How to Become a Computer Programmer

Key takeaways

Computer programmers ensure that software and code work properly in industries from finance to health care. Explore key facts:

• Computer programmers make a median annual salary of $98,670 [1].

• As a computer programmer, you’ll need communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to succeed in your career.

• You can become a computer programmer by exploring computer science degree options, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.

Learn more about what computer programmers do, the skills you’ll need, and how to become one. Then consider enrolling in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, designed to help you learn how to provide end-to-end customer support, ranging from identifying problems to troubleshooting and debugging. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What do computer programmers do? 

A computer programmer designs and tests computer code (computer languages) to allow computer applications and software programs to run correctly. Engineers and software developers design the programs, and then programmers typically specialize in using specific code to translate the designs into a set of instructions that the computer knows how to read.

People commonly associate computer programming positions with the information technology (IT) industry. Although that association is correct, the need for computer programmers spans every major industry, including but not limited to:

• Finance: Financial computer programmers may work for lending organizations, banks, credit processing companies, and many other financial industry organizations.

• Health care: Computer programmers in the health care industry design and test cloud systems for holding and processing data, analytical solutions, and other types of health-care-centered software products.

• Agriculture: Computer programmers develop machine learning tools and AI applications to find the best way to increase crop yields and field use efficiency while reducing the use of chemicals, waste, and other harmful factors.

• Design: Working with and understanding digital materials is easier when a designer has computer programming skills. These skills give them the tools and background needed to carry out the design tasks required for their jobs.

• Retail: Traditional retail stores are trying to compete by focusing on increasing online sales. Computer programmers play a crucial role in ensuring retail companies’ websites and systems run efficiently for customers and employees.

How to become a computer programmer

While there are different paths you can take to becoming a computer programmer, the essential steps are the same. Here’s a look at a typical timeline to becoming a computer programmer, step by step:

1. Evaluate your current skill, education, and experience level.

2. Narrow down your industries of interest.

3. Decide what style of education and training works best for you.

4. Research and pursue your desired educational path. Whether you choose an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, make a plan and follow it. If you decide to pursue an online certification, research your best options.

5. Once you complete your education, you can research ways to gain valuable work experience, like an internship or entry-level position.

6. Apply for your desired position and follow up.

7. Become a lifelong learner by keeping your computer programming skills up to date.

Develop computer and software programming skills 

Both workplace and technical skills are essential to becoming a successful computer programmer. From adaptability and patience to coding and algorithms, this position requires a combination of specific abilities and talents.

Grow workplace skills.

• Communication skills: As a programmer, you will often explain highly technical terms to complete projects and repair issues. The ability to effectively communicate with all types of audiences in different environments is essential for a programmer.

• Problem-solving: One of your primary responsibilities in this position will be to solve problems. Your regular tasks will likely include repairing code, fixing software issues, and creating technical solutions. Your ability to solve a problem quickly and efficiently will be critical to your professional success.

• Adaptability: The ability to handle the changes that come with the computer programming industry is essential, and you should be able to adapt and quickly move forward.

• Teamwork: As a computer programmer, you will often work within a team environment. You’ll need to be able to delegate responsibilities or accept a specifically tasked project easily—working as part of a team is a vital skill for a computer programmer.

• Patience: Computer programming is a complex process that often takes an extended amount of time to complete. The ability to be patient with your team, your project managers, and yourself is essential.

Learn technical skills and common tools.

• Computer programming and coding: Coding is creating a set of instructions that allows a computer to perform a particular task. These are written in specific programming languages, and being well-versed in these is essential to becoming a successful computer programmer.

• Data structures and algorithms: These are key parts of programming. Knowing how data is organized and utilized for solving issues will put you ahead of the game as a programmer.

• Source control: Understanding how to manage and store code is an essential technical skill of a programmer, meaning you will need to be well-versed in version control concepts and tools.

• Understanding common tools: For computer programming, the essential technical skills listed above work hand in hand with common programming tools:

  • Source code editing software like Notepad++, Sublime Text, and TextMate

  • Compiler software, such as MinGW and Embarcadero C++ Builder

  • Database management systems software like Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL software, Oracle, and Pick

  • Development environment software like Microsoft Visual Basic and Xerces2 Java Parser

Programming languages

Deciding which programming language to specialize in depends on the industry you choose to work within. Some common languages are:

- C

- Java

- Python

- C++

- C#

- SQL

- JavaScript

- PHP

Consider a computer programming degree 

Educational requirements for a computer programmer position can vary, but most computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or computer engineering. Some students go on to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. If you’re able to pursue a graduate degree, it may be an investment worth making when you consider the positions that become available with such education.

Some employers may only require an associate degree, and most associate degree programs only take two years to complete. If you take this route, it’s vital to showcase your programming work experience to balance out a less advanced degree.

In addition to a formal degree, many programmers obtain certificates or participate in coding boot camps to gain even more skill, knowledge, and experience in their field.

You can become a computer programmer without a degree, but you’ll need some self-discipline. Research what skills successful programmers use in their day-to-day jobs and pursue that knowledge independently. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Take online or in-person classes.

• Watch videos.

• Participate in webinars.

• Read books.

• Listen to programming podcasts.

Read more: How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree: Requirements to Graduate

Insight from an expert

Many programmers rely on a combination of educational sources to stay up to date on the latest technologies. “You want to have solid CS fundamentals, which will enable you to comprehend things at a deeper level. On the other hand, you also want experience with the tools commonly used in the industry,” says Mari Batilando, a software engineer at Meta.

Since degree programs tend to focus on theoretical and foundational understanding, Batilando has attended boot camps to keep his knowledge current throughout his eight-year career. “I actually pursued an iOS boot camp after college since I never had the opportunity to learn it while I was a student. Fast-forward to now, I’ve had a fruitful career on iOS,” he shares. “I still occasionally take a boot camp whenever something interests me. This year, I took an NFT boot camp and was part of the team to release Facebook’s first NFT feature!”

Computer science degree

Computer science is the foundation of the profession of computer programming. When you pursue this type of degree, you learn about using computers and the theories behind computing. Many of your core courses will involve using math and engineering principles. You’ll also learn software and hardware development and gain familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI). Computer programmers can use their computer science knowledge and design ways for computers to operate effectively.

Information technology degree

Information technology, or IT, involves computers, networking, storage, and other physical devices and infrastructure to create, store, and secure forms of electronic data. For example, you’ll find IT used primarily in commercial applications in computer technology and telecommunications. Computer programmers working in IT (IT programmers) may be responsible for monitoring server data and functionality, performing required maintenance of systems, and ensuring the testing of programs meets acceptance criteria. 

Computer engineering degree

The field of computer engineering combines electronic engineering with computer science to build computer systems and other technological devices. Although computer or software engineers may work hand in hand or even overlap with the job of a computer programmer, their roles are not interchangeable.

Engineers are essentially responsible for creating the software framework. That information is passed on to programmers who translate the engineer’s directions into instructions (code) that allow computers to run correctly. 

Salary expectations for computer programmers

Although educational requirements for computer programming positions vary, it’s no secret that the more advanced your degree and skill set are, the more likely you are to obtain positions with larger salaries.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer programmers earn a median salary of $98,670, well above the national average [1].

No-fluff help for when you’re stuck

Start your journey in the computer science industry by subscribing to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn for tips and trends. Then explore free digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: 5 Entry-Level Jobs You Can Get with a Computer Science Degree

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Learn a new skill: Python Basics Cheat Sheet

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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