CFChooseField
Technology and Mathematics

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Computer Programmers

Median pay

$98,670
Median annual pay for Computer Programmers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

-6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

5,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

121,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Computer Programmers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

-7,200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Computer Programmers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Computers and Electronics
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Written Comprehension
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Inductive Reasoning
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Intellectual Curiosity
  4. 4Innovation
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Processing Information
  3. 3Analyzing Data or Information
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Thinking Creatively

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Spend Time Sitting
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  • Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  • Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  • Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  • Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  • Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandExtensible markup language XML · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandJavaScript · in demandGit · in demandSAS · in demandStructured query language SQL · in demandR · in demandMicrosoft Visual Studio · in demandPython · in demandMicrosoft SQL Server · in demandLinux · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.