How to Become a Java Developer?

Are you thinking of becoming a Java Developer or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Java Developer, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Java Developer job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Java Developer

Java remains one of the most popular programming languages and, therefore, Java developers are in high demand. If you're interested in joining this growing and potentially lucrative field, follow these four steps:
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1

Do your research on the field you'd prefer.

Did you know that more than 50 million websites use Java to deliver dynamic content and services to their visitors? Thanks to its ease of use, Java is a familiar tool for novice programmers. As a result, many developers start their careers with Java, taking the time it requires to develop the required skills. If you are serious about developing a career in IT, it's a terrific place to start.

However, before you specialize in this language, take the time to research this competitive field to ensure that you stand out. You'll want to keep abreast of current market trends and the skills that are most in-demand. Here are a few more good reasons to become a Java developer:

  1. Java's popularity comes with loads of job prospects.
  2. There's a creative side to Java that goes beyond mere coding.
  3. You get to collaborate with other professionals, like designers and software engineers.
  4. Java's real-world applications benefit many ordinary people in all kinds of scenarios, from health care to finance.
  5. Anyone can learn it.
2

Get your degree in a field such as Computer Science or Mathematics.

Java developers need a wide range of skills to create software and web-based applications for various platforms. Therefore, most employers require applicants to have a degree in one of these IT fields:

  • Computer Science.
  • Computer Engineering.
  • Information Systems.
  • Mathematics.

Interviewers often prefer Computer Science degrees, as they generally include courses related to Java programming, including:

  • Data structures.
  • Computer architecture.
  • Database management.
  • Statistics.
  • Technical writing.

What type of degree should you pursue to become a Java Developer?

88% of people working as a Java Developer earned a Bachelor's Degree

What skills do you need to be a Java Developer?

  • Java Spring
  • Frameworks
  • NoSQL
  • Restful APIS
  • Spring BOOT
  • Agile Software Development
  • Full Stack JAVA
  • Spring MVC
Based on resume data from Glassdoor users who reported working as a Java Developer in the United States.
3

Get certified in Oracle.

Experts recommend that you obtain a professional certification when considering a career path as a Java developer. You can pursue many different avenues to acquire your credentials in both language proficiency and roles and responsibilities.

Oracle offers several ways for Java developers to advance their careers through its online training center. Coaches focus their instruction on application development and the fundamentals of program architecture. Follow your advancement pathway in several ways like:

  • Oracle Certified Associate.
  • Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmers.
  • Oracle Certified Master/Developer.
4

Earn practical experience through internships or developer communities.

The ideal Java developer has a range of practical skills in addition to formal education. Some interviewers may even look more favorably on an applicant with significant hands-on experience — between two and five years — than someone with only a degree. Improve your chances of landing the perfect java developer job and amass as much practical experience as you can through internships, conferences, and by participating in developer or workplace communities. Focus on these areas:

  • Fundamental Java-based concepts such as loops, arrays, operators, and implementing Object Oriented Programming (OOPs).
  • Structured Query Language (SQL) and ORM (Object Relational Mapping) procedures.
  • Test-driven development (TDD) processes for software applications.

Java Developer Career Path

Java Developer

2 - 4Years of Experience
$85K - $126K /yrMost Likely Range
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45% advanced to

Senior Java Developer

2 - 4Years of Experience
$115K - $174K /yrMost Likely Range
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Java Developer IV

5 - 7Years of Experience
$95K - $138K /yrMost Likely Range
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Total Pay Trajectory

Java Developer Career Path

Java Developer I
Java Developer
Senior Java Developer
Java Developer IV
Principal Java Developer
Senior Principal Java Developer
Director of Software Development
Senior Vice President of Software Development
$60K
$164K
$268K
$372K
$580K
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Related Careers in the Engineering Industry

Interested in other Engineering careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Java Developer skills. Discover some of the most common Java Developer career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Software Engineer
25% skills overlap
16% transitioned to Software Engineer