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The differences between database programmers and senior 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 a senior programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior programmer has an average salary of $105,509, 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 senior programmer are macro, SAS, and database.
| Database Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $105,509 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $50.73 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 209,882 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
A Senior Programmer develops operations solutions through guiding the development of program specifications and leading programmers. They develop, test, and implement IT solutions.
Database programmers and senior programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $105,509 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $78,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and a senior programmer in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 senior programmers' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 11% |