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The differences between systems programmers 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 systems programmer, becoming a software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Systems Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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 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.
Systems programmers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | 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 systems programmers' and software developers' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% 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% |