Is it Worth Becoming a Java Developer? Salaries and Career Path in 2025

Aspiring to become a programmer inevitably involves learning Java, one of the most popular and widely used programming languages. It is utilized by medium-sized and large companies to develop software solutions. The role of a Java Developer has been in high demand for many years, offering lucrative salaries and clear career advancement opportunities. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence and digitalization, many wonder whether a programming career remains stable and profitable. Read on to find out more.

Why Java Developers Are Still in High Demand

According to the 2024 IT Community Survey, Poland is home to a significant number of IT professionals. Programmers make up 50% of the industry, while 15% are application testers, and nearly 10% are IT administrators. Java’s key advantages are its stability and versatility. Given these statistics, Java remains the top choice for beginner programmers. Having been on the market for nearly two decades, Java was developed in the mid-1990s by Sun Microsystems. It continues to be appreciated by specialists for its ease of writing, code readability, and strong typing.

Java is used to develop software for phones, terminals, and medical devices. Its versatility allows the creation of dedicated applications for a single device or distribution across multiple users and servers. These factors make Java Developers highly sought after, with numerous job opportunities and well-paid projects available.

Java Developer Career Path

After mastering the basics of Java, every aspiring programmer asks: how do I land a job in IT? Entry-level Java Developers typically apply for Junior Developer positions. During their first few years, they gain experience working with code, learning best practices and development strategies from more senior colleagues.

How to Get Your First Job?

To secure a Junior Java Developer role, candidates must demonstrate essential skills. While IT companies are constantly seeking new talent, the quality of candidates remains crucial. A Junior Developer should have a strong command of English and a fundamental understanding of Java. Essential knowledge includes:

• Object-oriented programming concepts such as objects, interfaces, inheritance, and polymorphism
• Familiarity with frameworks like Spring
• Basic database operations

Additionally, candidates should be prepared for a technical interview to assess their coding knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

Tips for Landing a Java Developer Job:

• Build a project portfolio – Even small projects on GitHub or mini-applications demonstrating fundamental concepts are valuable. They allow potential employers to evaluate your coding skills in action.
• Invest in courses and certifications – Certifications related to Spring or databases (SQL) can be beneficial. Many are available online and reasonably priced.
• Practice coding challenges – Platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and Codewars help develop algorithmic thinking, a crucial skill tested in job interviews.
• Network within the industry – Being active on LinkedIn, attending meetups and webinars, and joining developer communities can lead to job opportunities and mentorships.
• Prepare for interviews – Besides technical skills, employers value communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Researching the company and its culture before an interview is also advisable.

Mid-Level Java Developer

The next step in a Java Developer’s career is becoming a Mid-Level Developer. The key difference between Junior and Mid-Level Developers is their coding expertise and experience – Mid Developers usually have at least two years of hands-on coding experience. They take on more responsibility within projects, troubleshoot issues, and optimize code. They are also expected to stay updated on the latest Java versions, understand microservices, and implement design patterns.

Senior Java Developer

A Senior Java Developer is the highest level of expertise in the field. Professionals at this stage often lead entire projects and oversee the implementation of new technologies and architectures within a company. Their responsibilities include mentoring junior developers, making technological decisions, and ensuring code quality. To transition from Mid to Senior, developers need expertise in microservices and distributed systems architecture, experience with CI/CD and DevOps, and strong leadership skills.

Java Developer Salaries in 2025

Java Developer salaries vary depending on experience, skills, company reputation, and contract type. Standard employment contracts typically offer lower salaries than B2B contracts. Here’s an estimated breakdown:

• Junior Java Developer:
  • Employment contract: ~6,300 PLN net
  • B2B contract: ~10,500 PLN net
• Mid Java Developer:
  • Employment contract: ~10,200 PLN net
  • B2B contract: ~20,000 PLN net
• Senior Java Developer:
  • Employment contract: ~13,700 PLN net
  • B2B contract: up to 27,000 PLN net

Why Pursue a Career as a Java Developer in 2025?

With ongoing technological advancements and digital transformation, the demand for Java Developers is expected to grow. Tech companies, insurers, and startups continue to invest in new systems based on microservices and cloud architecture, where Java remains a preferred language.

Contrary to common concerns, artificial intelligence is not eliminating jobs but rather enhancing productivity. AI can support programmers, making their work more efficient rather than replacing them. Entering the IT industry during this phase of AI evolution is a strategic move, as it offers opportunities to align with market trends.

Beyond high salaries, IT careers also offer the benefit of remote work, which is a significant advantage for many professionals.