- 1.Computer Programmers earn $55,000-$168,000 with a median of $99,700 (BLS, 2025)
- 2.Employment is projected to decline 10% from 2024-2034, BUT the role is merging with software developer positions - coding skills remain valuable
- 3.Best suited for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy writing clean, efficient code and solving logical problems
- 4.Expect to spend most of your day writing and debugging code. Less design work than developers; more implementation focus.
- 5.Many programmers transition to software developer roles for broader responsibilities and higher pay ($133,080 median)
What Is a Computer Programmer?
A Computer Programmer writes, tests, and maintains the code that makes software applications work. They translate specifications and designs from software developers into working programs that computers can execute.
What makes this role unique: Programmers focus primarily on writing code, while software developers have broader responsibilities including design and architecture. The programmer role is more specialized and implementation-focused.
Best suited for: Detail-oriented individuals who love writing code and solving logical problems. Best for those who prefer focused technical work over meetings and design discussions.
Explore Computer Programming degree programs to build the skills needed for this career.
Computer Programmer
SOC 15-1251A Day in the Life of a Computer Programmer
Most of your day is spent writing and debugging code. Unlike developers who attend many design meetings, programmers focus on implementation.
Morning: Check overnight build results. Review assigned tasks for the day. Start coding on a new feature or bug fix. Quick team standup to sync on progress.
Afternoon: Continue coding work. Debug a tricky issue in existing code. Document your changes. Submit code for review. Address review feedback.
Core daily tasks include:
- Writing code in languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript
- Testing and debugging programs
- Updating and maintaining existing software
- Documenting code and procedures
- Collaborating with developers and analysts on requirements
- Running and monitoring automated tests
Common meetings: Daily standups, occasional design reviews, and code review sessions.
How to Become a Computer Programmer: Step-by-Step Guide
Total Time: 2-4 yearsLearn Programming Fundamentals
Build solid programming foundations.
- Master basic programming concepts
- Learn one language deeply (Python, Java, or C++)
- Understand data structures and algorithms
Complete Formal Education
Get formal training in computer science.
- Bachelor's degree in CS or related field
- Or associate's degree with strong portfolio
- Alternative: coding bootcamp + self-study
Build Your Portfolio
Demonstrate practical coding skills.
- Create 3-5 personal projects
- Contribute to open source
- Document code on GitHub
Land Your First Job
Start your programming career.
- Apply for entry-level programmer positions
- Practice coding interview questions
- Network with other developers
Computer Programmer Tools & Technologies
Programming Languages:
- Python: Versatile, used for web, data, automation.
- Java: Enterprise applications, Android development.
- JavaScript: Web development, full-stack applications.
- C/C++: Systems programming, performance-critical applications.
Development Tools:
- IDEs: VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm.
- Version Control: Git and GitHub/GitLab.
- Debugging Tools: Integrated debuggers, logging frameworks.
Additional tools:
- SQL: Database querying and management.
- Testing Frameworks: JUnit, pytest, Jest.
- Build Tools: Maven, npm, make.
Computer Programmer Skills: Technical & Soft
Computer Programmers need strong coding skills and attention to detail.
Technical Skills
Mastery of at least one language (Python, Java, C++).
Finding and fixing errors in code.
Git for code management and collaboration.
Database querying and data manipulation.
Soft Skills
Writing clean, error-free code.
Breaking down complex problems logically.
Working independently on coding tasks.
Building Your Programming Portfolio
Your portfolio demonstrates practical coding skills. Focus on code quality over quantity.
Projects that demonstrate programming skills:
- A command-line application solving a real problem
- A web application with frontend and backend components
- A data processing script or automation tool
- Contributions to open source projects
- A mobile app (iOS or Android)
What to highlight:
- Clean, readable, well-documented code
- Problem-solving approach in README files
- Unit tests showing attention to quality
- Git commit history showing your development process
Computer Programmer Interview Preparation
Programmer interviews focus heavily on coding skills and problem-solving ability.
Common coding questions:
- Reverse a string or linked list
- Find duplicates in an array
- Implement a basic sorting algorithm
- Write a function to check if a string is a palindrome
- Parse and process data from a file
Technical questions:
- Explain the difference between an array and a linked list
- What is object-oriented programming?
- How do you debug a program that's not working?
- Explain version control and how you use Git
Preparation tips: Practice on LeetCode or HackerRank daily. Be able to explain your thought process as you code. Know your chosen language deeply.
Career Challenges for Computer Programmers
Common challenges:
- Role consolidation: Many programmer positions are being merged into software developer roles. You may need to expand your skills.
- Keeping current: Programming languages and tools evolve. Continuous learning is essential.
- Monotonous work: Some programmer roles involve repetitive maintenance tasks rather than new development.
- Limited advancement: Without expanding into design and architecture, career growth can stall.
How experienced programmers handle these:
- Proactively learn software design and architecture
- Stay current with new languages and frameworks
- Seek roles that offer variety and learning opportunities
- Consider transitioning to software developer for broader career options
Computer Programmer Salary by State
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
Save $1000 on Springboard Bootcamps
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Programs for Tech careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
Computer Programmer FAQs
Data Sources
Computer Programmers employment and wage data
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.