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Senior Application Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Senior Applications Developer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Overview SENIOR APPLICATION DEVELOPER (NAUT): Bowhead seeks a Senior Application Developer to support our customer on the Nautical contract in the Arlington, VA area. This position serves as a ...

Cyberstar, LLC

Application Developer Senior

Stafford, VA · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

Application Developer Senior Stafford, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where professional ...

Nüvitek

Senior Appian Application Developer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$130K - $145K/yr

Senior Appian Application Developer Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 Department: Appian Employment Type: Full Time Location: Remote Compensation: $130,000 - $145,000 / year Description At Nüvitek ...

Ask IT consulting

Sr. Java Developer

Richmond, VA

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

This position will serve as a senior application developer for the DMAS Information Management Division in the design, development, and maintenance of Java/ JEE based applications. Plan and complete ...

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All JobsSenior Application Developer JobsSenior Application Developer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Application Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$53.5K

$113.9K

$158.1K

How much do senior application developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior application developer in Virginia is $113,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior application developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in high-demand programming languages, and leadership roles can reach or exceed $500,000 in total compensation, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. Achieving this level typically requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and expertise in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or enterprise software development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Application Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Application Developer, you need advanced programming skills, a deep understanding of software development lifecycles, and typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields. Mastery of languages like Java, C#, or Python, experience with frameworks, databases, and familiarity with version control systems (such as Git) are essential, and certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you manage projects and mentor junior developers. These skills are crucial for delivering robust, scalable applications and ensuring effective collaboration within development teams.

What does a senior application developer do?

A senior application developer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications, often leading projects and mentoring junior staff. They typically work with programming languages like Java, C#, or Python, and use development tools and frameworks to deliver scalable, efficient solutions in a team environment.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Senior Application Developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in programming languages, and knowledge of cloud platforms can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Other high-paying tech roles include software architects, engineering managers, and certain data science positions, often requiring advanced certifications and a strong track record of project success.

What is the difference between Senior Application Developer vs Application Engineer?

AspectSenior Application DeveloperApplication Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; 5+ years experience; programming certificationsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; 3+ years experience; technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and maintaining applications; leading projectsImplementing, testing, and supporting applications; collaborating with development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare; senior roles in software developmentIT firms, manufacturing, telecom; technical support and implementation roles

While both roles involve application development, Senior Application Developers typically lead projects and have more experience, whereas Application Engineers focus on implementing and supporting applications within technical teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by Senior Application Developers when leading development projects?

Senior Application Developers often encounter challenges such as balancing project deadlines with code quality, managing technical debt, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. They are typically responsible for mentoring junior developers, which requires strong communication and leadership skills. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as QA, UX/UI designers, and product managers, to ensure that project requirements are met while maintaining scalability and performance standards.

What are Senior Application Developers?

Senior Application Developers are experienced professionals who design, build, and maintain complex software applications. They lead development teams, make key architectural decisions, and ensure that software projects meet technical standards and business requirements. In addition to writing code, they often mentor junior developers, troubleshoot high-level issues, and collaborate with other departments to deliver robust solutions. Their expertise helps organizations create scalable and efficient applications tailored to business needs.

How much should a senior developer make?

A senior application developer's salary typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Factors such as proficiency in programming languages, experience with frameworks, and certifications can influence compensation levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Application Developer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Application Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Application Developer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Application Developer job openings:
Senior Application Developer jobs near you

Senior Application Programmer

Cardinal Technology Systems, Corp.

Ashburn, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities

Cardinal Technology Systems Corp. is a government IT solutions provider servicing commercial and government initiative in various parts of the United States. We are currently seeking a Senior Application Programmer to work for our company.

Summary
  • Must possess IT-I security clearance or have a current National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). (Basic Federal Clearance requirements are U.S. Citizenship, clear criminal history check, no recent or pending bankruptcies)
  • Client Agency is Customs & Border Protection
  • Designs, write, and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.
  • Devises or modifies procedures to solve complex problems considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time, and form of desired results.
  • Participates as high-level technical expert in design development, coding, testing, and debugging new software or significant enhancements to existing software.
  • Designs and codes software components, units, and modules that meet product specification and development schedules.
  • Tests and debugs assigned components and units.
  • Participates in large systems and subsystem planning.
  • Adheres to product build and release schedules and strategies.
  • Acts as a technical resource for lower-level developers.
  • Works with technical staff to understand problems with software and develop specifications to resolve them.
Requirements
  • Must possess IT-I security clearance or have a current National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). (Basic Federal Clearance requirements are U.S. Citizenship, clear criminal history check, no recent or pending bankruptcies)
  • Must have a bachelor's degree.
  • 7+ years of experience in an IT-related field.
  • Oral presentation experience and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
Paid Life
Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Floating Holidays, Bereavement Leave
Semi-monthly pay cycle

Work With Us

Cardinal Technology Systems, Corp ("CTech-Sys"), www.ctech-sys.com, is an SBA Certified 8(a) and HUBZone company located in the National Capital Region (NCR) and serves both government and commercial clients such clients as US CBP, US CIS, DLA, DFuse Technologies, and American Environmental Engineering Consultants.

Cardinal Technology Systems, Corp is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and it's our policy to consider applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, alienage, ancestry, or any other factors prohibited by law. Employment selections are based on company and client requirements and the qualifications and skills of the candidate. CTech-Sys is committed to actively capitalizing on the diversity of skills, talents and perspectives of our employees.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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