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The differences between systems programmers and mainframe developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a systems programmer and a mainframe developer. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $90,902 average annual salary of a mainframe developer.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a mainframe developer are DB2, JCL, and CICS.
| Systems Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $90,902 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $43.70 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 255,034 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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.
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.
Systems programmers and mainframe developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $90,902 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $70,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a mainframe developer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between systems programmers' and mainframe developers' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Mainframe Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |