Choosing a Career as SAP ABAP Programmer – Things to Know

If you are new in the field or want to pursue a career as SAP ABAP programmer, you would definitely be interested in knowing what are the roles and responsibilities of an ABAP consultant or programmer, what is the standard salary package, or what the required knowledge and skills are.

Typically, an ABAP programmer is responsible for building SAP business applications, harnessing Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP). It is a particular type of code or standard programming language to build SAP applications. Considering the criticality of the job, an ABAP programmer holds a highly specialized and technical position that is capable of handling project requirements of varied size and complexity and numerous software issues. Experts in this field are highly proficient in reading and coding in ABAP, as well as have the experience to design, test, and debug different kinds of ABAP programs. They play an integral role in design and implementation of SAP software for an enterprise.

Roles and Responsibilities -  

SAP ABAP programmer has several important roles and responsibilities to play as outlined below:

Implementation Stage:

• Creating the business requirement document in collaboration with functional analyst


• Analyzing the business requirement


• Analyzing estimated time for development


• Developing Object (ABAP application)


• Unit testing


• Releasing the object in testing environment


• Preparing technical document of the development


• Test and document ABAP applications using SAP enterprise software


• Write, modify and debug all applications written using SAP software


• Interface SAP applications with other applications and systems

Support Stage: 

• Receiving issues or tickets from business


• Analyzing the ticket


• Resolving the issue on time


• Facilitating developer testing and transporting

Typical Duties of a SAP ABAP Programmer –

There are several duties performed by an ABAP programmer as mentioned herewith:

• Designs, develops, codes, tests programs for SAP functions and modules using ABAP programming language


• Designing screens and forms for SAP modules harnessing tools like SmartForms and SAPscript


• Creating specialized reports for SAP modules


• Modifying system screens for providing default values and eliminating unnecessary fields using different transaction variants


• Debugging and correcting complex SAP module problems by using ABAP to implement OSS notes


• Provides technical support on matters pertaining to complex programming of SAP modules


• Assists in creating complex technical requirements for continuous systems maintenance and functionality


• Prepares thorough and comprehensive technical program documentation, including test conditions, test data, and test plans


• Provides training and technical assistance to low-level programming staff

Average Salary of SAP ABAP Programmer

Certified SAP ABAPprogrammer has an average salary ranging from $55,422 - $114,506 per year. This primarily depends on the type of organization you are working with though the industry standard is same as mentioned above. In addition to yearly salary, you can also expect a bonus of up to $15,514 per year and profit sharing of up to $20,134 per year as per company norms. Therefore, you can expect a maximum of up to $132,914 total pay per year as an ABAP programmer or consultant.  

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required

To be a professional ABAP programmer or consultant, you must have the following knowledge and skills:

• SAP ABAP programming tools


• SAP ASAP methodology


• Application of OSS notes


• SAP modules such as FI, HR, Plant Maintenance, MM and PS


• Principles of screen, report, and form design


• Principles and techniques of systems analysis, design, and testing


• Principles of testing


• Latest trends in the field of IT


• Principles of program documentation

The person should be a graduate from a recognized college or university, preferably with a major in Computer Information systems, computer science, management information systems, computer engineering, or any related field. A candidate with professional experience in ABAP programming or in ABAP for Web Dynpro is desirable. 

SAP ABAP trainingis a lucrative field of study, with tremendous career prospect. The importance of ABAP in SAP-dependant organization makes the role of a programmer or consultant more imperative.