This article will introduce you to what an API Developer is, the career information of an API Developer and the necessary conditions to become an API Developer. By reading this article, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the profession of API Developer.

1. What is an API Developer？

API developers are professional software engineers responsible for designing, building, and maintaining an organization's application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow different software systems to interact and exchange data. API developers are essential to enabling interoperability between applications within an organization and with external partners.

Other job duties for an API Developer may include the following:

• Perform functional, regression and load testing of enterprise network facilities
• Set up network script definitions, manage enterprise networks, and API lifecycle release management
• Ability to work closely with technical architects and architecture governance technical teams, and work closely with API solution architects and platform administrators for solution development and design reviews.
• Work closely with business product owners and must understand the short-term and mid-term strategies of the business
• With the help of the team, define and be responsible for technical implementation and work with the team and product owners to develop product roadmaps

2. How much does an API Developer Make?

According to ZipRecruiter's data on June 29, 2025, the average hourly wage for API developers in the United States is $59.89. The hourly wage can be as high as $77.88 and as low as $10.58, but most API developers in the United States currently make between $54.57 and $67.31. The average salary range for API developers varies widely, which means there may be many opportunities for advancement and pay increases based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

3. Job Outlook of API Developer

As businesses continue to expand their digital ecosystems, the demand for skilled API developers is growing rapidly, especially in the technology, finance, and healthcare sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is expected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are expected to average approximately 140,100 per year over the next decade. Many of these job openings are expected to be filled by people who change careers or exit the workforce (e.g., due to retirement).

4. Similar Occupations of API Developer

• Software Engineer
• Backend Developer
• Web Developer
• DevOps Engineer
• Technical Product Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Database Administrator

5. What Are the Qualifications to Become an API Developer ?

(1) Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

When hiring API developers, employers tend to prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, etc.

(2) Develop professional skills

• Programming languages: Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, etc.
• Web development: HTML, CSS, React
• Version control: Git
• Database management: SQL
• Software methods: Agile, DevOps

(3) Earn Industry Certifications

Obtaining a certification that is highly recognized by the industry can prove your professional ability and ability to perform the position, and can also enhance your competitiveness in the workplace. Therefore, we recommend that you obtain the DevNet Expert certification. DevNet Expert certification can prove you can design and develop advanced network automation solutions through the entire network lifecycle, from concept and deployment to operation and optimization. Become a leader in a range of NetDevOps roles with the DevNet Expert certification.