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.
Also Known As
- Analyst Programmer
- Computer Programmer
- Programmer
- Programmer Analyst
Alternate Job Titles
- .NET Programmer
- Analyst Programmer
- Application Programmer
- Application Programmer Analyst
- Applications Programmer
- Automation Programmer
- Beta Tester
- Bug Bounty Hunter
- Business Programmer
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- Client Server Programmer
- Cloud Engineer
- COBOL Programmer (Common Business Oriented Language Programmer)
- Computer Game Programmer
- Computer Language Coder
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Programming
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Support
- Independence
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- AJAX
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer servers
- Desktop computers
- Mainframe computers
- Mainframe operating systems
- Serial port cards
Work Environment
- Spend Time Sitting
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $52,190 |
| Median | $98,670 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $162,090 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 109,870
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $98,090
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
Database Administrators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $104,620
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.