunities.

Select the right employer

It is essential to know that some employers pay higher than others. Often, startup companies pay less salary to Java developers than established companies. Some of the highest-paying employers tend to be technology and social media companies. You can even look for opportunities to work in a government organisation for a better salary and perks.

Java Developer Job Roles

Some common job roles of a Java developer are:

1. Software architect

National average salary: ₹12,29,711 per year

Primary duties: A Java or software architect defines, integrates and upgrades software architecture supporting different Java-based applications. These professionals work closely with managers and software design teams to create architectures. They identify software and hardware infrastructure to accommodate a company's architectural goals. A Java architect provides implementation guidelines of a system to the installation or implementation team.

2. Software engineer

National average salary: ₹44,086 per month

Primary duties: Software engineers apply techniques and principles of engineering, computer science and mathematics to develop, design and test software applications. Using Java language, these professionals analyse data to install new systems or modify the existing system.

3. DevOps engineer

National average salary: ₹8,70,898 per year

Primary duties: A development operation engineer or DevOps engineer introduces tools, processes and different methodologies to manage IT infrastructure. These professionals make frequent and incremental changes in the code versions. They focus on automation and maintenance in the live environment. A part of their workday may involve working with the development staff to tackle coding and scripting needed to connect code elements.


Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

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