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The differences between mainframe developers and software engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Mainframe Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,902 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $43.70 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 255,034 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Mainframe developers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mainframe Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $90,902 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $70,000 And $117,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a mainframe developer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Mainframe Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Mainframe Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |