I work from home full-time. I sit at my computer, and work on assigned projects. I have a wide variety of work. I communicate with my manager and co-workers primarily by email. Working on software allows me to use my brain to devise solutions to stated problems or to add function to existing programs.
CAREER
Computer Programmers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$89,190
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
-9.4% (decline)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Computer Programmers Do
Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Other Job Titles Computer Programmers May Have
Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Web Applications Programmer, Web Programmer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Each day is different in its own right, but I usually start my day with some common tasks: 1. Eat breakfast -- very important. 2. Make a to-do list for the day, prioritize each item, and check things off as I complete them. 3. Keep a calendar of important meetings on your schedule.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Computer Programmers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (50%)
Some college, no degree
13%
Bachelor's degree
50%
Master's degree
21%
Other*
16%
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Molecular Biology
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Computer Science
Certification / License
Computer Programming/Progra...
Certification / License
Computer Programming/Progra...
Certification / License
Writing, General
Certification / License
Computer Programming/Progra...
Associates
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Good typing, good problem-solving skills, and in-depth knowledge of my computer platform and programming languages we use. I learned what I know on the job over the past 30 years. I love what I do!
Skills I use daily that I did not learn in school are the following:
1. People Skills: working professionally with unprofessional personalities, respecting other people's time, looking for opportunities to provide value and be helpful to others.
2. Self-Learning Skills: finding ways to take initiative, solve problems on my own, and educate myself. Google is a great resource for this.
3. Organizational Skills: developing a system to keep all my work-related materials and projects accessible.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
1) Choose a major before entering college. It's okay (and usually inevitable) that you will change it later, but goal-setting is important.
2) Meet with someone who has done what you want to do, and interview them over lunch or coffee. The information they provide is invaluable and will probably stick with you for the rest of your life, even if you don't understand everything they say right away.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
