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Application Development Manager Salary Jobs in California

Fehr-

Application Development Manager

Roseville, CA · On-site

$190 - $210/hr

We are hiring an Application Development Manager to lead a three-person Application Development team within our 11-person IT group. This is a player-coach role for someone who still enjoys writing ...

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Application Development Manager Salary information

What is the average salary for an application development manager?

The average salary for an Application Development Manager in the United States typically ranges from $120,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size. In major tech hubs or large organizations, salaries can exceed $180,000 annually, especially when bonuses and other compensation are included. Benefits packages and additional incentives may also contribute to total compensation. Salary levels may vary internationally and are influenced by industry demand and individual qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application development manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Development Manager, you need a deep understanding of software development methodologies, project management, and a relevant degree such as computer science or information technology. Familiarity with technical tools like Agile or Scrum frameworks, programming languages, and project management platforms such as Jira or Trello is essential, along with certifications like PMP or Scrum Master. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you lead teams and coordinate effectively across multiple stakeholders. These combined skills ensure efficient project delivery, high-quality software solutions, and cohesive team performance.

What are some common challenges faced by application development managers and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Application Development Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing project deadlines with resource constraints, navigating rapidly changing technology stacks, and ensuring effective communication between technical teams and business stakeholders. Candidates can prepare by developing strong project management skills, staying updated on emerging technologies, and honing their ability to translate business requirements into actionable development plans. Building experience in team leadership and conflict resolution will also help address these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Application Development Manager Salary vs Software Project Manager?

AspectApplication Development ManagerSoftware Project Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, often PMP or Agile certificationsBachelor's in CS or related field, often PMP or Agile certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees development teams, collaborates with stakeholders in tech companiesManages software projects, coordinates teams, and ensures project delivery in tech firms
Industry UsageCommon in IT, software development, and tech industriesWidely used in IT, software, and consulting sectors

Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, focusing on managing software development or projects. The salary differences depend on company size, location, and experience, but generally, Application Development Managers tend to earn slightly higher due to broader managerial responsibilities.

What does an application development manager do?

An application development manager oversees the planning, design, and implementation of software applications. They coordinate development teams, ensure project deadlines are met, and often have expertise in programming, project management, and software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum.

What are popular job titles related to Application Development Manager Salary jobs in California?

For Application Development Manager Salary jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Application Development Manager Salary jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Application Development Manager Salary jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Application Development Manager Salary jobs?

Cities in California with the most Application Development Manager Salary job openings:

Application Development Manager Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Application Development Manager Salary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Application Development Manager

Fehr & Peers

Sacramento, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Fehr & Peers is a transportation planning and engineering firm that helps public and private clients make confident, well-informed decisions about transportation. We bring together data, technology, and community insight to design safer, more effective ways for people and goods to move.

We are hiring an Application Development Manager to lead a three-person Application Development team within our 11-person IT group. This is a player-coach role for someone who still enjoys writing code, mentoring developers, solving technical problems, and bringing structure to how software gets built, reviewed, secured, and maintained.

The tools your team builds will support employees across the firm and, at times, the project work we deliver for clients. That may include internal applications, enterprise system integrations, custom data tools, dashboards, and analysis platforms used by planners, engineers, data scientists, and project teams.

You will also serve as a practical technology advisor across the firm, helping colleagues understand what is possible, make thoughtful choices about tools and AI-assisted development, and translate technical tradeoffs into clear guidance people can act on.

This is a hybrid role based in either Roseville or Sacramento offices. You'll typically come into the office two days per week, with occasional travel to Walnut Creek (usually quarterly). 

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a traditional software manager role. You will stay close to the code, and help shape development practices in an environment where technology directly supports planners, engineers, data scientists, and project teams. You will have room to build structure, but you will also need to be practical, collaborative, and comfortable advising people who may not think like developers.

What You'll Do

Lead A Small, Hands-On Development Team

  • Lead, mentor, and grow a three-person team focused on application development, database engineering, enterprise applications, and internal tooling
  • Set priorities and balance enterprise application support, custom tools, client-related project needs, and time-sensitive requests from across the firm
  • Coach developers through hands-on technical guidance, not just delegation
  • Model a leadership style rooted in fairness, openness, humility, problem-solving, and respect for people's lives inside and outside of work

Build And Support Tools That Help People Work Better

  • Design, develop, and maintain internal applications, shared tooling, and system integrations
  • Support custom data tools, dashboards, data processing pipelines, and analysis platforms used in project work
  • Support enterprise systems such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Esri ArcGIS, Deltek Vantagepoint, and Box
  • Keep database infrastructure reliable, secure, fast, and well documented
  • Establish practical support standards for applications used by internal staff and project teams

Advise Across The Firm

  • Advise colleagues on when to build, buy, integrate, automate, or use AI-assisted development
  • Partner with leaders and project teams to understand needs, priorities, risks, and tradeoffs
  • Explain development priorities, timelines, and technical decisions in plain language
  • Provide training and guidance that helps staff use technology more effectively

Use AI-Assisted Development Responsibly

  • Use tools such as Claude Code, ChatGPT Codex, or GitHub Copilot as part of your own development workflow
  • Model responsible AI-assisted development practices for the team
  • Coach team members on how to use AI coding tools while continuing to build strong engineering fundamentals
  • Guide development of custom AI tools, such as Model Context Protocol servers and Retrieval Augmented Generation scripts
  • Help staff outside the Application Development team use AI coding tools thoughtfully and safely

Strengthen Development Practices and Governance

  • Develop and refine software development life cycle processes so multiple developers can work effectively on the same codebase
  • Design and implement code review processes for tools built with or without AI assistance
  • Continue rolling out our GitLab tiered governance model, including sandbox, internal, and production tiers
  • Maintain coding, security, and deployment standards across our development ecosystem
  • Work with IT Operations and cybersecurity colleagues to keep development, staging, and production environments appropriately segmented and secured
What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in software development, DevOps, or a closely related field
  • 2+ years of experience in leadership, management, or senior technical mentorship
  • Hands-on development experience, including writing code and building applications
  • Strong proficiency in Python and JavaScript or TypeScript
  • Experience with modern development practices, including type hints, virtual environments, and dependency management
  • Experience with Flask or a comparable web application framework
  • Familiarity with deployment patterns such as WSGI, Gunicorn, and Nginx reverse proxies
  • Comfort working in a Linux server environment, including Ubuntu and systemd service management
  • Experience with Git-based version control and repository governance, ideally GitLab
  • Experience with relational databases and infrastructure that supports business-critical applications
  • Practical experience using AI coding assistants or agentic AI tools, such as Claude Code or GitHub Copilot, in a professional development workflow
  • Demonstrated success mentoring junior or mid-level developers
  • Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical colleagues

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting enterprise business applications such as ERP systems, GIS platforms, or content and collaboration platforms
  • Experience with platforms such as Deltek Vantagepoint, Esri ArcGIS, PostGIS, Leaflet, OpenStreetMap, SharePoint, Box, Microsoft 365, or Entra ID
  • Experience designing code review, quality assurance, or governance processes for software built with AI assistance
  • Experience building or supporting client-facing tools or data deliverables in a consulting or professional services environment
  • Experience building internal developer platforms, shared component libraries, or design systems
  • Familiarity with AI governance concepts, cybersecurity best practices, or professional services environments

What Success Looks Like

In your first year, the Application Development team has clearer priorities, stronger development practices, and more consistent code review and deployment standards. Internal tools are easier to support and maintain. Developers are growing their skills, staff across the firm know when and how to ask for technology guidance, and AI-assisted development is being used in ways that are useful, responsible, and sustainable.

$190,000 - $210,000 a year
Placement within the stated pay range will be determined based upon education, experience, and qualifications.
Benefit Highlights:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance.
401(k) Plan with matching and profit sharing.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Commuter Benefits.
Paid Vacation, holidays and sick leave.
8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
Mentoring and Career Development programs.
Research and Development group participation, and more.
 
Full information about the benefits we offer can be found by visiting our careers page.
 
EEO: Fehr & Peers is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Nondiscrimination: Fehr & Peers ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Human Resources.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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