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The differences between mainframe developers and software 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 software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mainframe developer has an average salary of $90,902, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a mainframe developer include DB2, JCL and CICS. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Mainframe Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Mainframe developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between mainframe developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |