Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between database programmers and software 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 software programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a database programmer has an average salary of $78,390, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software 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 programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Database Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 253,235 |
| 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.
A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Database programmers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | Software 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 software programmers' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 11% |