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The differences between computer programmers and project developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a computer programmer, becoming a project developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a project developer has an average salary of $89,766, 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 project developer are project development, renewable energy, and project management.
| Computer Programmer | Project Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $89,766 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $43.16 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 303,850 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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.
Project developers research aspects of each project to check that it follows all regulations and to complete the project on time and under the budget. They are responsible for overseeing various projects for their companies. They staff the project and make necessary purchases. Staffing could include hiring contractors and hiring new employees for the company. Their tasks are to report and resolve issues blocking work on project elements, develop project timeline and milestones with mitigation planning, and establish critical requirements of a project through stakeholder assessment.
Computer programmers and project developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Project Developer | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $89,766 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $67,000 And $119,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Amazon | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and a project developer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Project Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | University of Chicago | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer programmers' and project developers' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Project Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 68.5% Female, 31.5% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |