Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between cobol programmers and mobile applications developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a cobol programmer, becoming a mobile applications developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mobile applications developer has an average salary of $99,257, 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 mobile applications developer are java, C++, and mobile development.
| Cobol Programmer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $99,257 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $47.72 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 252,254 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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 mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.
Cobol programmers and mobile applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $99,257 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $75,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a mobile applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 mobile applications developers' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |