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The differences between mainframe developers and java programmers 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 programmer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $80,328 average annual salary of a java programmer.
The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for a java programmer are java, web application, and HTML.
| Mainframe Developer | Java Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $80,328 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $38.62 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 96,082 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
Java programmers design and develop programs with the goal of not taking up too much data and less to almost no latency that can be useful to their users every day. They aim to write testable, well designed, and efficient computer codes. Java developers need a range of skills, from a thorough knowledge of the basics to an understanding of the latest developments. Programmers also need knowledge beyond the java language itself. Their skills should include knowing how the development process works and how the apps function in which the code runs.
Mainframe developers and java programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Java Programmer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $80,328 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $62,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Barnes & Noble |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a java programmer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Java Programmer | |
| 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 java programmers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Java Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 73.3% Female, 26.7% |
| 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, 15.8% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |