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The differences between mainframe developers and 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 programmer. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Mainframe Developer | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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.
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Mainframe developers and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 programmers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |