Computer Programmers Job Outlook

Most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree. However, some employers hire workers who have different degrees or experience in certain programming languages. Most programmers have a degree in computer science or a related subject. Programmers working in certain areas, such as healthcare or accounting, can take courses in this area to complement their degree in computer programming. Employers also appreciate the experience that many students gain through internships.

Job prospects

The projected percentage change in employment from 2016 to 2026: -8% (decrease)

(The average growth rate for all professions is 7 percent).

Move along

Programmers with general business experience can become computer systems analysts. With experience, some programmers can become software developers. They can also be promoted to managerial positions. For more information, see the profiles of computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer and information system administrators.

Licenses / certifications

Programmers may be certified in certain programming languages ​​or for manufacturer-specific programming products. Some companies require that their computer programmers be certified for the products they use.

Multimedia content: How much do computer programmers earn?

Annual salary of $ 79,840

$ 38.39 per hour

Computer programmers write and test the code that makes computer applications and software programs work properly. They transform program designs created by developers and software engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. Programmers also test newly created applications and programs to make sure they achieve the expected results. If they don't work properly, computer programmers check the code for errors and fix them.

What do computer programmers do?

Computer programmers generally do the following:

Write programs in various computer languages ​​like C ++ and Java

Update and expand existing programs

Test programs for errors and correct incorrect lines of computer code

Create and test code in an integrated development environment (IDE)

Use code libraries, which are collections of separate lines of code, to make writing easier.

Programmers work closely with software developers, and in some companies their tasks overlap. When such an overlay occurs, programmers can do a typical developer job, e.g. B. Design of the program. Program design initially includes planning the software, creating models and flowcharts that describe code writing, code writing and debugging, and designing an application or system interface.

The purpose of a program determines the complexity of your computer code. For example, a weather app for a mobile device requires less programming than a social media app. The simplest programs can be written in less time. Complex programs, such as computer operating systems, can take a year or more to complete.

Software as a service (SaaS), which consists of applications delivered over the Internet, is a growing field. Although programmers generally have to rewrite their programs to work on different system platforms, such as Windows or OS X, applications created with SaaS work on all platforms. Consequently, developers who write SaaS applications may not have to rewrite as much code as other developers, and may have to spend more time writing new programs.

Read More: computer operator