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The differences between computer 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 computer programmer and a systems programmer. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, 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 systems programmer are provide technical assistance, video conferencing, and C++.
| Computer Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $96,017 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $46.16 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 257,681 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 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.
Computer programmers and systems programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $96,017 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $66,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and a systems programmer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 systems programmers' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| 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, 5.2% 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% |