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Mainframe developer vs mainframe programmer

The differences between mainframe developers and mainframe programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a mainframe developer and a mainframe programmer. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $87,036 average annual salary of a mainframe programmer.

The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for a mainframe programmer are JCL, DB2, and MQ.

Mainframe developer vs mainframe programmer overview

Mainframe DeveloperMainframe Programmer
Yearly salary$90,902$87,036
Hourly rate$43.70$41.84
Growth rate-7%-7%
Number of jobs255,034205,724
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4747
Years of experience88

Mainframe developer vs mainframe programmer salary

Mainframe developers and mainframe programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mainframe DeveloperMainframe Programmer
Average salary$90,902$87,036
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $117,000Between $64,000 And $117,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CAOlympia, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyMetaRandstad North America, Inc.
Best paying industryInsuranceFinance

Differences between mainframe developer and mainframe programmer education

There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a mainframe programmer in terms of educational background:

Mainframe DeveloperMainframe Programmer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Mainframe developer vs mainframe programmer demographics

Here are the differences between mainframe developers' and mainframe programmers' demographics:

Mainframe DeveloperMainframe Programmer
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 73.6% Female, 26.4%Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 23.2% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between mainframe developer and mainframe programmer duties and responsibilities

Mainframe developer example responsibilities.

  • Used ChangeMan to manage change control for source code and JCL migrations/promotions.
  • Design and develop SQL SSIS packages to manage the flow and synchronization of data across multiple systems.
  • Utilize significant experience working with end users, managing off-shore resources and interfacing with diverse QA groups across the firm.
  • Create a completely automate and fully manage desktop management solution.
  • Perform debugging modify on-line programs using GUI/XI debugging tolls for XML and Xpediter.
  • Created/Change various data files/tables such as VSAM, PDS, GDG and DB2 tables.
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Mainframe programmer example responsibilities.

  • Train the local programming staff in JCL and in revise COBOL coding to take advantage of the expanded mainframe processing capacity.
  • Code SQL statements to generate reports and check the optimization of SQL queries using SPUFI.
  • Create new programs using COBOL CICS VSAM to generate the adjudication process of claims whenever the user approves the policy.
  • Access creation in RACF and ACF2 systems and train the team.
  • Have expert level knowledge in using ENDEVOR.
  • Experience with VTAM and TCP/IP definitions and problem diagnosis.
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Mainframe developer vs mainframe programmer skills

Common mainframe developer skills
  • DB2, 11%
  • JCL, 10%
  • CICS, 8%
  • SQL, 6%
  • VSAM, 4%
  • Java, 4%
Common mainframe programmer skills
  • JCL, 11%
  • DB2, 11%
  • MQ, 8%
  • CICS, 7%
  • SQL, 7%
  • VSAM, 4%

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