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The differences between cobol programmers and programmers 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 programmer. Additionally, a cobol programmer has an average salary of $84,879, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a cobol programmer include SQL, COBOL and debugging. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Cobol programmers and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 programmers' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |