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Showing content from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm below:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Summary
• What They Do
• Work Environment
• How to Become One
• Pay
• Job Outlook
• State & Area Data
• Similar Occupations
• More Info

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Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.

Programmers usually work in office settings, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry. Most computer programmers work full time.

Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages.

The median annual wage for computer programmers was $98,670 in May 2024.

Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 10 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Despite declining employment, about 6,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations.

Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Computer programmers write programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++ and Java.

Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. They turn the designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers run tests to ensure that newly created applications and software produce the expected results. If the products do not work correctly, programmers check the code or scripts for mistakes and modify them.

Computer programmers typically do the following:

• Write programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++ and Java
• Update and expand existing programs
• Test programs for errors and fix the faulty lines of computer code
• Create, modify, and test code or scripts in software that simplifies development

Programmers work closely with software developers, and in some businesses their duties overlap. When such overlap occurs, programmers may be required to take on some of the tasks that are typically assigned to developers, such as designing programs.

Programmers use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify their writing and improve their efficiency. They may create their own code libraries or make use of existing ones.

In addition, programmers may write or use software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications that are centrally hosted online. Although programmers typically need to rewrite their programs to work on different system platforms, such as Windows or OS X, applications created with SaaS work on all platforms. Accordingly, programmers writing SaaS applications may not have to rewrite as much code as other programmers do and can instead spend more time writing new programs.

Most programmers work independently in offices.

Computer programmers held about 139,400 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of computer programmers were as follows:

Programmers usually work in office settings, which may be in their homes.

Most computer programmers work full time.

Most programmers have a degree in computer science or a related field.

Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages.

Computer programmers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as mathematics. However, some employers hire workers who have other degrees or experience in specific programming languages. Programmers who work in specific fields, such as healthcare or accounting, may take classes in that field to supplement their computer-related degree. In addition, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have experience gained through internships.

Most programmers learn computer languages while in school. However, a computer science degree gives students the skills they need to learn new computer languages easily. Students get experience writing code, testing programs, fixing errors, and doing many other tasks that they will perform on the job.

To keep up with changing technology, computer programmers may take continuing education classes and attend professional development seminars to learn new programming languages or about upgrades to programming languages they already know.

Programmers may become certified in specific programming languages or for vendor-specific programming products. Some companies require their computer programmers to be certified in the products they use.

Programmers who have general business experience may become computer systems analysts. With experience, some programmers may become software developers. They may also be promoted to managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles on computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer and information systems managers.

Analytical skills. Computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code.

Communication skills. Although computer programmers work alone to write code, they must have effective communication skills to coordinate work on large projects with team members and managers.

Detail oriented. Computer programmers must closely examine the code that they write, modify, or test, because a small mistake may affect the entire computer program.

Problem-solving skills. Programmers check the code for errors and fix any they find.

Median annual wages, May 2024

Computer occupations

Computer programmers

Total, all occupations

 

The median annual wage for computer programmers was $98,670 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,190, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $162,090.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for computer programmers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Most computer programmers work full time.

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Computer occupations

Total, all occupations

Computer programmers

 

Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 10 percent from 2023 to 2033.

Despite declining employment, about 6,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Computer programming work continues to be automated, helping computer programmers to become more efficient in some of their tasks. To save time and money, many companies are leveraging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to automate repetitive programming tasks. In addition, some higher-skilled programming tasks are increasingly done by other workers, such as software developers.

Computer programmers

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer programmers.

Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.

Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.

Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.

Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.  

Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.

Last Modified Date: Friday, April 18, 2025

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2024, the median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.

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