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The differences between cobol programmers and mainframe developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a cobol programmer and a mainframe developer. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $84,879 average annual salary of a cobol programmer.
The top three skills for a cobol programmer include SQL, COBOL and debugging. The most important skills for a mainframe developer are DB2, JCL, and CICS.
| Cobol Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $90,902 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $43.70 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 255,034 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
Cobol Programmers write computer programs using COBOL. They design, create, and configure new program codes, test these computer programs to ensure they work well on the intended system, and make the required changes. They also fine-tune DB2 SQL inquiries, gather and document operating system requirements, maintain and develop COBOL, and document, implement, design, and enhance systems and computer programs. Cobol Programmers code libraries to simplify program writing, test COBOL program errors, and correct computer code faulty lines.
A mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout. They may also investigate client feedback, troubleshoot issues, and perform systems repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a mainframe developer, it is essential to maintain regular maintenance checks, providing technical support and guidelines to company employees.
Cobol programmers and mainframe developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $90,902 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $70,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a mainframe developer in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between cobol programmers' and mainframe developers' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 26.0% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |