How the national numbers differ
1Computer User Support Specialists has the edge on annual openings
Computer User Support Specialists is at 39,700 annual openings, compared with 4,400 annual openings for Computer Programmers.
Computer Programmers has the edge on median pay
Computer Programmers is at $100,390, compared with $61,860 for Computer User Support Specialists.
Typical preparation differs.
Computer Programmers: Bachelor's degree Computer User Support Specialists: Some college, no degree; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Computer User Support Specialists has the edge on projected growth
Computer User Support Specialists is at -3.5% projected growth, compared with -7.3% projected growth for Computer Programmers.
45.9/ 100Computer Programmers
vs
52.2/ 100Computer User Support Specialists
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Computer Programmers vs Computer User Support Specialists
| Dimension | Computer Programmers | Computer User Support Specialists |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $100,390 | $61,860 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 83.1 percentile | 51.3 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | -7.3% | -3.5% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 4,400 | 39,700 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 110,800 | 750,600 |
|---|
| How you qualify | Bachelor's degree | Some college, no degree; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 4 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
