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The differences between web site developers and systems developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a web site developer, becoming a systems developer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems developer has an average salary of $97,230, which is higher than the $91,554 average annual salary of a web site developer.
The top three skills for a web site developer include java, C++ and linux. The most important skills for a systems developer are java, python, and C++.
| Web Site Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,554 | $97,230 |
| Hourly rate | $44.02 | $46.75 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 177,622 | 322,419 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Typically, a web developer constructs a website's layout and creates an interesting home page and a design that is user-friendly. Web developers ensure the functionality of the site on web browsers once it is up and running. They test and update the site whenever necessary. Sometimes, they write content for their website. They implement website features, integrate security measures, and handle its functionality. Some of the characteristics they need to develop are communication skills, patience, and passion for learning.
A Systems Developer is responsible for designing and creating software applications and server programs to support business requirements and client specifications. System Developers run multiple diagnostic tests to the systems to ensure performance and stability and revise scripts for optimization as needed. They also evaluate and improve existing networks, develop infrastructure, and set configuration. A Systems Developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to identify network structures and operating systems.
Web site developers and systems developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Site Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,554 | $97,230 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $130,000 | Between $73,000 And $129,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a web site developer and a systems developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Site Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between web site developers' and systems developers' demographics:
| Web Site Developer | Systems Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 12.4% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 16.6% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |