Vocational Index

Career

Computer programmers

Write and test the code that makes software work.

$100,390
Median pay
-7.3%
Job growth, 2025–35
4,400
Openings a year
Bachelor's degree
Typical education
4 years
Typical time after high school

Here's what you actually need to know.

The work

What people in this job do

  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  • Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  • Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

The outlook

How the forecast changed this year

2024–34 edition-6.0%2025–35 edition-7.3%
Projected 10-year growth in last year's and this year's BLS projections. 5,500 → 4,400 openings a year.

AI
BLS now cites artificial intelligence in this occupation's outlook: “share decreases as computer programming tasks are more commonly performed by other computer occupations, such as software developers. Computer programming work also continues to be automated, including with artificial intelligence (AI), allowing computer programmers to become more efficient.”

The deeper question

What kind of person does this path ask you to become?

What this work centers on

Information & systems
5.9
Ideas & analysis
5.1
Objects & tools
3.4
Creation & expression
2.5
Persuasion & leadership
2.1
People & care
2.0

O*NET interest profile, scored 1–7.

The work

Do you want most of your days spent on information & systems, then ideas & analysis?

Responsibility

Are you willing to be the one responsible for this?

“Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.”

Development

What would you need to build over the next 5–10 years?

Programming, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving.

Trade-offs

What does it ask of you in exchange?

4 years of education after high school (bachelor's degree), for a median of $100,390 a year and 4,400 openings nationally each year.

Paths in

Degrees that lead here

Paths across

Careers that use similar skills

Ask anything about this career.

“Would this make sense if I don't want to sit at a desk all day?” Answers will come from the sources on this page, with citations. Coming soon.

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Sources

  1. BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
  2. BLS Employment Projections, 2024–34 (archived), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
  3. O*NET 31.0 Database (August 2026), National Center for O*NET Development / U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved 2026-10-01.
  4. CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk, NCES and BLS. Retrieved 2026-10-01.