What Computer Programmers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Computer Programmers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced"; "Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct"; "Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program"; "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Computer Programmers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 110,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 102,700 in 2035, a decrease of 8,100 jobs (-7.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 4.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 14.6% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $100,390, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Computer Programmers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $114,481 in New York to $120,610 in New Jersey, a gap of $6,129 (1.05 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $100,390 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 9,590, which is 52.1% of the 18,420 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 8,830.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($120,610) and New York ($114,481) lead the ranking, while New York ($114,481) and New Jersey ($120,610) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Computer Programmers
Software Developers, Web and Digital Interface Designers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Computer Network Architects, Information Security Analysts, Computer Systems Analysts and Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Frequently asked questions about Computer Programmers
How much do Computer Programmers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $100,390. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $114,481 to $120,610.
Which state pays Computer Programmers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $120,610. New York is next at $114,481.
Is Computer Programmers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 7.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,400 openings a year.
What education do Computer Programmers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.