Developer vs. Administrator: What Are the Differences?

Developers and administrators are two common positions in the tech industry. Both roles are important for the development and maintenance of software applications. While developers create and build applications, administrators manage and monitor them. In this article, we compare and contrast these two positions, highlighting the key duties, skills and qualifications for each.

What is a Developer?

Developers are responsible for the design, creation, testing and maintenance of software applications and systems. They work with other developers and engineers to create specifications for new software and applications, and they also develop code to meet these specifications. Developers also test software to ensure that it meets the required standards and that it is compatible with other systems. In some cases, developers may also be responsible for providing training and support to users of the software.

What is an Administrator?

An administrator is a person responsible for the management of a system or organization. They may plan and coordinate the activities of other people to help achieve specific goals. Administrators typically have a broad range of responsibilities, which can vary depending on the type of organization they work for. In some cases, administrators may be responsible for managing finances, developing marketing plans, or overseeing human resources. In other cases, they may be responsible for more specific tasks, such as managing a website or database.

Developer vs. Administrator

Here are the main differences between a developer and an administrator.

Job Duties

Developers and administrators share some job duties, such as coding, designing software programs and troubleshooting issues. However, administrators have additional job responsibilities that developers typically don’t perform. For example, an administrator may be responsible for training users on how to use the software, setting up user accounts and monitoring security threats.

Another key difference is that a developer focuses solely on creating and improving software, while an administrator considers many aspects of running an entire computing system. This means that an administrator often works more closely with other employees, such as information technology (IT) professionals and computer support specialists.

Job Requirements

Developers and administrators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many developers and administrators pursue certifications through the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) program or the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) program. These programs offer training that teaches professionals how to use development software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Developers typically work in an office setting, either for a company or freelance. They may also work from home if they’re freelancing. Administrators usually work in an office environment and often have more managerial responsibilities than developers. This means that administrators may spend most of their time in meetings with other employees to discuss projects and goals. Developers can also work in an office environment but are more likely to work remotely or on their own.

Skills

Both developers and administrators use technical skills to perform their jobs. However, developers typically use more programming languages and software development tools than administrators. Developers also tend to have a stronger understanding of how to code applications, while administrators may be more familiar with server administration and networking.

Administrators usually need to have strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues with systems. They also need to be able to follow complex instructions and procedures. Because they often work with customers or other users, they can benefit from having excellent communication skills.

Developers may also need to have strong problem-solving skills to debug code and find errors in applications. They also need to be able to think creatively to develop new solutions. Because they often work on teams, they can benefit from having good collaboration skills.

Salary

Developers can earn an average salary of $91,880 per year, while administrators can earn an average salary of $59,199 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.