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The differences between mainframe developers and senior developer analysts 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 senior developer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior developer analyst has an average salary of $96,151, 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 senior developer analyst are java, C++, and C #.
| Mainframe Developer | Senior Developer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $96,151 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $46.23 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 156,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
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 senior developer analyst specializes in software development and analysis. It is their duty to design and develop systems and applications according to the company's needs, perform research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current systems, come up with solutions in problem areas, and perform risk assessments. They may also perform installations and modifications, review data, and conduct regular maintenance checks, execute repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a senior developer analyst, it is essential to lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's security protocols and regulations.
Mainframe developers and senior developer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Senior Developer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $96,151 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $73,000 And $126,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | Baker McKenzie |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a senior developer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Senior Developer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 senior developer analysts' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Senior Developer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 75.1% Female, 24.9% |
| 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, 9.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 21.4% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |