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The differences between cobol programmers and software 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 software programmer. Additionally, a cobol programmer has an average salary of $84,879, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a cobol programmer include SQL, COBOL and debugging. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Cobol Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Cobol programmers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| 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 software programmers' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |