How To Become An Associate Programmer: What It Is and Career Path

What is an associate programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Craig Tidwell Ph.D.

Associate programmers are technological experts that work with programmers to write code and develop applications. Associate programmers need to know how to use coding languages such as SQL, HTML, and more. They're familiar with commonly used software in the business, such as SAS (Statistical Analysis System), which they use to develop tools that businesses can use in their everyday operations. They also have some basic knowledge of design principles in order to design websites.

Besides their technical knowledge, associate programmers need to be excellent communicators in order to work with the rest of the programming team. They also handle administrative tasks, such as documenting compliance.

Most associate programmers start their careers with a bachelor's degree in computer science. Some even go on to earn a master's degree. Depending on the company, they either start off as programmers and become promoted to the associate position, or work under the supervision of programmers. They earn an average salary of $70,998 a year.

What general advice would you give to an associate programmer?

Craig Tidwell Ph.D.

Professor/Program Manager, Seminole State College of Florida

Students who are graduating with a degree in computer and information systems should focus on being lifelong learners. The most challenging, and sometimes frustrating, aspect of a career in information technology is that it is always changing. Employers are also looking for employees that can work well with others, especially in teams. Having a good understanding of the development and design process, and project management (DevOps) is a plus. Currently, there is a high demand for graduates with cloud and information security knowledge and skills.

ScoreAssociate ProgrammerUS Average

Salary

5.6

Avg. Salary $71,595

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.1

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 19.90%

Black or African American 4.73%

Hispanic or Latino 8.35%

Unknown 4.62%

White 62.23%

Gender

female 33.33%

male 66.67%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an associate programmer

Explore associate programmer education requirements

Most common associate programmer degrees

Bachelor's

72.1 %

Master's

14.1 %

Associate

9.6 %

Start to develop specific associate programmer skills

Skills	Percentages
Java	9.69%
Macro	6.98%
SAS	6.09%
JavaScript	5.92%
HTML	5.62%

Complete relevant associate programmer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New associate programmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an associate programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real associate programmer resumes.

Research associate programmer duties and responsibilities

Lead solutions engineering that involve process automation, macro conversion and functionality enhancement.
Code procedure showing any state disclaimers information if it is applicable, (an HTML table assemble using PL/SQL).
Used XML to transfer the application data between client and server.
Incorporate PL/SQL commands to extract desire fields that would be used to build the new system.

Prepare your associate programmer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your associate programmer resume.

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