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The differences between mainframe developers and android developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a mainframe developer, becoming an android developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an android developer has an average salary of $98,495, which is higher than the $90,902 average annual salary of a mainframe developer.
The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for an android developer are java, kotlin, and UI.
| Mainframe Developer | Android Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $98,495 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $47.35 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 237,147 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout. They may also investigate client feedback, troubleshoot issues, and perform systems repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a mainframe developer, it is essential to maintain regular maintenance checks, providing technical support and guidelines to company employees.
An android developer is responsible for creating digital applications for the Android system market. Android developers design applications depending on their clients' specifications, business needs, or personal use. They analyze the current trends, developing an application that meets the users' demands and public interests. An android developer should have strong knowledge of software systems, computer codes, and programming languages, ensuring the smooth navigation of the application, boosting its optimal performance, and identifying inconsistencies through running multiple diagnostic tests.
Mainframe developers and android developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Android Developer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $98,495 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $75,000 And $128,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | First Republic Bank |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and an android developer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Android Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between mainframe developers' and android developers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Android Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 81.8% Female, 18.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 26.0% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 32.9% White, 49.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |