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The differences between database administrators and database developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a database administrator and a database developer. Additionally, a database developer has an average salary of $90,837, which is higher than the $81,960 average annual salary of a database administrator.
The top three skills for a database administrator include customer service, linux and microsoft sql server. The most important skills for a database developer are ETL, C++, and java.
| Database Administrator | Database Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $81,960 | $90,837 |
| Hourly rate | $39.40 | $43.67 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 56,992 | 91,069 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 46 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Database administrators use specially designed software to keep, organize, restore, and secure data for businesses, employees, and customers from unauthorized people or unwanted users. They search for potential security risks or issues and proactively correct or find appropriate solutions. They are highly trained tech experts who work full-time for establishments that give computer design services or in industries that have huge databases, such as educational academies, institutions, and insurance firms. It is their responsibility to closely monitor the database system to ensure efficiency and functionality. They work jointly with information systems managers to customize database solutions based on corporate needs. They also coordinate the systems that data analysts use for translating numbers into strategic business plans.
A database developer specializes in designing and creating storage programs according to a client's needs. Their responsibilities revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their preferences and requirements, coordinating with other teams, identifying errors or inconsistencies by conducting regular maintenance tests, and monitoring its performance to ensure smooth workflow. A database developer may also respond to inquiries and concerns, provide corrective measures, produce instructional materials for the database users, and develop strategies to keep the data safe and secure.
Database administrators and database developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Administrator | Database Developer | |
| Average salary | $81,960 | $90,837 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $111,000 | Between $69,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database administrator and a database developer in terms of educational background:
| Database Administrator | Database Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between database administrators' and database developers' demographics:
| Database Administrator | Database Developer | |
| Average age | 46 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 17.7% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |