All About Computer Programmers
Job Description & Duties 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.
Life As a Computer Programmer
- Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
- Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
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What Every Computer Programmer Should Know
When polled, Computer Programmers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Applications Programmer
- White Hat Hacker
- Object-Oriented Programmer
- Programmer Analyst
- Client Server Programmer
Job 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.
Computer Programmer Salary
Computer Programmers make between $48,790 and $134,630 a year.
Computer Programmers who work in Washington, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Programmers make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Programmers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Programmers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming a Computer Programmer
Individuals working as a Computer Programmer have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Programmer?
Where Computer Programmers Work
Below are examples of industries where Computer Programmers work:
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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