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Computer Programmers

General Information

Description

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.

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Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit76.90%
  2. State and local government9.03%
  3. Self-employed6.26%
  4. Private, not for profit5.59%
  5. Federal government2.17%

Industry areas

  • Information Technology

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
-11%
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Job Outlook

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Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 11 percent from 2022 to 2032. Despite declining employment, about 6,700 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$97,800

Median Military Salary Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

$68,279

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State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$49,150
$127,600
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Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Bachelor's degree 88%
  • Associate's degree 8%
  • Some college 2%
  • High school 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
  • Conventional — You have an interest in following procedures and regulations to organize information or data.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Knowledge

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

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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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.