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Computer Programmers
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.
Other titles employers use
Analyst Programmer · Application Programmer Analyst · Computer Programmer · Computer Programmer Analyst · Internet Programmer · Java Developer · Programmer · Programmer Analyst
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing, analytical and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Programming
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.6 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 1.6 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.1 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 88%
- A two-year degree 9%
- A certificate or some college 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Web platform development software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data base management system software
- Operating system software
- Application server software
- Analytical or scientific software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 20,600
- Job openings each year
- 1,100
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −9.3%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 20,600 | 1,100 | −9.3% |
| New York | 13,570 | 50 | 3.4% |
| Texas | 10,540 | 660 | 3.1% |
| Washington | 8,220 | 660 | 13.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 7,230 | 370 | −10.9% |
| Florida | 6,450 | 370 | −4.6% |
| New Jersey | 6,210 | 300 | −15.0% |
| Michigan | 3,950 | 190 | −13.6% |
| North Carolina | 3,950 | 220 | −7.3% |
| Maryland | 3,350 | 180 | −6.9% |
| Missouri | 3,280 | 180 | −7.3% |
| Utah | 3,050 | 190 | 3.7% |
| Wisconsin | 2,880 | 160 | −6.2% |
| Tennessee | 2,800 | 160 | −4.4% |
| Virginia | 2,740 | 140 | −13.0% |
| Arizona | 2,690 | 160 | −3.9% |
| Georgia | 2,630 | 140 | −7.1% |
| Iowa | 2,490 | 140 | −6.7% |
| Colorado | 2,480 | 150 | — |
| Connecticut | 2,420 | 120 | −12.6% |
| Arkansas | 2,140 | 120 | −7.4% |
| Illinois | 2,120 | 100 | −13.8% |
| Minnesota | 2,000 | 100 | −13.4% |
| Indiana | 1,820 | 100 | −9.9% |
| Oregon | 1,730 | 100 | −5.5% |
| Alabama | 1,640 | 80 | −15.0% |
| Massachusetts | 1,470 | 80 | −10.9% |
| Puerto Rico | 1,420 | 90 | — |
| Kentucky | 1,290 | 70 | −10.4% |
| South Carolina | 1,190 | 70 | −3.3% |
| Nebraska | 1,130 | 60 | −8.9% |
| Louisiana | 990 | 50 | −10.0% |
| Nevada | 900 | 50 | −2.2% |
| Kansas | 880 | 50 | −11.1% |
| New Mexico | 860 | 50 | −1.1% |
| Oklahoma | 820 | 40 | −13.7% |
| Idaho | 800 | 50 | −3.6% |
| Maine | 540 | 30 | −16.9% |
| Alaska | 530 | 30 | 3.9% |
| Delaware | 450 | 20 | −15.1% |
| Mississippi | 430 | 20 | −6.5% |
| Montana | 400 | 20 | — |
| Rhode Island | 380 | 20 | −11.6% |
| New Hampshire | 370 | 20 | −9.8% |
| West Virginia | 340 | 20 | −5.6% |
| North Dakota | 290 | 20 | −9.4% |
| Vermont | 190 | 10 | −9.5% |
| South Dakota | 110 | 10 | −15.4% |
| Wyoming | 70 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 3,752
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 2,036
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Degrees each year
- 525
- Admit rate
- 97%
- Annual cost after aid
- $6,000
University of Utah
- Degrees each year
- 373
- Admit rate
- 87%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 994
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 741
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
Oregon State University
- Degrees each year
- 920
- Admit rate
- 79%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
DePaul University
- Degrees each year
- 231
- Admit rate
- 74%
- Annual cost after aid
- $29,000