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The differences between mainframe developers and mobile 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 a mobile applications developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mobile applications developer has an average salary of $99,257, 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 a mobile applications developer are java, C++, and mobile development.
| Mainframe Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $99,257 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $47.72 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 252,254 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.
Mainframe developers and mobile applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $99,257 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $75,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a mobile applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 mobile applications developers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Mobile Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |