Technology15-1251.00Specialization

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.

$99,700
Median Pay
4-6 years
Training
πŸ”΄
High Disruption Risk

This is a specialization of

Software Developers

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 1/6: high AI task exposure, declining job demand creates significant risk from AI disruption

πŸ”΄High Disruption Risk

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
High+0

95% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Declining+0

-6% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 15/25

Total Score1/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  • Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
  • Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
  • Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

Bachelor's degree

Time to Job Ready

4-6 years

Based on Job Zone 4. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

PythonJavaScriptSQLGitCloud platforms (AWS/Azure)Java/C++APIs and web services

Key Abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionNear VisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionSpeech Recognition

Ready to Start Your Career?

Find jobs and training programs for computer programmers- Median salary: $100K/year

πŸ”

Find Jobs

Search positions from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and more. Get up to 50 relevant job listings with salary info.

  • Real-time results
  • Export to Excel
πŸ“š

Find Training

Discover training programs, certifications, and educational resources to help you get started or advance your career.

  • Local programs
  • DOL verified
Find Training Programs
Training data powered byCareerOneStop- U.S. Department of Labor

Compensation Details

$58,950
10th Percentile
$99,700
Median
$167,230
90th Percentile

Based on 120,370 employed workers

Also Known As

.NET ProgrammerAnalyst ProgrammerApplication ProgrammerApplication Programmer AnalystApplications ProgrammerBeta TesterBug Bounty HunterBusiness ProgrammerCertified Ethical HackerClient Server Programmer

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 15-1251.00