Computer Programming Jobs

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Computer programming jobs involve writing and editing code, analyzing data and maintaining computer systems. Most computer programming careers offer areas of specialization that require additional skills as well. Read on to learn more about computer programming jobs and specializations.

A school may offer several specializations to students pursuing a computer programming bachelor’s degree. Universities may also call these specializations “tracks” or “concentrations.”

Studying artificial intelligence (AI) teaches you to use AI applications, which incorporate natural language processing and machine learning to identify and interpret spoken words and make recommendations. Learners study algorithms, analysis and predictive modeling.

Potential Courses: AI principles, machine learning, natural language processing

Potential Careers: AI architect, AI researcher, machine learning engineer

Students specializing in computer and network security focus on all elements of an organization’s security. This includes addressing vulnerabilities.

Potential courses: Operating systems principles, wireless networks security and computer forensics.

Potential Careers: Network security analyst, security engineer, digital crime analyst and firewall administrator.

Students who specialize in data science learn to extract and analyze information from large data sets. Learners also develop essential skills in analytics and predictive modeling.

Potential Courses: Applied statistics, data science and research practice, machine learning

Potential Careers: Data scientist, data analyst, database administrator, machine learning engineer

Students who specialize in computer-human interfaces learn to evaluate how people interact with computers, smartphones and websites. Learners use this information to develop interfaces that function across various systems and devices.

Potential Courses: Principles of human-computer interaction, visual design and user-centered design.

Potential Careers: User experience (UX) designer, UX researcher

A specialization in software engineering prepares students to develop and improve systems for applications. This specialty involves skills in testing, coding and ensuring security.

Potential Courses: Computer science, database theory, web applications, programming languages

Potential Careers: Applications developer, web developer, software engineer, information systems manager, game developer

We sourced the below salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Computer programmers write and test code for computer software and applications.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree is typically necessary to work as a computer programmer. Schools may require students to declare a specialization in a specific area. It’s also common for computer programmers to earn certifications in programming languages or platforms.

Skills: Computer programmers need to understand algorithms and programming languages.

Salary: The median annual salary for computer programmers was $97,800 as of 2022.

Job Growth: The demand for computer programmers is expected to decrease 11% from 2022 to 2032. However, other computer-based careers are projected to increase by 14%.

Web developers write code for websites using a variety of computer programming languages. They test applications and integrate navigation menus, graphics, video and audio elements into the sites they create.

Qualifications: While a degree is not always required to become a web developer, it is common for professionals in this field to have bachelor’s degrees. Web developers take courses to learn skills in coding, graphic design and programming languages.

Skills: Web developers need to have coding and graphic design skills.

Salary: The median annual salary for web developers was $78,580 as of 2022.

Job Growth: The demand for web developers is expected to increase 17% from 2022 to 2032.

Software developers design, write, test and maintain functional software applications and systems.

Qualifications: Software developers need to have a bachelor’s degree. They may also earn certifications or take additional courses to learn relevant skills, such as programming languages.

Skills: Software developers need to have coding, design and analytical skills

Salary: The median annual salary for software developers was $127,260 as of 2022.

Job Growth: The demand for software developers is expected to increase 26% from 2022 to 2032.

Computer systems analysts collect and analyze data on their organizations’ computer systems to provide solutions that would improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Qualifications: Computer systems analysts typically have bachelor’s degrees.

Skills: Computer systems analysts must be able to analyze and interpret data, implement or upgrade computer systems and create instruction manuals.

Salary: The median annual salary for computer systems analysts was $102,240 as of 2022.

Job Growth: The demand for computer systems analysts is expected to increase 10% from 2022 to 2032.

Computer network architects design and build communication networks. They also typically handle hardware and software updates.

Qualifications: Computer network architects need a bachelor’s degree. Some may choose to earn an M.B.A. or master’s in information systems.

Skills: Computer network architects should have excellent analytical skills and hands-on experience with database design and network security.

Salary: The median annual salary for computer network architects was $126,900 as of 2022.

Job Growth: The demand for computer network architects is expected to increase 4% from 2022 to 2032.

The demand for computer programmers overall is expected to decrease by 5 percent from 2010 to 2030. However, jobs are projected to increase for some computer programming roles, such as software developer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this overall decrease in demand is due to the availability of remote workers in countries where lower salaries are acceptable.

Computer programmers should know how to analyze data, understand hardware and software and write code using multiple programming languages. Programmers may need additional skills, depending on the specific responsibilities of a job.

To work as a computer programmer, you will need a bachelor’s degree and to select a specialization that aligns with your career goals. You should also spend some time working on certifications for relevant subjects while you gain work experience.

What Is Computer Programming? A Guide To Becoming A Computer Programmer

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Are you interested in a career in tech, and you’re wondering, “What is computer programming?” In this article, we’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about this dynamic career path. We’ll explore job expectations, how to break into the field of computer programming and earning potential for computer programmers.

Computer programming is a high-tech field that’s growing in popularity. Programmers work on code to find and solve issues. They come up with strategies for enhancing and streamlining code, and they use code to implement company initiatives.

While computer programmers come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, all computer programmers must have knowledge of different programming languages.

Today’s more popular programming languages include C++, Java, Python and Go. Programmers should be familiar with multiple coding languages, especially these.

Computer programmers’ main task is writing code. Code provides instructions to a computer, written in a language the computer can understand. Many programming languages exist, and computer programmers typically know several coding languages.

Computer programming jobs might involve:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 11% decline in computer programmer employment from 2022 to 2032. However, skills for computer programmers—especially coding in a variety of languages—could translate to several other positions as well, many of which have better growth projections. For example, the BLS projects software developers to grow by 26% and information security analysts to grow by 32%.

The BLS lists the median annual salary for computer programmers as $97,800. Workers in this role often enjoy other corporate perks like an annual bonus and a 401(k) package.

Regardless of job and industry, many employers prefer candidates to hold college degrees. The field of computer programming is no different. Aspiring programmers can pursue a variety of degrees in both computer programming and related fields. Below, we’ll take a look at just a few degree options for computer programmers.

You can earn an associate degree in computer programming at a community college. Associate programs tend to be shorter than bachelor’s programs, lasting only two years versus four. They also tend to cost less: Two-year programs at public schools cost an average of $3,564 per year, versus $9,596 for four-year programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Moreover, many community colleges offer programs that expose students to a variety of programming languages. Associate programs entail fewer non-technical courses as well.

A bachelor’s degree in computer programming typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. This degree involves both general education courses and programming-related courses, preparing students to work as computer programmers.

Degrees that may qualify you to work in computer programming include information technology, computer science and information systems.

Most master’s programs entail two or three more years of study after you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree. Master’s students can usually study either part-time or full-time.

Master’s programs are a good option for those hoping to change careers or enhance their skills as software engineers or computer programmers.

If you’d like to pursue a job as a computer programmer without attending a college or university, your best bet is to attend a computer programming bootcamp.

A bootcamp provides you with an immersive learning experience in a condensed schedule. Most bootcamps take four to 20 weeks of full-time study to complete, or up to 12 months for part-time students.

Bootcamps cost around $11,000 on average, but price varies significantly by company and program type. If you’re wondering how to pay for a coding bootcamp, consider scholarships and payment plans. In some cases, your employer might be willing to subsidize the cost of your bootcamp. Speak to your boss or HR manager for more information.

If you’re wondering whether you can find a job after completing a bootcamp, the answer is likely yes. Most computer programming bootcamps advertise a high rate of job placement upon completion, and some bootcamps even offer job guarantees.

Most bootcamps structure their learning modules specifically to prepare learners for their future careers. They may assign portfolio-building projects, teach interview skills and provide networking opportunities.

Once you complete a computer programming bootcamp, you’ll be eligible for computer programming roles and similar job titles like web developer, data analyst, technical support specialist and web designer.

Most employers prefer computer programming candidates to hold bachelor’s degrees, but you may qualify to work as a computer programmer by completing a coding bootcamp.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer programmers is $97,800. However, salaries can vary widely based on experience level, location and other factors.

Computer Training Opportunities

The Division of Information Technology provides hands-on computer training for University of Wyoming faculty, staff, students, and retirees. Computer training workshops are developed by staff in Information Technology. Hands-on workshops are conducted in rooms 171 and 173 of the Information Technology Center.

UWIT Training manages a list of self-paced training options that span a wide range of technical topics. Contact computer.training@uwyo.edu to ask about self-paced training opportunities (make sure to provide a description of what you are looking for).

Requests for specialized training sessions are considered when the requested course content is not available through current instructor-led workshops or when a unit requests training for a specific group. Preparation for, and teaching of, special workshops must not interfere with the current campus-wide training schedule.

Students are eligible to log into Microsoft’s E-Learning Web site for training on many popular Microsoft applications.

Students: please contact Jesse Ballard, IT Academic Support Unit, at 766-2081 for information about student training opportunities on the Laramie campus.

The Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning and Outreach Credit Programs offer regular workshops on using instructional technologies to enhance teaching and learning. These workshops are free to all faculty. For more information, see uwyo.edu/ctl/idt or uwyo.edu/wyocourses/training.