How to Become an Robotic Process Automation Developer in 2022

Brandi Glass
5 min read
Everything You Want to Know About Becoming an RPA Developer

Automation technology is rising in popularity, making work processes more manageable and helping companies run efficiently. Although it’s not immediately apparent, RPA technology plays a significant role in those processes.

RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation. It’s a way to streamline repetitive tasks and plays a role in increasing productivity.

If you’re curious about this role and want to know how to become an RPA developer, read on. We’ll go over the main functions of this role and its salary expectations to help you determine whether a career in RPA development is suitable for you.

Understanding RPA

Robotic Process Automation involves using software technology to create bots that perform repetitive tasks. In the past, these roles required employees to do them manually. Today, RPA processes use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to take on those roles, among other technologies.

RPA processes save companies time and money and reduce the likelihood of error. Moreover, they increase efficiency and customer satisfaction, making them essential for large businesses.

Even though most people outside of the tech world aren’t familiar with the term, they most likely use RPA technology daily. One example is using a company’s chatbox to ask questions, a form of RPA software. Another is when Human Resources departments in large corporations use bots to go through resumes and screen candidates.

Major retailers use RPA technology to help them manage inventory, and accounting departments use it to process invoices and generate reports.

Defining RPA Development

An RPA developer is someone who creates automation technology for companies based on their requirements. RPA Developers are in high demand nowadays due to the exploding popularity of this technology. Companies seek these employees to help them increase their revenue and manage their workflow processes.

You’ll work with several people to make the company’s vision a reality. You’ll also need to test your software after development, ensuring that it uses and processes information correctly. With enough practical experience, you’ll find that companies will pay top dollar for your expertise in this field.

Typical Responsibilities of RPA Developers

Your role ultimately depends on the needs of the company. Some of the responsibilities that you’ll take on as an RPA developer include:

  • Evaluating existing RPA and Artificial Intelligence tools and processes
  • Creating architectural solutions for robotics-based processes
  • Reviewing automation processes to ensure proper functionality
  • Resolving technical errors and identifying risks that affect delivery
  • Developing scalable automation processes

As an RPA developer, you must understand Artificial Intelligence processes. Once you cover this part, you’ll have the base you need to take on larger and more complex operations.

Industries that Need RPA Development

Many industries nowadays need RPA developers to help streamline their processes and decrease employee manual input. A few examples of these industries include:

  • Human Resources
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Retail
  • The Medical / Healthcare Industry
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Logistics and Shipping
  • Warehouse Operations

Due to the high demand, you can find many opportunities in virtually any industry that requires automated processes. Whether you’re more comfortable working with accounting systems or HR, you have many options for career growth in this sector.

Education and Certifications for RPA Developers

It’s preferable to have a college degree to get into the RPA field. Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Others require a graduate degree like a master’s before hiring. You can also receive RPA certification from several reputable sources, such as:

Although not all of these certifications are free, they are an invaluable asset when you want to gain experience and apply to large corporations. Regardless of the path you choose, experience always gives you an edge when seeking a job.

Skills You Need to Succeed in RPA Development

A successful RPA developer needs hard and soft skills to succeed in this career. On the technical side, you’ll need:

  • Java
  • C
  • C++
  • HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Visual Basic
  • .Net/ASP.NET
  • Python
  • SQL
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning

In addition to your technical skills, you need soft skills that allow you to work cohesively within a team. These include strategic planning, communication, analytical skills, organization, and problem-solving abilities. Even if you have the best technical skills among a pool of candidates, you must stand out by being personable and genuinely listening to the hiring manager’s requirements.

As with any job, a positive, can-do attitude gets you far in your career, whether it’s the interview phase or when you’re seeking a promotion.

Median Salary of an RPA Developer

Even on the low end of the spectrum, RPA developers make good salaries in the United States. According to Talent.com, the average RPA developer salary is $105,000 per year. This number amounts to $53.85 per hour. The highest earners make up to $126,750 yearly.

Glassdoor.com puts the average RPA developer salary at $98,999 per year in 2021. You have the potential to make a solid income from RPA development with the likelihood of a salary increase with consistent improvement and seniority.

Career Outlook for RPA Development

The career outlook for RPA development looks bright. According to Statistica.com, the RPA market size will grow by more than 13 billion dollars by 2030. This industry is a highly sought-after, lucrative career opportunity for developers in all sectors and promises growth well into the next decade.

As more companies recognize the importance of RPA technology, even small businesses may seek these processes in their daily operations. This interest increases the likelihood of even more job opportunities, and the best developers make the highest returns.

Now is the perfect time to start your career as an RPA developer, allowing you to reap the benefits of penetrating this market early on.

Applying to Jobs as an RPA Developer

Thousands of companies in the United States are hiring for RPA developer positions. One way to gain entry into these companies is to use online job portals to search for relevant openings in your area. You can work both remotely or onsite, depending on the company’s requirements.

If you are looking for a particular job, you can also use the help of a recruiter. You don’t have to worry about the expenses because recruiters who source talent receive payment from the company directly. You can also browse social media sites and go through a company’s open positions page to apply through their portal.

Now that you know how to become an RPA developer, the next step is creating a resume and starting your application.

Plan Your RPA Development Career Today With Rocket Resume

Whether you’re applying through a job board or company portal, one of the essential assets in your application is your resume. Although HR processes are more efficient than in the past, you may still encounter issues when uploading a readable resume through Applicant Tracking Systems.

With Rocket Resume, you won’t have to worry about whether your CV gets jumbled through the process. Rocket Resume’s templates and customized RPA developer resumes allow you to apply easily, including full readability by ATS systems. You’ll have a customized RPA developer CV using our intuitive resume builder within minutes.

Are you ready to launch your RPA developer career?

Start building your resume with Rocket Resume.