How To Become A Compiler: What It Is and Career Path

What is a compiler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

To "compile" is to collect information from various sources to create something, such as a list or report. Therefore, a compiler is someone who does a lot of compiling.

A compiler spends a lot of their workday surrounded by data. This can be survey data, census data, or more specialized data such as geographic or GPS data. The way they compile the data depends on where they work or the task. Some compilers have to compile directories for business owners; others use technical tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make maps.

There are many different ways to be a compiler and many different things to compile. Most compilers need computer skills like C++ and critical thinking skills. The compiler needs to be able to take lots of data and arrange it in a way that makes sense and is useful. There's no data for this, but most compilers were probably the kinds of kids who enjoyed arranging blocks by shape in kindergarten.

ScoreCompilerUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $53,597

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.9

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 4.96%

Black or African American 3.33%

Hispanic or Latino 10.82%

Unknown 4.83%

White 75.54%

Gender

female 51.97%

male 48.03%

Age - 42

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 - 42

Stress level

5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a compiler

Explore compiler education requirements

Most common compiler degrees

Bachelor's

53.6 %

Master's

19.0 %

Associate

15.5 %

Start to develop specific compiler skills

Skills	Percentages
C	33.53%
Compilers	25.23%
Code Generation	20.00%
Linux	13.40%
Java	7.83%

Complete relevant compiler training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New compilers 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 a compiler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real compiler resumes.

Research compiler duties and responsibilities

Direct compilers in the collection and development of desire statistics to be analyze for schedule development.
Train inexperienced compilers in the data capture techniques.
Represent new Linux compiler at user forums and at trade shows
Used 3DCardinal VR privately license mapping software to produce maps digitally.

Prepare your compiler resume

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

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Choose from 10+ customizable compiler resume templates

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