Who Uses SOAP API Today and How to Start Developing It

Introduction: Why SOAP Still Matters in Modern APIs

While REST has taken center stage in the modern API ecosystem, SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) still powers countless enterprise applications and government systems. Its reliability, strict standards, and built-in security features make it a preferred choice for systems requiring guaranteed delivery and structured messaging. If you've already read our blog on "What is SOAP API", this continuation will help you understand where SOAP is used, how much developers earn working with it, and how to get started as a SOAP developer.

 

Industries & Businesses That Rely on SOAP APIs

Despite being considered legacy technology by some, SOAP remains the backbone of operations in many industries. It is widely used in finance, insurance, government, and healthcare — sectors that demand strict data integrity, security, and reliability.

Banks use SOAP for secure transaction processing and authentication protocols. Insurance companies rely on it for claims processing, policy management, and secure client data exchange. In the public sector, SOAP APIs are often found in tax filing systems, voting platforms, and healthcare networks — where security compliance like HIPAA or FIPS is critical.

Telecommunications companies use SOAP for billing systems and customer management portals. Even logistics and transportation giants use SOAP to handle large-scale shipment tracking and order fulfillment processes across multiple platforms.

What do all these sectors have in common? They require transactional integrity, audit trails, and high reliability — SOAP's sweet spot.

 

Common Services & Use Cases Powered by SOAP

SOAP APIs are still actively used in mission-critical applications. Examples include payment gateways, ERP systems, CRM integrations, and inventory management. In fact, many companies that started operations before 2010 likely have SOAP at the core of their backend infrastructure.

WSDL (Web Services Description Language) allows for the automatic generation of client-side code in many programming environments, making SOAP APIs ideal for deeply integrated services where formal contract definition is necessary.

Popular use cases include:

• Automated credit score retrieval from financial databases
• Cross-border remittance systems
• Telecom billing and porting requests
• Vehicle insurance verification
• Shipment tracking integrations with major carriers

 

At CCS, we’ve worked on SOAP-based systems that link legacy accounting software to modern analytics dashboards — creating a bridge between old and new without risking data loss.

 

 

 

 

SOAP API Developer Salary & Market Demand (2025 Stats)

Even in 2025, developers with SOAP expertise command competitive salaries due to their specialized knowledge and the mission-critical nature of the systems they maintain.

According to recent salary surveys:

• In the U.S., SOAP API developers earn between $98,000 to $135,000 per year
• Senior integration engineers with SOAP and REST knowledge can reach $150,000+
• Freelancers and consultants charge between $60–$120/hr depending on complexity

 

Companies in finance, aerospace, and federal IT often prefer engineers familiar with SOAP standards due to compliance and auditing requirements. There's also a growing demand for professionals who can modernize SOAP-based systems into hybrid architectures.

In short, SOAP developers aren’t obsolete — they’re niche and valuable, especially when paired with REST or GraphQL knowledge.

 

How to Get Started with SOAP API Development

Getting started with SOAP API development doesn't require reinventing the wheel — but it does require familiarity with key concepts and tooling.

Here’s a beginner-friendly roadmap:

1. Learn XML: SOAP uses XML for message formatting. Understanding namespaces and schema validation is key.
2. Understand WSDL: The WSDL file defines how SOAP messages are structured. Learn how to read and generate one.
3. Use SOAP Tools: Tools like Postman (with the WSDL importer), SoapUI, and Insomnia support SOAP testing.
4. Pick a Language: C#, Java, and PHP have excellent SOAP support. Choose based on your project or career goals.
5. Build a Client: Try calling a public SOAP API like the one from USPS or Currency Converter for hands-on practice.

 

Once comfortable, experiment with building a SOAP server, handling requests, and securing endpoints using WS-Security protocols. Many real-world projects involve integrating with older systems — CCS often helps businesses modernize or support their existing SOAP architecture.

 

SOAP vs REST: When to Use What

While REST is lightweight and ideal for web and mobile apps, SOAP excels in enterprise environments. REST works well for CRUD operations, while SOAP is better suited for high-security operations like bank transfers or identity verification.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	SOAP	REST
Protocol	Strict (XML + WSDL)	Flexible (JSON/XML)
Security	WS-Security	OAuth/Token-based
Use Case	Banking, Government, Insurance	Web, Mobile, SaaS APIs
Error Handling	Standardized	Flexible

The bottom line? Choose SOAP when you need standardization, security, and formal contracts. Choose REST when agility and rapid development matter more.

 

How CodeCraft Studios Helps with SOAP API Integration

At CCS, we’ve helped enterprises extend the life of their SOAP infrastructure while integrating it with modern web services. Whether it’s building secure SOAP bridges to frontend dashboards, or documenting legacy systems for modernization, our team ensures zero downtime and full data fidelity.

We specialize in:

• SOAP to REST conversions
• WSDL documentation and validation
• Security audits and WS-Security implementation
• Integration with CRMs, ERPs, and financial platforms

 

If your business relies on SOAP or you're looking to transition while maintaining legacy operations, CCS can help you make the leap with confidence.

📞 Call us: +1 (954) 398-0241 📧 Email: johnmolina@codecraftstudios.net 📅 Schedule a consultation: Book a call