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The differences between systems programmers and systems designers 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 systems designer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $93,438 average annual salary of a systems designer.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a systems designer are system design, CRM, and sales proposals.
| Systems Programmer | Systems Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $93,438 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $44.92 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 101,665 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
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.
In the information technology industry, a systems designer specializes in creating systems in adherence to the client or company's needs. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis, gathering and analyzing operational data and client feedback, subjecting designs in a variety of tests, coordinating with engineers, troubleshooting problems, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also assess existing systems and design enhancements as needed. Moreover, a systems designer may provide technical support and guidance to staff while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Systems programmers and systems designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Systems Designer | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $93,438 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $69,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a systems designer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Systems Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems programmers' and systems designers' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Systems Designer | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% |
| 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, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 16.5% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 5% |