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The differences between database developers 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 developer and a software developer. Additionally, a database developer has an average salary of $90,837, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a database developer include ETL, C++ and java. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Database Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,837 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $43.67 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 91,069 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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 developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $90,837 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $118,000 | 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 | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Database Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between database developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Database Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 8% | 8% |