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The differences between database programmers and database administrators 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 programmer and a database administrator. Additionally, a database administrator has an average salary of $81,960, 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 a database administrator are customer service, linux, and microsoft sql server.
| Database Programmer | Database Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $81,960 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $39.40 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 56,992 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Database programmers and database administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Database Administrator | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $81,960 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $60,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and a database administrator in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | Database Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between database programmers' and database administrators' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Database Administrator | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 61.4% Female, 38.6% |
| 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, 8.1% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 17.7% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |