The amount of experience needed depends on the job requirements. An experienced Java developer typically has at least 3-5 years of experience developing Java applications. However, the required level of experience can vary depending on the organization's needs and the complexity of the software being developed. For more senior positions, such as team leads or architects, 8-10 years of experience or more may be required.
Employers should evaluate candidates based on their demonstrated skills and experience rather than solely on years of experience.