Technology and Mathematics · Career brief

Computer Programmers

Is it a good career to pursue?

The 30-second read

Computer Programmers at a glance

Six signals to look at before you spend time on the full guide.

1Pay

$100,390

High national median pay

2025 national median. Top quarter for pay among careers on ChooseField.

2Demand

-7.3%

Projected employment decline

Projected employment growth for 2025–2035. Bottom quarter for growth among careers on ChooseField.

3Openings

4,400

Moderate opening volume

Average openings per year in 2025–2035, including replacement hiring. Near the middle of ChooseField careers for openings.

4Route in

Bachelor's degree

A bachelor's degree is typically expected

Bachelor's degree. Prior related work is not typically required.

5The work

Structured / detail

Accuracy, process, and organized information matter

Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

6The catch

Know this first

What could make this a poor fit

BLS projects employment to shrink 7.3% from 2025 to 2035. Openings can still occur when existing workers leave.

ChooseField take

The standout national signal is pay; it ranks in the top quarter of ChooseField careers. It makes the most sense if structured, detail-oriented work appeals to you and you are comfortable with a bachelor's-degree path. Main tradeoff: BLS projects employment to shrink 7.3% from 2025 to 2035. Openings can still occur when existing workers leave.

Before choosing, compare:Network and Computer Systems Administrators Database Administrators Actuaries

National labor-market measures: BLS 2025 wages and 2025–2035 projections. Work-profile signals: O*NET. See sources and caveats.

Compare Computer Programmers with another field Explore rankings in Technology and Mathematics Open shareable infographic

Want the evidence behind the snapshot?

Market and path

Pay, outlook, and the route in

National median pay (2025)

$100,390

A midpoint for workers nationwide, not a starting salary.

2025–2035 outlook

-7.3%employment growth4,400openings per year

Openings include replacement hiring, not only newly created jobs.

Typical entry route

Bachelor's degree

BLS reports the usual education, related experience, and on-the-job training, not a guaranteed minimum for every employer.

2025 employment

110,800

Estimated workers in this occupation across the United States.

Source: BLS 2025 wages and 2025–2035 occupational projections ↗ · Computer programmers (15-1251).

Actual responsibilities

What you would be trusted to own

Selected O*NET task statements, not a list of traits that applies to almost every career.

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.

Decision-changing realities

What could make this a poor fit

BLS projects employment to shrink 7.3% from 2025 to 2035. Openings can still occur when existing workers leave.
Deadline pressure is a recurring condition rather than an occasional emergency.

Work profile

What the work emphasizes

O*NET importance scores. Bars are relative to the highest score shown within this chart.

Working with Computers5.0
Processing Information4.6
Analyzing Data or Information4.5
Getting Information4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.5

Interest profile

Career interests

O*NET interest scores describe work someone may enjoy, not personality requirements. Bars are relative to the highest score shown within this chart.

Relative mix of the interest scores below, not percentages of your workday.

Conventional5.9
Investigative5.1
Realistic3.4
Artistic2.5
Enterprising2.1
Social2.0

Preparation

What the training must make you competent at

Subject matter

Computers and Electronics Mathematics Engineering and Technology Design

Software and tools named in job postings

Extensible markup language XML JavaScript Git SAS Structured query language SQL R

Before choosing the major or training

Run a cheaper test first

Build one small working project from a blank file, then diagnose and fix at least one failure without copying a finished answer.
Ask an early-career worker which beginner task consumes the most time, what makes new hires quit, and what school or training failed to simulate.

The fuller career guide

How the evidence fits together

Pay and demand: reading the benchmark

The pay and outlook figures describe Computer programmers nationally. They do not establish the salary or number of vacancies available in your area.

Median pay is the middle wage across workers, not a starting offer. Projected openings include replacements as well as growth; neither measure predicts an individual worker's job security.

Before choosing a program

O*NET lists Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension among this occupation's skills. Ask a program to show the assignments, supervised practice, and assessment that develop these skills. Compare those examples with local job descriptions. Examples of tools used in the occupation include Extensible markup language XML, JavaScript, Git; check which ones employers near you actually require.

Common questions

Questions people ask about this career

Can I enter this occupation without related work experience?

BLS does not assign a related-experience requirement to the occupation. Employers may still ask for placements, supervised practice, a portfolio, or experience with particular tools. Check entry-level vacancies separately from experienced roles.

What should I check before paying for training?

Get the full prerequisite and completion timeline, total cost, placement arrangements, and any licensing eligibility in writing. Ask local employers whether they hire graduates from the route you are considering and whether paid training is available.

Adjacent options

Compare before committing

The useful question is not whether one field wins overall, but what changes when you choose a nearby path. Explore the full career guides for Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Database Administrators, Actuaries, Computer Systems Analyst.