Applications Developer
Build the apps and systems people rely on. Applications developers write, test and improve software for businesses across Greater Manchester.
Applications developers design, build and maintain the software people use every day, from mobile apps to the business systems that keep organisations running. Greater Manchester has a large and growing tech sector, with software teams in digital agencies, banks, retailers, media companies at MediaCity in Salford, and public sector organisations.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- Average in Manchester: around £34,000 a year for software developers, with most roles between £21,000 and £48,000
- UK range: from about £30,000 for new starters up to £75,000 for experienced developers
- Senior developers, technical leads and specialists in high-demand languages can earn more
Career path
- Getting started: junior or graduate developer, often after an apprenticeship, HNC, HND or degree
- Developer: building and testing features, fixing bugs and working in a development team
- Senior developer: leading pieces of work and mentoring other developers
- Next steps: technical lead, development manager, systems or IT architect, business systems analyst, or setting up as a consultant
How to get started
Routes in include college courses in computing, Level 3 to Level 6 software development apprenticeships, and higher technical qualifications such as an HNC or HND in computing or software engineering. Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on National Careers Service and PayScale data for 2024 to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Skills Needed
- Programming and an understanding of computer systems
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Creative and complex problem solving
- Maths for programming
- Clear communication and teamwork
- Willingness to keep learning new languages and tools