Computers and math
Computer programmer
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.
Median pay
$100,390
Growth to 2035
−7%
declining
Openings a year
4,400
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Computer programmer
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Computer programmer: 53% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
- 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.
Also called: Analyst Programmer · Application Programmer Analyst · Computer Programmer · Computer Programmer Analyst · Internet Programmer · Java Developer · Programmer · Programmer Analyst
Outlook and AI
Computer programmers held 110,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 102,700 by 2035 (−7%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Productivity change, occupational substitution - share decreases as computer programming tasks are more commonly performed by other computer occupations, such as software developers. Computer programming work also continues to be automated, including with artificial intelligence (AI), allowing computer programmers to become more efficient.
Compare with
- Computer programmer vs. Software engineer
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- Computer programmer vs. Computer systems analyst
- Computer programmer vs. Database administrator
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- Computer programmer vs. QA engineer
- Computer programmer vs. Computer hardware engineer
- Computer programmer vs. Computer network architect