Computer Programmers

Career, Salary and Education Information

Top 3 computer programmer Jobs

  • Computer Systems Programmer (WebFOCUS) - Custom Software Systems Inc. - Glen Burnie, MD

    Prior experience with technical programming and

  • PROGRAMMER ANALYST IT - The Methodist Hospitals - Gary, IN

    Analyzes system reports to isolate program/system problems and takes appropriate action to correct issues/problems. • Ensure programs and related

  • Computer Programmers - SiliconHire LLC - Santa Clara, CA

    MS or BS or forgn equiv. &/or 0-5 yrs exp.rqd. Travel rqd. Apply to SiliconHire LLC, 2098 Walsh Ave, Ste B, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Job ID

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What Computer Programmers Do[About this section] [To Top]


Duties of Computer Programmers

Computer programmers typically do the following:

  • Update and expand existing programs
  • Test programs for errors and fix the faulty lines of computer code responsible

Programmers work closely with software developers, and in some businesses their duties overlap. When such overlap occurs, programmers can do work that is typical of developers, such as designing the program. Program design entails planning the software initially, creating models and flowcharts detailing how the code is to be written, writing and debugging code, and designing an application or systems interface. Programmers often use an IDE, which allows them to create, edit, and test code.



Work Environment for Computer Programmers[About this section] [To Top]

Computer programmers hold about 328,600 jobs. The industries that employ the most computer programmers are as follows:

Computer systems design and related services 38%
Software publishers 7
Finance and insurance 7
Manufacturing 5
Administrative and support services 5


Computer Programmer Work Schedules

Most computer programmers work full time.

How to Become a Computer Programmer[About this section] [To Top]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Computer Programmers near you!


Computer Programmer Education

Most computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree; however, some employers hire workers who have an associate’s degree. Most programmers get a degree in computer science or a related subject. Programmers who work in specific fields, such as healthcare or accounting, may take classes in that field to supplement their degree in computer programming. In addition, employers value experience, which many students gain through internships.

Most programmers learn a few computer languages while in school. However, a computer science degree gives students the skills needed to learn new computer languages easily. During their classes, students receive hands-on experience writing code, testing programs, fixing errors, and doing many other tasks that they will perform on the job.


Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Programmers can become certified in specific programming languages or for vendor-specific programming products. Some companies require their computer programmers to be certified in the products they use.

Other Experience

Many students gain experience in computer programming by completing an internship at a software company while in college.

Advancement for Computer Programmers

Programmers who have general business experience may become computer systems analysts. With experience, some programmers may become software developers. They may also be promoted to managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles on computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer and information systems managers.

Important Qualities for Computer Programmers

Analytical skills. Computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code.

Concentration. Programmers must be able to work at a computer, writing lines of code for long periods.



Computer Programmer Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]

Salary Calculator

Entry Level Experienced

The median annual wage for computer programmers is $77,550. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $127,640.

The median annual wages for computer programmers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Software publishers $99,580
Finance and insurance 84,260
Administrative and support services 79,780
Manufacturing 76,910
Computer systems design and related services 76,240

Most computer programmers work full time.

Job Outlook for Computer Programmers[About this section] [To Top]

Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 8 percent through 2024. Computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, so companies sometimes hire programmers in countries where wages are lower. This ongoing trend is projected to limit growth for computer programmers in the United States. However, the high costs associated with managing projects given to overseas programmers sometimes offsets the savings from the lower wages, causing some companies to bring back or keep programming jobs in the United States.

Many computer programmers work in the computer system design and related services industry, which is expected to grow as a result of increasing demand for new computer software. The software publishers industry is also expected to grow as the use of software offered over the Internet increases. This new use of software over the Internet should lower costs for firms and allow users more customization. In addition, new applications will have to be developed for mobile technology and the healthcare industry. An increase in computer systems that are built into electronics and other noncomputer products should result in some job growth for computer programmers and software developers.

Computer Programmers Job Prospects


Employment projections data for Computer Programmers, 2014-24
Percent Numeric
Computer programmers 328,600 302,200 -8 -26,500


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