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The differences between database programmers and systems developers 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 systems developer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems developer has an average salary of $97,230, 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 systems developer are java, python, and C++.
| Database Programmer | Systems Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $97,230 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $46.75 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 322,419 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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 Systems Developer is responsible for designing and creating software applications and server programs to support business requirements and client specifications. System Developers run multiple diagnostic tests to the systems to ensure performance and stability and revise scripts for optimization as needed. They also evaluate and improve existing networks, develop infrastructure, and set configuration. A Systems Developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to identify network structures and operating systems.
Database programmers and systems developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Systems Developer | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $97,230 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $73,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and a systems developer in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | Systems Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 systems developers' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Systems Developer | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| 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, 10.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 16.6% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |