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The differences between cobol programmers and systems 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 systems programmer. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, 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 systems programmer are provide technical assistance, video conferencing, and C++.
| Cobol Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $96,017 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $46.16 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 257,681 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems programmer is responsible for managing and installing software systems and applications to the company's computer networks to support the efficiency of business functions and operations. Systems programmers coordinate with the systems analyst to conduct quality checks and running configuration tests to ensure the stability of applications and avoid downtimes. They also create resolution reports, design servers, and upgrade network infrastructure as often as needed. A systems programmer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially the expert command of programming languages and codes.
Cobol programmers and systems programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $96,017 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $66,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a systems programmer in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems programmers' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| 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, 5.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |