U.S. Dept of Labor Predicts Decline in Programming Jobs
15-1251.00 - Computer Programmers

Computer Programmers 




The occupation code you requested, 15-1131.00 (Computer Programmers), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 15-1251.00 (Computer Programmers) instead.

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Sample of reported job titles:
Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Web Applications Programmer, Web Programmer

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Tasks



  
  Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  




  
  Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  




  
  Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  




  
  Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  




  
  Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  




  
  Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  




  
  Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  




  
  Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
  




  
  Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
  




  
  Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
  




  
  Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
  




  
  Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
  




  
  Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
  




  
  Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
  




  



  
  Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
  




  
  Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
  




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Technology Skills




  
  Access software — Citrix cloud computing software
  




  
  Accounting software — Tax software
  




  



  



  
  Backup or archival software — Veritas NetBackup
  




  
  Business intelligence and data analysis software — IBM Cognos Impromptu; Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition; Qlik Tech QlikView; Tableau  ; 1 more

  




  
  Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Microsoft SharePoint  
  




  
  Cloud-based management software — Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation  ; IBM WebSphere; Splunk Enterprise  
  




  
  Clustering software — VMware
  




  
  Communications server software — IBM Domino
  




  
  Compiler and decompiler software — Command interpreters; Inline code expander software; Retargetable compiler; Threaded code compiler; 9 more

  




  
  Computer aided design CAD software — Bentley MicroStation  ; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Dassault Systemes CATIA
  




  
  Configuration management software — Chef  ; Perforce Helix software; Puppet  ; Revision control software; 1 more

  




  
  Content workflow software — Atlassian JIRA  ; Emerald Software Group Emerald Green Office; Workflow software
  




  



  
  Data base reporting software — Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS  ; ReCrystallize Crystal Reports; SAP Crystal Reports
  




  



  
  Data mining software — Google Analytics  
  




  
  Desktop publishing software — Microsoft Publisher
  




  



  
  Document management software — Adobe Acrobat  ; Virage VS Archive
  




  
  Electronic mail software — IBM Notes; Microsoft Exchange
  




  



  



  
  Enterprise system management software — IBM Power Systems software; Microsoft Systems Management Server
  




  
  Expert system software — Ansible software  
  




  
  File versioning software — Apache Subversion SVN  ; Git  
  




  
  Financial analysis software — Delphi Technology; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  




  
  Geographic information system — ESRI ArcGIS software  ; Geographic information system GIS software
  




  
  Graphical user interface development software — Basis BBx VisualPRO/5; Graphical user interface GUI design software; Salesforce Visualforce
  




  
  Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Illustrator  ; Adobe Photoshop  ; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  




  
  Human resources software — Human resource management software HRMS
  




  
  Industrial control software — Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  




  
  Medical software — Epic Systems  
  




  
  Metadata management software — Quest Erwin Data Modeler
  




  
  Network monitoring software — Nagios; Network intrusion prevention systems NIPS; Snort; Wireshark
  




  
  Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software — Virtual private networking VPN software
  




  



  
  Object oriented data base management software — Hibernate ORM  ; Microsoft Visual FoxPro; PostgreSQL  
  




  
  Office suite software — Microsoft Office software  
  




  



  
  Portal server software — Apache HTTP Server
  




  
  Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint  
  




  
  Process mapping and design software — Microsoft Visio  
  




  
  Program testing software — Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; JUnit  ; Selenium  ; Symbolic debugger software; 3 more

  




  
  Project management software — Atlassian Confluence  ; Microsoft Project  
  




  
  Requirements analysis and system architecture software — Unified modeling language UML
  




  
  Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel  
  




  
  Storage networking software — Amazon Simple Storage Service S3  
  




  
  Transaction security and virus protection software — McAfee
  




  
  Transaction server software — Customer information control system CICS
  




  
  Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Dreamweaver; CoffeeCup The HTML Editor; Microsoft FrontPage
  




  



  
  Word processing software — Microsoft Word  
  






  
  
  
    Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
    
  


  
  
  
    In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
    
  

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Work Activities



  
  Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  




  
  Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  




  
  Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  




  
  Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  




  
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  




  
  Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  




  
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  




  
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  




  
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  




  
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
  




  
  Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  




  
  Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
  




  
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  




  
  Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
  




  
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  




  
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  




  
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  




  
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  




  
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
  




  
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  



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Detailed Work Activities



  
  Modify software programs to improve performance.
  




  
  Write computer programming code.
  




  
  Test software performance.
  




  
  Resolve computer software problems.
  




  
  Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
  




  
  Develop diagrams or flow charts of system operation.
  




  
  Develop models of information or communications systems.
  




  
  Document design or development procedures.
  




  
  Train others in computer interface or software use.
  




  
  Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
  




  
  Prepare instruction manuals.
  




  
  Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
  




  
  Manage information technology projects or system activities.
  




  
  Supervise information technology personnel.
  




  
  Design websites or web applications.
  




  
  Develop computer or online applications.
  




  
  Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
  




  
  Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
  




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Work Context



  
  Electronic Mail — 100% responded “Every day.”
  




  
  Spend Time Sitting — 90% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
  




  



  
  Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  




  
  Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 64% responded “Extremely important.”
  




  
  Work With Work Group or Team — 41% responded “Extremely important.”
  




  
  Contact With Others — 66% responded “Constant contact with others.”
  




  
  Time Pressure — 40% responded “Every day.”
  




  
  Duration of Typical Work Week — 24% responded “40 hours.”
  




  
  Level of Competition — 46% responded “Highly competitive.”
  




  
  Freedom to Make Decisions — 29% responded “Some freedom.”
  




  
  Structured versus Unstructured Work — 31% responded “Some freedom.”
  




  
  Telephone — 33% responded “Every day.”
  




  
  Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 36% responded “Never.”
  




  
  Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 40% responded “Minor results.”
  




  
  Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 31% responded “Not important at all.”
  




  
  Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  



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Job Zone
TitleJob Zone Four: Considerable Preparation NeededEducationMost of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.Related ExperienceA considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.Job Zone ExamplesMany of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.SVP Range(7.0 to < 8.0)back to top
Training & Credentials
    State training
    
  


    Local training
    

    Certifications
    

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Apprenticeship Opportunities


  Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:


Computer Programmer
Programmer, Engineer & Scientific



Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.


Start your career and build your skillset. Visit Apprenticeship.gov
external site to learn about opportunities related to this occupation.

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Skills



  
  Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  




  
  Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  




  
  Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  




  
  Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  




  
  Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  




  
  Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  




  
  Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  




  
  Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  




  
  Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  




  
  Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  




  
  Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  




  
  Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  




  
  Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  




  
  Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  




  
  Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  




  
  Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  




  
  Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  




  
  Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  



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Knowledge



  
  Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  




  
  Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  




  
  Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  




  
  English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  




  
  Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  




  
  Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  



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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  
   responded: 
    Bachelor’s degree required
  


  
   responded: 
    Associate’s degree required
  


  
   responded: 
    Some college, no degree requiredmore info

  


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Abilities



  
  Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  




  
  Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  




  
  Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  




  
  Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  




  
  Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  




  
  Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  




  
  Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  




  
  Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  




  
  Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  




  
  Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  




  
  Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  




  
  Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  




  
  Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  




  
  Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  




  
  Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  




  
  Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
  




  
  Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
  



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Interests



  
  Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
  




  
  Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
  



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Work Values


  
  Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  




  
  Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
  




  
  Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  



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Work Styles



  
  Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  




  
  Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  




  
  Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
  




  
  Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  




  
  Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
  




  
  Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
  




  
  Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  




  
  Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
  




  
  Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  




  
  Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  




  
  Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
  




  
  Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
  




  
  Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
  




  
  Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
  




  
  Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
  




  
  Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
  



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Wages & Employment Trends
  Median wages (2023)
  $47.94 hourly, $99,700 annual
  State wages
  
  


  Local wages
  

  Employment (2023)
  139,400 employees
  Projected growth (2023-2033)
  
    
    Decline (-1% or lower)
    
  Projected job openings (2023-2033)
  6,400
  State trends
  
  


  Top industries (2023)
  




Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data
external site and 2023-2033 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

  State job openings
  
  


  Local job openings
  


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