Job Information on Programming
Programmers write instructions that tell computers how to process information, according to StateUniversity.com. These instructions are called a “program.” Programs are developed to instruct computers to do all kinds of projects, so the type of work a programmer does will depend on his employer. Programmers work in health care, manufacturing, engineering, education and industry, as well as many other fields.
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The Job
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Programmers write programs using special computer languages, according to StateUniversity.com. Different projects require different computer languages. For example, the COBOL language is useful for business programs, while HTML is a language used mainly for Internet-based programs.
Computer programs are long and complex. They must be tested after they are written to ensure that they work correctly. Programs which don't work correctly must be analyzed by the programmer. She will search for errors in data and logic, and then correct any mistakes she finds. This process can be very time-consuming, and the creation of a sophisticated program may take a year or more, according to StateUniversity.com.
Education and Training
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Programmers generally require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or information systems, according to StateUniversity.com. They must have a working knowledge of all major programming languages. This knowledge can be learned in school or in a separate certification course.
High school students wishing to become programmers need to focus on mathematics, physics and computer science. These students should learn programming languages in school if possible, or invest time to learning them outside of school.
Training continues throughout a programmer’s career. Programmers must stay abreast of new technologies and programming languages to stay competitive in the computer industry.
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Working Conditions
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Programmers work in comfortable, clean surroundings, according to StateUniversity.com. Full-time hours are normal, with longer hours and weekend work possible as deadlines approach. Programmers must be able to work in a team or independently. Travel is possible, as clients may want to meet their programmers. Eye strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or back problems are a possibility, as programmers spend much of their time seated at a computer.
Salary
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The median wage for computer programmers in the United States was $69,620 as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest ten percent earned less than $40,080, and the highest ten percent made over $111,000, according to the BLS.
Outlook
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Over 455,000 programmers were employed in the United States in 2004, according to StateUniversity.com. The employment of programmers is expected to grow slowly, as sophisticated programs that write code automatically have been developed.
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