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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation FinderInformation Technology

Military Programmers and Developers

Median Salary
70,660
Workforce Count
15,209

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Computer programmers and developers write, analyze, design, and develop programs that are critical to war-fighting capabilities. From maintenance tracking programs to programs that organize and display intelligence data, they ensure that the Military has the software and programs needed to complete missions efficiently and effectively.

What is the work environment like?

Programmers and developers in the military work in offices or at computer sites on military bases or aboard ships.

How many people have this role in the Military?

15,209

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$139,987

2 Years

$92,009

6 Years

$139,987

10+ Years
Median Salary
70,660

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

Job training for programmers and developers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:

  • Fiscal and contract management
  • Assessment of computer equipment needs
  • Computer systems development and project management

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

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What knowledge is essential to 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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