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Job outlook for computer programmers in the United States
Computer programmer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected computer programmer job growth rate is -7% from 2018-2028.
About -17,900 new jobs for computer programmers are projected over the next decade.
Computer programmer salaries have increased 12% for computer programmers in the last 5 years.
There are over 24,731 computer programmers currently employed in the United States.
There are 205,491 active computer programmer job openings in the US.
The average computer programmer salary is $70,979.
Are computer programmer jobs in demand?
Computer programmer job and salary trends over time
Computer programmer jobs over time
Computer programmer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24,731 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 46,050 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 40,002 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 114,828 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 122,794 | 0.04% |
Average computer programmer salary over time
Computer programmer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $70,979 | $34.12 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $68,641 | $33.00 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $67,087 | $32.25 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $65,463 | $31.47 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $63,552 | $30.55 | +0.4% |
Computer programmer jobs by state
Most common states for computer programmers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 620 | 89% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,789 | 38% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 401 | 38% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 364 | 38% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 231 | 37% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,084 | 36% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,180 | 36% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,017 | 29% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,125 | 27% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 809 | 26% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 343 | 26% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 269 | 26% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 149 | 26% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 177 | 23% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 431 | 22% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 160 | 22% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,158 | 21% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,149 | 21% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 7,805 | 20% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 343 | 20% |
Most common cities for computer programmers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Batavia | 2 | 8% | $74,046 |
| 2 | Grand Prairie | 1 | 1% | $69,082 |
| 3 | Hammond | 1 | 1% | $69,744 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $67,222 |
| 5 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $72,932 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $64,232 |
| 7 | Topeka | 1 | 1% | $67,002 |
| 8 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $83,594 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $72,220 |
| 10 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $74,119 |
| 11 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0% | $68,065 |
| 12 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $72,855 |
| 13 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $75,480 |
| 14 | Stockton | 1 | 0% | $83,355 |
Computer Programmer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of computer programmer experts
Hampton University
Portland State University
Nova Southeastern University
Kettering University
University of Guam
Indiana University Southeast
Gannon University
Eastern Washington University
Weber State University
Allegheny College
Saint Xavier University
Taylor University
John Brown University
Rider University
Union University
Seminole State College of Florida
Harding University
What general advice would you give to a Computer Programmer?
Dr. Yohannes Bekele: By entering the computer engineering profession now, individuals can take advantage of the high skilled-power demand in the field, diverse career paths broadly classified under hardware and software sub-areas, lucrative salaries as compared to other fields, continuous learning opportunities, and the potential for entrepreneurship in changing ideas into startup businesses easily. It is a field that offers long-term growth prospects and the chance to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies.
What Computer Programmer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yohannes Bekele: A computer engineer's daily tasks can be in the hardware or in the software areas. Some common responsibilities in hardware include designing and developing computer hardware components like processors, circuits and memory devices and creating prototypes and testing hardware products to ensure they meet specifications. In addition, analyzing test data and modifying hardware designs as needed is also the responsibility of a computer engineer. For software side, a computer engineer can do writing code and developing software especially focusing on the underlying hardware and interfacing with it such as kernel level programming and debugging existing software programs and ensuring systems run smoothly. Additionally, a computer engineer is responsible for designing and developing electrical systems and components required for computing systems and modification of electrical circuits based on function assessments. For someone entering the field as a junior or new computer engineer, typical daily activities may involve assisting senior engineers, writing code, testing products, attending training sessions focusing on the above mentioned concentration areas, and participating in meetings to learn about ongoing projects.
What Computer Programmer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wu-chang Feng: This is subjective, but I think people enjoy the creative act of thinking about a problem, figuring out how to solve it, then building software to do so. What they disliked before was the inability to quickly go from thought to working implementation. This gap is now much narrower.
What will help Computer Programmers increase their earning potential?
Wu-chang Feng: I believe so. With the advent of generative AI, it is now much easier to go from idea to implementation. We can now build things closer to the limits of our imagination.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What Computer Programmer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What general advice would you give to a Computer Programmer?
Dr. Jim Huggins: Computer science is a problem-solving discipline. Computer scientists help people solve problems. Typically, those problems deal with data; someone has a large set of data and needs to answer questions about that data, or process it in some way. Computer scientists write programs that run on computers to help their clients answer those questions and perform those processing tasks. On a given day, a computer scientist might do any or all of the following tasks, working alone or in teams: - Meet with clients to understand their problems and how a computing system might help them solve their problems. - Design computing systems to meet client needs. - Build computing systems to meet design specifications. - Test computing systems in order to find errors in their construction and fix those errors. - Repair computing systems that are not functioning properly. - Instruct users how to use the computing systems the computer scientist has designed for them. - Brainstorm new ideas for computing systems that would meet the needs of new customers.
What Computer Programmer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jim Huggins: Demand for computer scientists in the marketplace is high right now. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment in computer science is projected to grow much faster than all other occupations in the next ten years and currently pays salaries twice the national average. Working conditions for computer scientists are generally good: pleasant office environments, with the potential for flexible work environments and flexible schedules. But beyond the economic reasons, choosing computer science as a career means choosing a career that helps people solve their problems. Everyone uses computers to perform hundreds of tasks per day; computer scientists design the systems that people are using to make their everyday life more fulfilling.
What will help Computer Programmers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jim Huggins: Computer scientists enjoy the opportunity to be creative every day. Every computing system being designed is different from the last one or the next one; creativity is required to solve new problems every day. Computer scientists enjoy the opportunity to solve problems. There is a great feeling of accomplishment when a team finishes developing a computing system or helps a client solve their problems by using a computing system they designed. Computer scientists are innovative. By definition, they create systems that never existed beforehand. People enjoy knowing that they're creating the future of our world. Each benefit of being a computer scientist can also be a challenge. Working with people, both to determine the requirements for a system that's never existed, and to build that system, can be subject to the same interpersonal conflicts of any discipline. Problem-solving can be frustrating if the solution is not immediately apparent. Building computing systems requires technical skills that can take time to learn and to master.
James Sellmann Ph.D.
Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian StudiesUniversity of Guam
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Computer Programmer?
James Sellmann Ph.D.: General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.
What Computer Programmer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Sellmann Ph.D.: General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.
What will help Computer Programmers increase their earning potential?
James Sellmann Ph.D.: Computer skills, especially being able to work effectively with artificial intelligence will be most important. Being able to work with actual intelligence, that is living people, will always be an important skill.
Chris Sexton
Visiting Lecturer of Computer ScienceIndiana University Southeast
Computer Science Department
What skills stand out on Computer Programmer resumes?
Chris Sexton: The biggest thing that stands out to me in a candidate is how much effort in self-improvement is apparent on the resume. A candidate that lists a few jobs and bullet points of skills is acceptable but not impressive. But on the other hand, a candidate that lists a portfolio of projects to show those skills are real and how those skills made them a game-changing employee at their previous jobs is a clear winner.
What soft skills should all Computer Programmers possess?
Chris Sexton: Teamwork is the obvious soft skill that is vital. It encompasses more than just being willing to work together but also includes strong documentation skills, textual communication skills, and precision in language. For an example of precision, which of the following is a task that can be completed:
"The login system will require strong passwords."
or
"The login system will require passwords of no less than 16 characters including at least two numbers and two non-alpha numeric characters."
It is easy for an engineer to be lax and use informal language that subtly confuses development efforts, but the valuable candidate will have strong technical communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Computer Programmers?
Chris Sexton: As with soft skills, technical skills in teamwork matter, a candidate must have the ability to work with revision control, be it git or some similar system. In addition, it is vital that fundamental computing skills such as operating the shell of a Linux machine are good signs that a candidate will be able to adapt to new systems.
What skills will help Computer Programmers earn the most?
Chris Sexton: My expectation for high earners is generally that they have relevant experience in real projects using the platforms used in the industry, but also that they know why and how those tools work. A candidate who has finished a computer science degree is going to be a candidate that has taken a class on algorithmic analysis, programming languages, software engineering, and of course, many other courses that reveal why we make the choices that we make with technology. Mistakes and shortsightedness are often the result without that key viewpoint of the "why." Leadership comes from confidence and understanding of fundamentals.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Computer Programmers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Stephen Frezza Ph.D.: Computing is ubiquitous, and with more industries moving to remote work, location is becoming less critical. If the internet reaches a place reliably, computing jobs can be located there.
How do you envision technology impacting Computer Programmers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Stephen Frezza Ph.D.: Breadth and depth: Computing is becoming more like engineering; where the value of the product, its lifetime risks, costs, and benefits are more critical than just it's roll-out. So the engineering competencies that have always been a part of computing will become more central. Computing is also expanding; the role of data and the shift of once-research technologies (like machine learning) into production applications will continue to require computing graduates to broaden their base and continue as learners. This will cause shifts in what is considered 'fundamental' and the need for professionals to continue to hone and redevelop their technical skill sets.
Christian Hansen Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairEastern Washington University
Department of Mathematics
What's a day at work look like for a Computer Programmer?
Christian Hansen Ph.D.: In the post-pandemic era, a typical workday for a recent graduate will likely involve some form of remote work. I predict that many businesses will benefit from the reduced cost of remote infrastructure compared to the cost of maintaining brick and mortar office space. Many new graduates will continue to spend their day on a computer while collaborating in teams via Zoom and other teleconference tools. People working in disciplines that have traditionally been "on the ground" will move towards more hybrid modes of work, reducing the need for travel and participating in face-to-face meetings and training.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Computer Programmers?
Dr. Kyle Feuz Ph.D.: Change is often a slow process. For years, we have been hearing about the potential benefits of having employees work remotely and many companies had even started moving in that direction prior to the pandemic. However, the pandemic forced rapid change in the workplace environment with remote work becoming a necessity if businesses wanted to stay open. As I talk with different employers I am hearing a consistent message: remote work is here to stay.
This should not be interpreted to mean that every company is suddenly committed to allowing their employees to work remotely on a full-time basis (although some are). Instead, many companies see this as an opportunity to allow increased flexibility with work schedules and remote work. I do not anticipate that these changes will be immediate. Remember, change is often a slow process. I cannot predict the ripple effect such changes will cause in the job market.
With that in mind, we can start to consider the broader effects such policies will have. This has the potential to open the job market up to a wider audience. Previously, a graduate would have to decide if they were willing to relocate before looking at an opening outside of their immediate geographic area. With full-time remote work, those geographic constraints no longer apply. Similarly, individuals with other commitments that may prevent them from working a traditional 9-5 job may find opportunities that would previously have been unavailable to them. This just barely scratches the surface of the enduring impacts the pandemic may cause but one thing is certain, the world will never be the same.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Computer Programmers?
Dr. Kyle Feuz Ph.D.: Any time you have a certification, license or degree it's going to give you a leg up compared to your peers with similar skill sets but no certification. Often the certification or degree will help your resume make it through an initial screening process but then it's up to you to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills the certification is supposed to represent. It's also important to know what career you want to pursue. Certifications are usually targeted to a very limited skill set. If that skill set is a critical part of the job description then the certification will be a strong mark in your favor. Some fields even require certification before you will be considered for the position. However, if the skill set is only tangentially related to the job description then there is little benefit in having the certification.
What soft skills should all Computer Programmers possess?
Dr. Kyle Feuz Ph.D.: The top three things I hear from employers when talking about soft-skills are communication, collaboration, and ethics. They need employees who know how to communicate professionally in both written communications and oral communications. They also need employees who can work with others. You may be working internally with colleagues or externally with customers, clients and business partners but there are very few positions where collaborating with others is not a large part of the job. Finally, employers are looking for trustworthy employees. Many technical positions involve working with sensitive data, and no amount of technical controls can compensate for unethical or untrustworthy employees. All three of these soft skills are only going to increase in importance with the rise in remote work. Remote work cannot function successfully without good communication, collaboration and ethical behavior.
Oliver Bonham-Carter Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorAllegheny College
Department of Computer Science and Affiliated Faculty in Integrative Informatics
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Computer Programmer job market given the pandemic?
Oliver Bonham-Carter Ph.D.: Pandemic has accelerated social connectivity trends using technology, including technology for remote work, and e-learning, and technology to make e-commerce more comfortable and faster. I foresee these accelerated technology trends to continue, even after the pandemic, and therefore job markets in these areas to continue to grow. Another big surge we have seen is in data analytics, which has been increasing over the last decade, and COVID-19 has spotlighted this field. I expect data analyst jobs to continue to be in demand and to grow. Also, the pandemic showed us the interconnectedness of technology with other areas. As the need to develop better solutions to fight various diseases heightens, for example, I expect jobs in biotech to grow.
What are the best companies to work for a Computer Programmer?
James Vanderhyde: The best companies to work for are companies that respect you as a person and not just a cog in the machine. They are inclusive, and they recognize and appreciate diversity. They have a track record of handling sick leave and family leave as needed. They will not expect you to eat dinner in your office and then go back to work after an already long day. All software companies experience crunch times around release dates, but the best companies do not experience constant crunch. That is a sign of poor management. The best companies will give you challenging problems to work on and reward innovation.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Computer Programmers in the next 5 years?
James Vanderhyde: There has been a steady increase in software and IT jobs for the last 20 years, and this is not going to slow down any time soon. In the next 5 years, demand will increase, particularly in software development and cybersecurity. The technology field changes so quickly that beyond 5 years, it is difficult to make predictions. That is why we thoroughly prepare our computer science and information systems students for technology changes and career shifts to discover the best in themselves and to be prepared to meet the demand and excel within the field.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Computer Programmers to find work opportunities?
James Vanderhyde: Any big city will have lots of opportunities for computing, software, and IT work. Silicon Valley and the rest of the west coast are the most famous, but innovation is happening everywhere around the country and around the world, including here in Chicago. Chicago tech companies have hired our students upon graduation, and likewise, our graduates have found success and gratification in the field.
Dr. Jonathan Geisler
Associate ProfessorTaylor University
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Computer Programmers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Jonathan Geisler: There will be a continued increase in demand for computer engineering
graduates as computers become more heavily integrated into the fabric
of our lives. Things like self-driving cars, the Internet of Things, and
mobile computing will become more commonplace and increase the demand for engineering talent; the long-term trend of using smartphones and web-based applications will not slow, leading to an increase in the
demand for computing talent.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Computer Programmers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Ted Junseok Song: Due to COVID-19, people have more choices on location as more companies allow their employees to work remotely.
How do you envision technology impacting Computer Programmers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Ted Junseok Song: The question is not whether technology will advance or not. It is, rather, how it will advance. Professionals in the industry need to be equipped to see the customers' demand and where our society is headed. I would recommend college students to be interested in broad topics apart from topics in their major. Well-rounded people will have more opportunities to impact the future.
Dr. Howard Rees
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Information SystemsRider University
Information systems
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Computer Programmers?
Dr. Howard Rees: We're moving into a volatile time for the economy, and planning for an uncertain future is what big companies are concerned with. In many ways, the pandemic and concerns over future pandemics that we now know can be globally devastating will be a boon for CS and IT graduates. Face to face business interactions and transactions will be dramatically reduced, both in the short term and in the long run, as there will be a need to hedge against future pandemics. Everything changes from production and operations to supply chain and risk management and diversification to the nature of "office work." And all of that must be underpinned by computer technology: communications, security, data analytics. These are trends that have been developing for the past few decades but the pandemic will accelerate them, and that's all useful, if you're a CS or IT graduate with a broad base of knowledge, which provides you the freedom to adapt.
What general advice would you give to a Computer Programmer?
Brian Glas: Build relationships: Different technologies will interest and challenge you, but throughout your career, you'll find that it's the relationships that are the most important. This is harder to grasp earlier in your career, but much easier to understand after 15-20 years.
Gain different perspectives: Spend time with people in other roles that your job interacts with, and gain a solid understanding of how they view things; this is most valuable for career progression and understanding of how your work fits into the big picture.
Craig Tidwell Ph.D.
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
Center for Information Technology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Computer Programmers?
Craig Tidwell Ph.D.: Many I.T. employees already have the option to work remotely (telecommute), but this will become even more important with the Coronavirus challenges. Employees must be able to work remotely and be organized and self-directed. Employers are looking for teleworkers that can work on a task from anywhere.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Computer Programmers?
Frank McCown Ph.D.: Many companies have changed their hiring practices. It's not unusual for a new graduate to jump straight into remote work. I predict the move from in-person work to remote work is only going to accelerate as we get more comfortable with it. Once the pandemic dies down, and economic uncertainties start to go away, companies that had been on hiring freezes will likely jump back in, creating a strong market for graduates.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Computer Programmers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.: Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.