How much does a computer programmer make?

The median pay is $48.26 per hour — roughly $100,500 a year, with the real range running from about $27.74/hr (10th percentile) to $77.15/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a computer programmer?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a computer programmer actually do all day?

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.

Computing & IT◆ PROMISING

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.

What it pays
Computer Programmers earn a median of $48.26/hr — about $100,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $27.74/hr; the top 10% earn $77.15/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 6.2% of computer programmers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are organized and detail-focused, analytical and hands-on.

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Quick questions

How much does a computer programmer make?: The median pay is $48.26 per hour — roughly $100,500 a year, with the real range running from about $27.74/hr (10th percentile) to $77.15/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a computer programmer?: The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
What does a computer programmer actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.