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The differences between mainframe developers and applications 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 applications developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $89,205 average annual salary of an applications developer.
The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Mainframe Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Mainframe developers and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 applications developers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| 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, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |