technical
API Developer
API Developers design, build, and maintain the interfaces that allow different software systems to communicate. You'll create RESTful and GraphQL APIs, write comprehensive documentation, handle versioning, and ensure reliability. APIs are the backbone of modern software, making this a foundational role.
$85k – $190k
High Demand
Moderate Competition
A Day in the Life
MorningReview API error logs, fix broken endpoint
MiddayDesign new API endpoints for product feature, write OpenAPI spec
AfternoonImplement endpoints, write integration tests
EveningUpdate API documentation, review partner integration requests
Key Skills
REST API DesignEssential
GraphQLEssential
OpenAPI / SwaggerEssential
Authentication (OAuth, JWT)Important
Rate Limiting & CachingImportant
API DocumentationHelpful
Node.js / PythonHelpful
Career Growth Path
Junior API Dev
API Developer
Senior API Engineer
API Architect
Director of Platform Engineering
Ideal Personality Traits
SystematicDetail-orientedStandards-drivenCollaborativePragmatic
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