Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages. PayThe median annual wage for computer programmers was $100,390 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer programmers was $100,390 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
Work Environment
Programmers usually work in office settings, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry. Most computer programmers work full time.
How to Become a Computer Programmer
Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer programmers was $100,390 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 4,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Programmers usually work in office settings, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry. Most computer programmers work full time.
How to Become a Computer Programmer
Computer programmers typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Most programmers specialize in several programming languages.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer programmers was $100,390 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline 7 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 4,400 openings for computer programmers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer programmers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer programmers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about computer programmers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.