Computer Programmers earn a median of $100,390 per year ($48.26/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 7.3% through 2035, with about 4,400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 15-1251
- Computer and Mathematical
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Computer Programmer in four numbers
- Median pay
- $100,390a year, or $48.26/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $58KTop 10% $160K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -7.3%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−7.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −7.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,400110,800 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025110.8K
- Projected 2035102.7K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 110.8K Projected 2035 102.7K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Some college2.5%
- Associate's9%
- Bachelor's88%
- Master's0.5%
Highest education held by computer programmers Segment Value Some college 2.5% Associate's 9% Bachelor's 88% Master's 0.5%
Also advertised as: Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer.
Pay
How much do Computer Programmers make?
Every computer programmer in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$100,390
Middle half earn $75,850 to $130,680
- 10th
- $57,710
- 25th
- $75,850
- 75th
- $130,680
- 90th
- $160,460
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $57,710 |
| 25th | $75,850 |
| Median | $100,390 |
| 75th | $130,680 |
| 90th | $160,460 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $100,390
- Median hourly wage
- $48.26/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $105,170
- People employed
- 92,230
Versus all US occupations
At $100,390, Computer Programmers earn 97% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $49,410 a year.
Versus computer and mathematical occupations
Inside the Computer and Mathematical group, where the middle occupation pays $116,580, this is 14% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $160,460 or more while the bottom 10% earn $57,710, a gap of 2.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 72% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Connecticut pays the most at $133,820, and still leads at $129,157 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Computer Programmers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Connecticut | $133,820 | $129,157 | 1,650 |
| 2Massachusetts | $128,390 | $121,401 | 1,930 |
| 3Washington | $125,620 | $117,388 | 2,540 |
| 4Maryland | $125,570 | $119,637 | 2,490 |
| 5Virginia | $121,610 | $120,282 | 3,070 |
| 6Hawaii | $118,180 | $107,484 | 450 |
| 7California | $116,760 | $105,455 | 11,340 |
| 8Arkansas | $111,840 | $128,645 | 1,050 |
| 9Minnesota | $107,250 | $108,750 | 2,070 |
| 10New Jersey | $104,940 | $96,448 | 3,930 |
Job outlook
Is Computer Programmer a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -7.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | −7.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Computer Programmers to change -7.3% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 8,100 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,400 openings are projected each year, 4.0% of the 110,800 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
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.
Computer programming work continues to be automated, helping computer programmers to become more efficient in some of their tasks. To save time and money, many companies are expected to leverage technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to automate repetitive programming tasks. In addition, some higher skilled programming tasks will likely shift to other workers, such as software developers.
Getting in
How to become a Computer Programmer
Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer programmers.
- Bachelor's Degree88%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
- Some College Courses2.5%
- Master's Degree0.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 88% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 9% |
| Some College Courses | 2.5% |
| Master's Degree | 0.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Computer Programmer do?
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.
Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. They turn the designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. In addition, programmers run tests to ensure that newly created applications and software produce the expected results. If the products do not work correctly, programmers check the code or scripts for mistakes and modify them.
Day-to-day tasks
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- 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.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most computer programmers work full time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where computer programmers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Computer systems design and related services24%
- Self-employed workers15%
- Manufacturing7%
- Finance and insurance5%
- Software publishers5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 24% |
| Self-employed workers | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 7% |
| Finance and insurance | 5% |
| Software publishers | 5% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening3.8
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Reading Comprehension3.4
- Writing3.3
- Speaking3.1
- Mathematics3.1
- Active Learning3.1
- Monitoring3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Speaking | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 3.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Programming4.8
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Quality Control Analysis3.5
- Systems Analysis3.4
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Operations Analysis3.1
- Systems Evaluation3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming | 4.8 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.5 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.4 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.1 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Application server software · in demand
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Configuration management software · in demand
- Content workflow software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base reporting software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Data mining software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Computer Programmer?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Programmer |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 3 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Conventional5.9
- Investigative5.1
- Realistic3.4
- Artistic2.5
- Enterprising2.1
- Social2.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Programmer
O*NET related occupations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
More computer and mathematical careers
Median annual pay, with computer programmers highlighted
- Software Developer$135,980
- Actuary$130,000
- Information Security Analyst$129,180
- Data Scientist$120,230
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230
- Database Administrator$104,620
- Web Designer$104,000
- Computer Programmer$100,390
- Web Developer$92,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,980 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $129,180 |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Designer | $104,000 |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 |
| Web Developer | $92,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within computer programmer
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Computer Programmer appears on
Questions
Computer Programmer: frequently asked questions
How much do Computer Programmers make?
Computer Programmers earn a median of $100,390 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 97% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $48.26/hr. The middle half earn between $75,850 and $130,680. The top 10% earn $160,460 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Computer Programmer?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Computer Programmers, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 88.0% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Computer Programmer a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 7.3% over 2025–2035, a loss of 8,100 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Computer Programmer do?
Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. A core O*NET task: perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Application server software, Business intelligence and data analysis software.
Which states pay Computer Programmers the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Programmers are Connecticut ($133,820), Massachusetts ($128,390), Washington ($125,620) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Computer Programmer?
O*NET scores Computer Programmers highest on the Conventional, Investigative and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.