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The differences between database programmers 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 programmer and a software developer. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, 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 software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Database Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 46 | 39 |
| 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.
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 programmers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | 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 programmers' and software developers' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 46 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% 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% |