What Do Computer Programmer Do?
Career Description Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Daily Life Of a Computer Programmer
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
- 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.
- Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
What a Computer Programmer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Computer Programmers say are important on the job.
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Types of Computer Programmer Jobs
- Engineering Programmer
- Java Programmer
- Game Programmer
- Operating System Programmer
- Database Programmer
Is There Going to be Demand for Computer Programmers?
In the United States, there were 294,900 jobs for Computer Programmer in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Computer Programmer. There will be an estimated 15,500 positions for Computer Programmer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Programmer are Utah, Louisiana, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Maine, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Computer Programmer Make?
The typical yearly salary for Computer Programmers is somewhere between $48,790 and $134,630.
Computer Programmers who work in Washington, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Programmers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $87,340 |
| Alaska | $86,080 |
| Arizona | $95,900 |
| Arkansas | $71,540 |
| California | $97,470 |
| Colorado | $94,750 |
| Connecticut | $93,370 |
| Delaware | $80,260 |
| District of Columbia | $105,200 |
| Florida | $78,890 |
| Georgia | $92,390 |
| Hawaii | $72,370 |
| Idaho | $76,500 |
| Illinois | $91,860 |
| Indiana | $80,850 |
| Iowa | $78,940 |
| Kansas | $75,780 |
| Kentucky | $72,190 |
| Louisiana | $77,450 |
| Maine | $84,830 |
| Maryland | $93,000 |
| Massachusetts | $95,380 |
| Michigan | $76,450 |
| Minnesota | $86,710 |
| Mississippi | $73,940 |
| Missouri | $76,530 |
| Montana | $94,480 |
| Nebraska | $76,540 |
| Nevada | $80,580 |
| New Hampshire | $75,680 |
| New Jersey | $85,750 |
| New Mexico | $72,770 |
| New York | $91,250 |
| North Carolina | $94,570 |
| North Dakota | $76,180 |
| Ohio | $74,930 |
| Oklahoma | $83,090 |
| Oregon | $79,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,800 |
| South Carolina | $81,940 |
| South Dakota | $57,060 |
| Tennessee | $82,400 |
| Texas | $91,970 |
| Utah | $83,700 |
| Vermont | $81,680 |
| Virginia | $94,470 |
| Washington | $126,920 |
| West Virginia | $83,160 |
| Wisconsin | $79,420 |
| Wyoming | $71,910 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Programmers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Programmers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- React
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
How to Become a Computer Programmer
Individuals working as a Computer Programmer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Computer Programmer?
Where Computer Programmers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Computer Programmers employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Programmer might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Computer Programmer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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