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The differences between database programmers and applications 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 programmer, becoming an applications programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an applications programmer has an average salary of $85,133, which is higher than the $78,390 average annual salary of a database programmer.
The top three skills for a database programmer include PL/SQL, access database and microsoft sql server. The most important skills for an applications programmer are java, C++, and database.
| Database Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $85,133 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $40.93 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 215,240 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
A database programmer specializes in developing and maintaining database programs, modifying them according to their clients' needs. They design and write codes for different programs, establish and implement test systems, troubleshoot problems, solve concerns or issues, and upgrade systems as necessary. They may also establish data security plans and implement protocols to protect company and client data. Moreover, a database programmer maintains an active communication line with co-workers, working together to ensure a smooth workflow and provide optimal services to clients.
An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.
Database programmers and applications programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $85,133 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $64,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Dropbox |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and an applications programmer in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between database programmers' and applications programmers' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 74.6% Female, 25.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 21.0% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 11% |