Computer Programmer Salary: Your 2023 Guide
What can you earn as a computer programmer in the US? Learn how computer programmer salaries differ depending on location, experience, industry, and more.
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Computer programmers are technical professionals. They are responsible for creating, modifying, and testing code. Code is the functional backbone for websites, software, and applications. On average, computer programmers earn more than twice the median salary for all jobs in the US [1]. You can learn more about computer programmer salaries in the US and how to increase yours in the following article.
What does a computer programmer do?
Computer programmers design, create, and maintain software and applications for various technological platforms. As a computer programmer, you may perform the following tasks:
Meeting with clients to gauge needs that can be met with software tools
Collaborating with teams of software developers and engineers to achieve set goals
Writing code using computer languages like C++, Python, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Assembly, Object C, C#, and Java
Developing new software programs
Testing the results to make sure everything functions as envisioned
Ensuring projects meet security, performance, and reliability standards
Updating and improving the functionality of existing software
Receiving and incorporating feedback from clients for product improvement
Read more: What is Programming? and How to Get Started
How much do computer programmers make?
The annual median salary for computer programmers in the US is $74,534 [2]. This figure includes a base salary of $70,115 and a reported additional pay of $4,419 per year. Additional pay may include bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing. However, salaries for computer programmers depend on several factors. Learning about the average salary for specific fields, industries, and levels of expertise can give you a better understanding of what you can earn.
How industry affects computer programmer salaries
The most common industries that employ computer programmers, along with the median annual salary for each, are as follows:
Software publishers: $102,370
Finance and insurance: $99,260
Manufacturing: $98,320
Computer systems design: $79,860 [1]
How experience affects computer programmer salaries
In general, the more experienced you are, the greater the computer programming salary. As you become more specialized and gain more field expertise, your pay should increase. The list below represents the average salaries for all levels of expertise (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in January 2023.
Entry-level (0-1 year of experience) computer programmer: $62,751 per year
Junior (1-3 years of experience) computer programmer: $68,830 per year
Mid-level (4-6 years of experience) computer programmer: $73,969 per year
Senior (7-9 years of experience) computer programmer: $78,775 per year
How location affects computer programmer salaries
Often, employers in cities and states with a higher cost of living pay more. Places where larger corporations are located also tend to have higher-paying employment opportunities. Here are the top 5 highest paying states for computer programmers [3]:
Washington: $89,760
Oregon: $77,845
North Carolina: $73,377
Maine: $74,684
Pennsylvania: $72,748
The 5 best-paying cities for computer programmers include [3]:
Richmond, CA: $84,011
Washington, DC: $77,532
Chicago, IL: $74,119
Stamford, CT: $73,826
Jacksonville, NC: $73,542
How education affects computer programmer salaries
Sixty percent of computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, and 10 percent have a master's degree [4]. A degree is not required to become a computer programmer. However, some employers may require an advanced degree for more advanced roles. Computer programmers typically study computer science or computer programming.
According to Zippia in January of 2023, programmers with a master's degree earn $76,914 per year on average. With a bachelor's degree, the average salary is $73,118. With an associate degree, you can expect to earn $65,971 on average. Keep in mind that employers also value alternative credentials, like hands-on experience and Professional Certificates. Some computer programmers have no formal training or academic degree.
Read more: How to Become a Computer Programmer
How different job titles and specializations can affect salary
The term “computer programmer” is an umbrella term that can be applied to many different specialized tracks of experience and skill development. Professionals who are qualified to work as computer programmers may work for other advertised positions as well.
The list below represents the average salaries for job titles with overlapping skill sets (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in January 2023.
Computer programmer analyst: $80,621 per year
Read more: What Does a Programmer Analyst Do?
Internet programmer: $103,293 per year
Java developer: $99,066 per year
Python developer: $101,814 per year
Read more: Being a Python Developer: What They Can Do, Earn, and More
React developer: $92,416 per year
Read more: How to Become a React Developer in 3 Steps
Web applications programmer: $118,109 per year
Web developer: $82,523 per year
Read more: What Does a Web Developer Do (and How Do I Become One)?
Need help figuring out what programming languages to learn as an aspiring computer programmer? Check out the following article: Popular Programming Languages in 2023
How to increase your computer programmer salary
There are several ways to increase your salary as a computer programmer. If you currently work in an entry-level role, consider pursuing a specialization through online courses or certifications to increase your skill set. Those interested in obtaining a senior-level or management role may earn a degree to qualify for more advanced positions.
Computer programming courses and certifications
Below, we've compiled a few options offered by industry leaders and accredited universities to get you started:
For entry-level or beginner programmers:
Python for Everybody Specializationby the University of Michigan
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming by the University of Edinburgh
For mid-level or intermediate programmers:
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers by John Hopkins University (certificate upon completion)
Advanced Programming in Kotlin by Meta
Secure Coding Practices Specialization by the University of California Davis
For senior-level or advanced programmers:
Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot by the University of Colorado Boulder
Genome Assembly Programming Challenge by the University of California San Diego
Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms by the University of Colorado Boulder
Degrees and graduate certificates
A second option to become a computer programmer is to earn a graduate certificate or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Through this formalized process, students will gain experience in writing code, fixing errors, and testing programs. You’ll learn the languages that prepare you for a career in programming, although it’s likely that you'll need to take continuing education courses to stay up to date with the most modern tools.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London online
Master of Computer and Information Technology from the University of Pennsylvania
Industrial Internet of Things Graduate Certificate from the University of Colorado Boulder
Read more: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree
Increase your computer programming skills with Coursera
Specializing in specific skill sets can set you apart from the competition in the job market. An online course can also help you determine what you'd like to specialize in if you're unsure where to focus your efforts. For those new to the field, consider enrolling in an introductory course like Learn to Program: The Fundamentals from the University of Toronto.
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals
Behind every mouse click and touch-screen tap, there is a computer program that makes things happen. This course introduces the fundamental building blocks ...
4.7
BEGINNER level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Python Syntax And Semantics, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Idle (Python)
Article sources
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Programmers, Pay. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm#tab-5." Accessed January 10, 2023.
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
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