Computer Programmers

Overview

Computer Programmers has a national median salary of $100,390 per year, with -7.3% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Independence

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• 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.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Processing Information
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Thinking Creatively
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Computer Programmers:

Video Resources