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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Computer Programmers

Median Salary
99,700
Job Outlook
-10%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

74%

State and local government

9%

Self-employed

9%

Private not for profit

6%

Federal Government

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 10 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 6,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$44,710

10%

$99,700

Median

$162,440

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    88%

  • Associate's degree

    8%

  • Some college

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Management Information Systems, General
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Programming/Programmer, General
  • Computer Programming, Specific Applications
  • Data Analytics, General
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Game Programming
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programming, Other
  • Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
  • Data Analytics, Other
  • Computer Software Technology/Technician
  • Cloud Computing
  • Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
  • Medical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant
  • Data Visualization
  • Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • English Language
  • Geography

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.