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The differences between programmers and systems 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 programmer and a systems programmer. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a programmer include java, javascript and CSS. The most important skills for a systems programmer are provide technical assistance, video conferencing, and C++.
| Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $96,017 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $46.16 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 257,681 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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.
A systems programmer is responsible for managing and installing software systems and applications to the company's computer networks to support the efficiency of business functions and operations. Systems programmers coordinate with the systems analyst to conduct quality checks and running configuration tests to ensure the stability of applications and avoid downtimes. They also create resolution reports, design servers, and upgrade network infrastructure as often as needed. A systems programmer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially the expert command of programming languages and codes.
Programmers and systems programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $96,017 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $66,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a programmer and a systems programmer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | 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 programmers' and systems programmers' demographics:
| Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |