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The differences between mainframe developers and java 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 a java developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $88,475 average annual salary of a java developer.
The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for a java developer are java, spring boot, and database.
| Mainframe Developer | Java Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $88,475 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $42.54 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 147,521 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 47 | 37 |
| 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.
A Java developer is responsible for developing Java-based applications, including its strong efficiency and smooth operations for the clients and business' use. Java developers implement application designs, diagnosing ineffective processes, and conducting troubleshooting. A Java developer must ensure the stability of the application before launch to provide the best user experience. Software developers must have an excellent command of programming languages, software analysis, system codes, and other technical specifications. A software developer maintains a record of the processes and issues resolutions for reference and improvement opportunities.
Mainframe developers and java developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Java Developer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $88,475 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $68,000 And $114,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a java developer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Java Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 java developers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Java Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 72.6% Female, 27.4% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 15.7% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |