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The differences between database administrators and software 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 software developer. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, 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 software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Database Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $81,960 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $39.40 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 56,992 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Database administrators and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $81,960 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $111,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database administrator and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Database Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between database administrators' and software developers' demographics:
| Database Administrator | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 46 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |