Computer Programming Job Salaries
Computer programmers write the software that enables computer hardware to function. They typically take designs from software engineers and systems analysts and translate them into such languages as C++ and Python. They often work in clean, comfortable and air-conditioned offices, with telecommuting becoming more popular for some employees. Most work a standard 40-hour week except when an upcoming software release requires overtime.
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Basics
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As of May 2010, the PayScale reports programmers earn a base salary of $39,955 to $62,343 per year. Adding to that bonuses of $766 to $4,818, profit sharing of $979 to $3,035 and commissions of $491 to $5,139 makes a total salary of $38,697 to $63,120.
Experience
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Greater programming experience translates to higher salaries. When starting, programmers average an annual salary of $33,629 to $50,144. At one to four years of experience, they make $38,369 to $54,113; and at five to nine years, they earn $44,199 to $66,497. At 10 to 19 years they are paid $49,419 to $75,810, and at 20 years or more they get $60,378 to $91,822.
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Employer
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The type of employer can affect pay, with the self-employed showing the widest and highest range at $39,305 to $117,110. Those working for companies averaged $39,833 to $62,596, while those under contract earned $47,083 to $78,611. The federal government pays $44,127 to $76,329, while state and local jurisdictions pay $40,749 to $60,384. Finally, hospital employees earned $49,459 to $61,410, while those in nonprofit organizations earned $40,000 to $55,000.
Location
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The city of employment can determine the salary, with New Yorkers earning the highest salaries at $48,706 to $81,380, followed by those in Houston, who earned $38,756 to 75,000. In Dallas, programmers made $40,588 to $75,000, while in Los Angeles they earned $50,289 to $74,687. Finally, programmers in Chicago received $41,093 $67,407, while those in Kansas City were paid $40,131 to $60,529.
Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts computer programmers will experience a job growth of 21 percent from 2008 to 2018; this rate of growth is much faster than for all other professions. Most of the demand will come from the increasing use of networking technologies such as the Internet. Though a bachelor's degree is sufficient for many programming jobs, employers often prefer a master's degree. Programmers who have a broad knowledge of different computer systems should find the best opportunities.
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References
- Photo Credit computers network image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
