Kafka developers participate in the design, development and analysis of web applications using Confluent Kafka – an open-source platform used for streaming data. These developers have a combination of technical and soft skills that allow them to recommend the best approach when it comes to data. What does a kafka developer do?
What is Kafka?
Apache Kafka is an open-source software that enables the storage and processing of data streams over a distributed streaming platform. It provides Kafka developers with different interfaces to help them write data to Kafka clusters, read data or import and export data to and from third-party systems.
This software was developed at LinkedIn in 2011 and has since then evolved to a full-fledged event streaming platform capable of handling more than 1 million messages per second, or trillions of messages per day.
What is Confluent Kafka?
Confluent Kafka is a platform that consists of most of the Kafka features. The aim here is to provide developers with a platform that also features data storage and processing. Simply put, Confluent Kafka is a platform that provides additional features and technologies that go hand in hand with Apache Kafka.
What does a Kafka developer do?
A Kafka developer is responsible for building and maintaining message configuration and flows and providing issue analysis on Kafka applications.
They translate written requirements and specifications and develop software based on them. These developers may also be required to assist with MDM strategy and Process Design and run unit tests and document them.
Kafka developers are in charge of analysing any issues with the Kafka software and providing detailed solutions for them. They also collaborate with various team members for operations support and maintain performance of applications and databases.
Responsibilities of a Kafka developer:
- Build and maintain message configuration and flows
- Provide issue analysis on Kafka applications
- Translate written requirements and specifications
- Develop software on written requirements
- Assist with MDM strategy and Process design
- Run unit tests
- Document tests and present findings
- Analyse issues with Kafka software and provide detailed solutions
- Collaborate with team members for operations support
- Maintain performance of applications and databases
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Skills of a Kafka developer
Kafka developers have in-depth knowledge of all the functionalities surrounding Kafka. They are able to install, maintain and troubleshoot Kafka as well as relevant operating systems and applications.
These developers have extensive experience with messaging and stream processing on Kafka and have the ability to set up and configure Kafka brokers. They are also experienced with Kafka Connector and Apache Zookeeper.
They have knowledge of scripting languages such as PHP, Power shell, Python, or Perl and are able to work with a variety of platforms and application stacks. Kafka developers have knowledge of Agile tools and methodologies, and are experienced with the Confluent version of Kafka and its many related components.
These developers possess excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills and are able to think and react quickly when necessary. They also have strong communication and team-work skills.
What are the skills of a Kafka developer?
- In-depth knowledge of all the functionalities surrounding Kafka
- Ability to install, maintain and troubleshoot Kafka
- Extensive experience with messaging and stream processing on Kafka
- Ability to set up and configure Kafka brokers
- Experience with Kafka Connector and Apache Zookeeper
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as PHP and Perl
- Ability to work with a variety of platforms and application stacks
- Knowledge of Agile tools and methodologies
- Experience with the Confluent version of Kafka and its many related components
- Excellent troubleshooting skills
- Good problem-solving skills
- Strong analytical thinking
- Strong communication skills
- Good team-work skills
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Background and education
Though not strictly necessary, most Kafka developers have at least a Bachelor’s degree when it comes to their educational background. This is usually in Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, or a related field.
If a Bachelor’s degree is not in your future, you can always sign up for online certifications and courses to improve your skills as a developer and broaden your knowledge. You can find options for these down below:
- Confluent Training
- Apache Kafka Series – Kafka Streams for Data Processing
- Apache Kafka Series – Kafka Cluster Setup & Administration
- The Complete Apache Kafka Practical Guide
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Salary
The salary of a Kafka developer who is just starting out is approximately $102,900 per year whereas the salary for one with years of experience and a wide range of skills is $156,000. The average salary for a Kafka developer is $125,000.
In Germany, Kafka developers can earn anywhere between €57,500 and €82,500 whereas in the UK, they can earn in the range £70,000 and £80,000.
Salary range of a Kafka developer:
| US | $102,900 – $156,000 |
| Germany | €57,500 – €82,500 |
| UK | £70,000 – £80,000 |
How much does a freelance Kafka developer make?
Kafka Developers on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in this field range between $33 and $106/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Kafka Developers (8 working hours) would be around:
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