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The differences between computer programmers and applications 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 computer programmer and an applications programmer. Additionally, an applications programmer has an average salary of $85,133, which is higher than the $70,979 average annual salary of a computer programmer.
The top three skills for a computer programmer include C #, java and javascript. The most important skills for an applications programmer are java, C++, and database.
| Computer Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $85,133 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $40.93 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 215,240 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
A Computer Programmer is a specialist in writing computer programs as well as mobile applications. In addition to writing and testing code written, they are responsible for installing updates for software, debugging or improving functionality, troubleshooting parts of the program that is not functioning, and rewriting code for computer programs to be compatible in different operating systems. They also work to prevent data leaks and breaches in security by identifying malicious software and building firewalls.
An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.
Computer programmers and applications programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $85,133 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $64,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Dropbox | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and an applications programmer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Chicago | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer programmers' and applications programmers' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 74.6% Female, 25.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% 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, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |