What They Do
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.
Duties
Computer programmers typically do the following:
- Write programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++ and Java
- Update and expand existing programs
- Test programs for errors and fix the faulty lines of computer code
- Create, modify, and test code or scripts in software that simplifies development
Programmers work closely with software developers, and in some businesses their duties overlap. When such overlap occurs, programmers may be required to take on some of the tasks that are typically assigned to developers, such as designing programs.
Programmers use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify their writing and improve their efficiency. They may create their own code libraries or make use of existing ones.
In addition, programmers may write or use software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications that are centrally hosted online. Although programmers typically need to rewrite their programs to work on different system platforms, such as Windows or OS X, applications created with SaaS work on all platforms. Accordingly, programmers writing SaaS applications may not have to rewrite as much code as other programmers do and can instead spend more time writing new programs.
Work Environment
Computer programmers held about 121,200 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of computer programmers were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 31% |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Self-employed workers | 6 |
| Finance and insurance | 6 |
| Software publishers | 4 |
Programmers usually work in office settings, which may be in their homes.
Work Schedules
Most computer programmers work full time.
How to Become One
Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer programmers was $98,670 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer programmers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
About 5,500 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.