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.
Computer Programmers
SOC: 15-1251 O*NET: 15-1251.00
Median Salary
$98,670
per year
Job Growth
📉 -6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Computer Programmers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$52,190
10th percentile
Early Career
$71,860
25th percentile
Median
$98,670
50th percentile
Experienced
$128,960
75th percentile
Top Earners
$162,090
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$52,190
25th
$71,860
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$98,670
Mean: $103,640
75th
$128,960
90th
$162,090
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $109,900 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $71,860 and $128,960
- •Salary spread is 57.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 109,870 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:121,200
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services45%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services45%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services34.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-6%
Annual Openings:5,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)121,200
Current
2034 (Projected)113,900
-6%
-7,200
Employment Change
-6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer Programmers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
14,720 jobs$116,2201.14x
Texas
11,220 jobs$80,8201.14x
New York
7,090 jobs$100,4101.04x
Michigan
5,350 jobs$68,7901.71x
Florida
4,700 jobs$98,6300.67x
Virginia
4,210 jobs$111,8601.46x
Arizona
4,170 jobs$71,9301.83x
Pennsylvania
4,130 jobs$84,7700.96x
New Jersey
4,000 jobs$102,7701.32x
North Carolina
3,880 jobs$95,7701.11x
Washington
3,220 jobs$158,8201.28x
Massachusetts
3,040 jobs$115,2001.17x
Wisconsin
3,020 jobs$109,5801.45x
Maryland
2,360 jobs$103,0001.20x
Georgia
2,330 jobs$97,9700.67x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Programming
100%
#2
Complex Problem Solving
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Systems Analysis
66%
#7
Reading Comprehension
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Time Management
40%
Skills Overview
Programming
advanced5.0
100%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Systems Analysis
intermediate3.3
66%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Programming
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Systems Analysis
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Water/Wastewater Engineers67%
5 shared skills
Water Resource Specialists67%
5 shared skills
Regulatory Affairs Specialists67%
5 shared skills
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property58%
5 shared skills
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate55%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Analysis
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Programming
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Programming
- ★Active Listening
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer Programmers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechRed Hat OpenShift
🔥 Hot TechSpring Boot
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
🔥 Hot TechSplunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechChef
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Docker
GitHub
Red Hat OpenShift
Spring Boot
Tableau
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
Splunk Enterprise
Bentley MicroStation
Chef
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (2)Training & Development (5)Planning & Development (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Management & Supervision (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development97% perform98%
3
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision88% perform92%
6
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development79% perform86%
9
Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
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.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer Programmers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer Programmers professionals typically have a CIR Holland code and highly value achievement
CConventional
IInvestigative
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer Programmers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.97
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.74
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.64
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.56
Independence
CriticalIndependence
Importance Level4.54
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.44
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
5.0
Analytical Thinking
4.7
Integrity
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Independence
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Achievement/Effort
4.4
Persistence
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Self-Control
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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