What do they do?
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.
Also known as:
Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Systems Programmer, Web Applications Programmer, Web Programmer
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Ranks #37 in job growth rate150Job Openings
Ranks #20 in net job growth
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- Bachelor's degree (51%)
- Master's degree (20%)
- Some college, no degree (13%)
- Associate's degree (8%)
- High school diploma equivalent (5%)
- Doctorate or Professional Degree (3%)
- Less than high school diploma (1%)
Most Popular Majors that prepare Computer Programmers
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#1
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Degrees Granted
4,457
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Female Students
840
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Male Students
3,617
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Median Starting Salary
$62,633
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#2
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Degrees Granted
3,086
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Female Students
663
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Male Students
2,423
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Median Starting Salary
$50,500
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#3
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Degrees Granted
687
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Female Students
197
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Male Students
490
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Median Starting Salary
$54,000
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#4
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Degrees Granted
601
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Female Students
111
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Male Students
490
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Median Starting Salary
$50,500
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#5
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Degrees Granted
577
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Female Students
313
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Male Students
264
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Median Starting Salary
$42,300
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People in this career often have these skills:
- Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- 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.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- 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.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
People in this career often know a lot about:
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
People in this career often have talent in:
- Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
People in this career often do these activities:
- Modify software programs to improve performance.
- Write computer programming code.
- Test software performance.
- Resolve computer software problems.
- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
- Develop diagrams or flow charts of system operation.
- Develop models of information or communications systems.
- Document design or development procedures.
- Train others in computer interface or software use.
- Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Prepare instruction manuals.
- Develop computer or online applications.
- Design websites or web applications.
- Supervise information technology personnel.
- Manage information technology projects or system activities.
- Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
- Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
- Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
This page includes data from:
Career data: O*NET 28.3 Database
by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (“USDOL/ETA”). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA
Occupation statistics: USDOL U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
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