What You Need to Know About Computer Programmer
Job Description & Duties Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
What Do Computer Programmers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- 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.
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Computer Programmer Required Skills
When polled, Computer Programmers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
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.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Other Computer Programmer Job Titles
- Analyst Programmer
- Application Programmer Analyst
- Engineering and Scientific Programmer
- Object-Oriented Programmer
- Systems Programmer
Is There Going to be Demand for Computer Programmers?
In the United States, there were 294,900 jobs for Computer Programmer in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Computer Programmer. The BLS estimates 15,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Programmer are Utah, Louisiana, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Maine, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Computer Programmers Salary
The salary for Computer Programmers ranges between about $48,790 and $134,630 a year.
Computer Programmers who work in Washington, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Programmers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $87,340 |
Alaska | $86,080 |
Arizona | $95,900 |
Arkansas | $71,540 |
California | $97,470 |
Colorado | $94,750 |
Connecticut | $93,370 |
Delaware | $80,260 |
District of Columbia | $105,200 |
Florida | $78,890 |
Georgia | $92,390 |
Hawaii | $72,370 |
Idaho | $76,500 |
Illinois | $91,860 |
Indiana | $80,850 |
Iowa | $78,940 |
Kansas | $75,780 |
Kentucky | $72,190 |
Louisiana | $77,450 |
Maine | $84,830 |
Maryland | $93,000 |
Massachusetts | $95,380 |
Michigan | $76,450 |
Minnesota | $86,710 |
Mississippi | $73,940 |
Missouri | $76,530 |
Montana | $94,480 |
Nebraska | $76,540 |
Nevada | $80,580 |
New Hampshire | $75,680 |
New Jersey | $85,750 |
New Mexico | $72,770 |
New York | $91,250 |
North Carolina | $94,570 |
North Dakota | $76,180 |
Ohio | $74,930 |
Oklahoma | $83,090 |
Oregon | $79,470 |
Pennsylvania | $85,800 |
South Carolina | $81,940 |
South Dakota | $57,060 |
Tennessee | $82,400 |
Texas | $91,970 |
Utah | $83,700 |
Vermont | $81,680 |
Virginia | $94,470 |
Washington | $126,920 |
West Virginia | $83,160 |
Wisconsin | $79,420 |
Wyoming | $71,910 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Programmers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer Programmers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- React
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
How to Become a Computer Programmer
Learn what Computer Programmer education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Computer Programmers Work?
Below are examples of industries where Computer Programmers work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Computer Programmer may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Computer Programmer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
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