Computer Programmers
Information TechnologyO*NET 15-1251.00United States
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.
- Median annual earnings
- $95,779
- Projected change
- −1.8%
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Employment
- 107.01K jobs
50th percentile, United States
2025 to 2035
88% of the workforce
Growing to 105.03K by 2035
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These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.
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The work
What computer programmers do
Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.
- 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.
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
- Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
- Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
- Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
- Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
Pay and outlook
What the job pays and where it is heading
Annual earnings range
Reported earnings by percentile, United States
- 10th percentile
- $52,565
- 25th percentile
- $70,098
- 50th percentile
- $95,779
- 75th percentile
- $129,707
- 90th percentile
- $170,997
The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $95,779 and half earn less.
Employment outlook
2025 to 2035 projection
−1.8%projected to decline
2025107,005 jobs
2035 projected105,026 jobs
1,979 fewer positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.
Preparation
Education levels
What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.
- Bachelor's degree
- 88%
- Associate degree
- 9%
- Some college
- 2.5%
- Master's or Professional degree
- 0.5%
Skills
Skills employers ask for
Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.
How the work gets done
Core competencies
Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.
- Programming
- Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Active Listening
- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Complex Problem Solving
- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Quality Control Analysis
- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Systems Analysis
- Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Writing
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Operations Analysis
- Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
- Systems Evaluation
- Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Learning
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Mathematics
- Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Time Management
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Social Perceptiveness
- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Coordination
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Science
- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Technology Design
- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
In the market
Job titles and employers
Recent job postings in United StatesCommon job titles
- 01Programmer Analysts1,373 postings
- 02Program Analysts1,292 postings
- 03Statistical Programmers1,117 postings
- 04Programmers962 postings
- 05Systems Programmers394 postings
- 06Software Programmers272 postings
- 07Computer Programmers258 postings
- 08NC Programmers162 postings
- 09Controls Programmers153 postings
- 10SQL Programmers148 postings
- 11Clinical Programmers145 postings
- 12HVAC Controls Technicians134 postings
- 13Systems Software Programmers134 postings
- 14SAS Developers123 postings
- 15Robot Programmers120 postings
- 16Management and Program Analysts109 postings
- 17Automation Programmers102 postings
- 18Robotic Programmers102 postings
- 19SAS Programmers98 postings
- 20Laser Programmers97 postings
Top employers
- 01Cytel763 postings
- 02GovCIO165 postings
- 03Parexel157 postings
- 04Honeywell International132 postings
- 05NES Fircroft130 postings
- 06Beacon Hill Staffing Group116 postings
- 07Farm Service Agency105 postings
- 08Us Farm Service Center81 postings
- 09Actalent78 postings
- 10Jobot74 postings
- 11inVentiv Health74 postings
- 12Jack Henry & Associates70 postings
- 13Robert Half61 postings
- 14United States Department of Defense57 postings
- 15Cai56 postings
- 16Unum54 postings
- 17Boeing53 postings
- 18Ensono52 postings
- 19Insight Global52 postings
- 20Pearson Education50 postings
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