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The differences between database administrators and programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a database administrator, becoming a programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a database administrator has an average salary of $81,960, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a database administrator include customer service, linux and microsoft sql server. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Database Administrator | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $81,960 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $39.40 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 56,992 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
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.
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Database administrators and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Administrator | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $81,960 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $111,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database administrator and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Database Administrator | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between database administrators' and programmers' demographics:
| Database Administrator | Programmer | |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 11% |