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The differences between programmers and web application 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 programmer, becoming a web application developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a web application developer has an average salary of $85,840, 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 web application developer are javascript, web application, and CSS.
| Programmer | Web Application Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $85,840 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $41.27 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 229,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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 web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
Programmers and web application developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $85,840 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $66,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a programmer and a web application developer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Web Application Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 web application developers' demographics:
| Programmer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |