Computer Programming Careers Information
Although the type of work that computer programming careers consist of varies greatly from job to job, the basic function of a programmer involves writing the step-by-step instructions that tell computers what to do and how to process information. Programmers code these instructions with a language that the computer system will be able to read, understand, and respond to accordingly.
Other tasks involve testing for program deficiencies and updating, modifying, and repairing existing programs. They can work in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, engineering, government facilities, hospitals, and educational institutions.
Computer Programming Careers & Degrees
- Stevens-Henager College: Salt Lake City
California College of San Diego: San Diego
Computer Programming Careers Path
Increasingly, employers prefer a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, mathematics, or engineering. An Associate’s degree in computer science is sufficient for some entry-level jobs but competition is growing stiff for these positions. Employers chiefly look for computer programming knowledge and past experience with programming languages like C++ and Java.
Computer Programming Careers Salary Expectations
Median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer programmers were $69,620, with the middle 50 percent earned between $52,640 and $89,720 a year. On average, college graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science start with a salary at approximately $61,407.
Computer Programming Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Logical thinker, strong attention to detail, ability to grasp abstract concepts, patience, persistence, analytical, creative, innovative, strong communication skills to relay technical concepts to non-technical people
Computer Programmer Interview
Learn more from a Computer Programmer…
Computer Programmer Careers Job Outlook
Employment opportunities are expected to decline by 3% by 2018. This is largely due to innovative software that has the ability to write its own code and the outsourcing of jobs to other nations.
Regardless, job opportunities are expected to be most plentiful in rapidly growing sectors like data-processing service firms, software houses, and computer consulting businesses. With competition stiffening, programmers need to stay afloat with trends and innovations in terms of programming tools as well as businesses and their programming needs.
Slightly off the Footpath
- Mathematician
- Engineer
- Statistician
- Research Analyst
- Computer Software Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Computer Systems Analyst
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos303.htm (visited August 10, 2011).
