What Is the Pay Scale for a Computer Programmer?
Computer programmers write instructions for computers in code to process information. Opportunities are beginning to decline slowly, but prospects are good for programmers experienced in the hottest languages and specific technologies. The median salary is between $58,000 and $76,000, with significant differences depending on the place of employment and the amount of experience and education.
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Function
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Computer programmers work for software developers, computer manufacturers, financial services, insurance, manufacturing and industry, hospitals, educational institutions and for the government. They write instructions directing computers to accomplish goals of department managers or systems analysts. They write the instructions in a programming language such as COBOL for business applications, C++ for science, and HTML and JAVA in Web applications. Most programs are very long and complicated, and usually must be tested and reworked several times to solve any coding problems, a process called debugging.
Significance
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Most programmers work on specific jobs with a direct application, such as writing a program to process insurance claims in a more efficient manner, or upgrading a website to allow more customer interaction. Depending on the size of the project and the budget, programmers work independently or in teams. Usually a deadline is set by management, which can result in extra hours as the deadline approaches, and significant overtime if the program does not work properly once it is launched.
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Identification
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The median starting salary for computer programmers is about $50,000. About 80 percent of programmers earn between $38,400 and $106,000. Narrowing it down further, the middle 50 percent earn between $49,500 and $85,000. Salaries are higher for those working for software publishers and computer systems designers, with the average salary between $68,000 and $80,000. Programmers working in hot fields such as game design earn an average of between $80,000 and $90,000.
Potential
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With experience, programmers can advance to senior positions, which may require further education. Senior programmers make an average of about $84,000. Programmers who work on contract and are experienced in the hottest languages currently earn about $65 an hour. Systems analysts, a position that requires extensive programming knowledge, earn excellent salaries at around $168,000 average.
Expert Insight
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The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a slow decline in the job outlook for computer programmers in the U.S. due to consolidation of systems and applications, advances in programming tools, and outsourcing work to other countries that pay lower wages. Programmers with strong technical skills who continue their education by learning new languages, and who work in expanding fields such as digital security, graphical-user interfaces, wireless applications and networking, should continue to find many opportunities.
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