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The differences between computer programmers and program developers 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 a program developer. Additionally, a program developer has an average salary of $74,749, 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 a program developer are development programs, community outreach, and project management.
| Computer Programmer | Program Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $74,749 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $35.94 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 128,488 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| 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.
A software developer is mostly responsible for the development, implementation, and design of new or modified software products or current business projects. They typically work within the IT department of a company and will be involved in coordinating with the business analysts and development managers to guarantee software projects meet standard requirements. They do complex tasks from testing to evaluating new program design, modification of existing programs, and subsequently developing these modifications. In addition, deploying software tools, maintaining and upgrading existing systems are also part of their responsibilities.
Computer programmers and program developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Program Developer | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $74,749 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $47,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Western Digital | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | - |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and a program developer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Program Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | University of Chicago | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer programmers' and program developers' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Program Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% |
| 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, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |