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The differences between computer administrators and system software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer administrator, becoming a system software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a system software developer has an average salary of $108,328, which is higher than the $86,150 average annual salary of a computer administrator.
The top three skills for a computer administrator include CAD, troubleshoot and printers. The most important skills for a system software developer are python, java, and software development.
| Computer Administrator | System Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $86,150 | $108,328 |
| Hourly rate | $41.42 | $52.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 88,405 | 299,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Computer administrators oversee the daily operation of computer networks. These administrators manage the configuration and upkeep of such networks, including updating equipment and software and identifying and resolving issues. They determine what an organization requires in both a network and a computer system before setting it up and configuring it. Also, they are responsible for all installation tasks, recording data, evaluating problems identified by users, and making various troubleshooting attempts to solve them. The skills that they must excel in are technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
A System Software Developer is an information technology expert who is in charge of developing software and application systems in a company. They are responsible for conducting research and preparing detailed plans according to project requirements and guidelines, establishing test structures, troubleshooting errors, performing upgrades, and creating systems instructions for technical support. They must also assess existing systems to determine their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a System Software Developer works in a team environment, which requires coordination and an active communication line.
Computer administrators and system software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Administrator | System Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $86,150 | $108,328 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $118,000 | Between $81,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer administrator and a system software developer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Administrator | System Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer administrators' and system software developers' demographics:
| Computer Administrator | System Software Developer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.4% Female, 27.6% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 10.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 9% | 8% |