Computer Programmers
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.
Also called: .NET Programmer, Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Applications Programmer, Automation Programmer
Median pay
$100,390
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$57,710 – $160,460
People employed
92,230
Holland code
CIR
Conventional · Investigative · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Computer Programmers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (46 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What computer programmers do
- 01Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- 02Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- 03Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- 04Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- 05Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- 06Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from computer programmers
- Data Scientists81% · +20%
- Computer Hardware Engineers77% · +61%
- Computer and Information Systems Managers74% · +74%
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists74% · group pay
- Statisticians72% · +5%
Change into computer programmers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Bioinformatics Technicians74% · $81,490
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists74% · $122,570
- Statisticians74% · $105,650
- Data Scientists73% · $120,230
- Operations Research Analysts72% · $88,940
Majors that lead here
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications
- Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification
- Computer Game Programming
- Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
- Computer Programming, Other
- Computer Science
- Computer Graphics
- Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
- Cloud Computing
- Computer Software Technology/Technician
- Computational Science
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.