Careers / Computer Programmers
Computer Programmers — Career Decision Dashboard
United States
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Report generated from official BLS OEWS and O*NET data — United States.
Median annual wage
$100,390
United States, 2025
Employment
92,230
United States, 2025
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone 4
Skills identified
35
10 related careers
Career overview
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.
- O*NET code
- 15-1251.00
- Job zone
- 4
- Experience required
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Typical tasks
- 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.
Choose a location
Salary analysis — United States
10th percentile
$57,710
25th percentile
$75,850
75th percentile
$130,680
90th percentile
$160,460
Most important skills
- Programming4.8
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Active Listening3.8
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Quality Control Analysis3.5
- Systems Analysis3.4
- Reading Comprehension3.4
- Writing3.3
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Operations Analysis3.1
- Speaking3.1
- Mathematics3.1
What skills do you need?
Select the skills you already have
Skills listed are those O*NET rates at importance 3.0 or above for this occupation. Set your own level on the same 0–7 O*NET scale.
Skill coverage
0%
0 of 18 identified skills
Matched
0
Missing
18
Your selected skills cover approximately 0% of the skills identified for this occupation in O*NET. This is a coverage measure of listed skills only — it is not a qualification, hiring or interview outcome.
Skills to develop
| Skill | Importance | Required level | Your level | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programming | 4.8 | 4.9 | Not selected | 4.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | 4.0 | Not selected | 4.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | 3.9 | Not selected | 3.9 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.5 | 3.5 | Not selected | 3.5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 | 3.5 | Not selected | 3.5 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.1 | 3.8 | Not selected | 3.8 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.1 | 3.6 | Not selected | 3.6 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.4 | 3.3 | Not selected | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.3 | 3.3 | Not selected | 3.3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 | 3.3 | Not selected | 3.3 |
| Speaking | 3.1 | 3.4 | Not selected | 3.4 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 | 3.3 | Not selected | 3.3 |
| Mathematics | 3.1 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 | 3.0 | Not selected | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 | 3.1 | Not selected | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 | 2.9 | Not selected | 2.9 |
Ordered by required level gap multiplied by O*NET importance. No prediction or recommendation is implied.
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Compare with Computer ProgrammersHow salary varies by location
| Location | Median | Employment | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $155,030 | — | 2025 |
| San Jose, CA | $154,920 | 980 | 2025 |
| Hartford, CT | $141,920 | 1,150 | 2025 |
| Fayetteville, AR | $136,880 | 490 | 2025 |
| San Diego, CA | $134,130 | 1,600 | 2025 |
| CT | $133,820 | 1,650 | 2025 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $132,850 | 90 | 2025 |
| Bend, OR | $132,280 | 90 | 2025 |
| Portland, ME | $131,960 | 190 | 2025 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $130,790 | — | 2025 |
| San Francisco, CA | $130,730 | 2,440 | 2025 |
| Washington, DC | $130,390 | 2,680 | 2025 |
| Boston, MA | $128,900 | 1,600 | 2025 |
| MA | $128,390 | 1,930 | 2025 |
| Kahului, HI | $128,240 | 40 | 2025 |
| New York, NY | $126,750 | 6,670 | 2025 |
| WA | $125,620 | 2,540 | 2025 |
| MD | $125,570 | 2,490 | 2025 |
| Spokane, WA | $125,240 | — | 2025 |
| Visalia, CA | $121,710 | 40 | 2025 |
Career transition paths
Compare the skills of a career you hold today with Computer Programmers to see shared skills, target-only skills and skill overlap.
Build a transition comparisonCareer and skills data: O*NET 31.0.
Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, 2025 (May 2025 release).
Figures are periodic published survey snapshots, not real-time market rates.