15
Computer Programmers is a notable career in the 15 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Computer Programmers against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.
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| soc | 15-1251 |
| title | Computer Programmers |
| onet code | 15-1251.00 |
| description | 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. |
| job zone | 4 |
| major group | 15 |
| tot emp | 109,870 |
| a mean | 103,640 |
| a median | 98,670 |
| a pct10 | 52,190 |
| a pct25 | 71,860 |
| a pct75 | 128,960 |
| a pct90 | 162,090 |
| h mean | 49 |
| h median | 47 |
The day-to-day work of a computer programmers typically centers on write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.
Workers in this occupation rely most on Programming, Active Listening, and Critical Thinking. Across the top 10 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.59 out of 5 — highly rated for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.
Among working computer programmers, the most common entry qualification is a Bachelor's Degree (88.0%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 88% of incumbents. This is a degree-heavy profession — most incumbents hold a four-year degree or beyond.
Median annual pay is highest in Washington at $158,820 and lowest in South Dakota at $56,520 — a 2.8× spread. The top five states (Washington, Montana, Oregon, Colorado, California) average $131,106. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.
| State | Median | Mean | 10th % | 90th % | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $158,820 | $159,090 | $89,040 | $235,740 | 3,220 |
| Montana | $128,630 | $110,080 | $66,060 | $129,040 | 450 |
| Oregon | $126,980 | $119,540 | $75,750 | $140,340 | 1,180 |
| Colorado | $124,880 | $130,130 | $70,720 | $193,790 | 1,090 |
| California | $116,220 | $120,060 | $65,510 | $176,990 | 14,720 |
| Massachusetts | $115,200 | $120,360 | $76,720 | $163,460 | 3,040 |
| Virginia | $111,860 | $113,730 | $60,760 | $166,830 | 4,210 |
| Wisconsin | $109,580 | $104,080 | $60,910 | $145,950 | 3,020 |
| Minnesota | $108,450 | $102,990 | $64,120 | $129,500 | 1,960 |
| Hawaii | $108,040 | $106,390 | $84,980 | $147,550 | — |
| Wyoming | $105,420 | $95,540 | $54,400 | $121,360 | 60 |
| Kentucky | $104,840 | $111,310 | $62,080 | $157,280 | 1,640 |
| Maine | $103,110 | $109,830 | $50,050 | $185,870 | 420 |
| Maryland | $103,000 | $107,650 | $57,200 | $164,700 | 2,360 |
| New Jersey | $102,770 | $112,930 | $63,610 | $183,340 | 4,000 |
| Oklahoma | $100,910 | $111,370 | $65,990 | $164,420 | 1,420 |
| Delaware | $100,700 | $106,800 | $66,140 | $146,620 | 370 |
| Arkansas | $100,670 | $107,330 | $61,650 | $162,090 | 1,140 |
| South Carolina | $100,620 | $102,980 | $58,000 | $141,480 | 880 |
| Connecticut | $100,510 | $113,290 | $76,970 | $165,530 | 1,460 |
| New York | $100,410 | $108,910 | $63,390 | $172,320 | 7,090 |
| Ohio | $99,520 | $93,790 | $54,660 | $128,400 | 2,030 |
| Tennessee | $99,270 | $130,630 | $49,340 | $215,580 | 1,300 |
| Florida | $98,630 | $102,550 | $52,700 | $150,380 | 4,700 |
| Georgia | $97,970 | $99,580 | $61,090 | $137,830 | 2,330 |
| North Carolina | $95,770 | $92,590 | $44,550 | $139,110 | 3,880 |
| Rhode Island | $94,560 | $100,460 | $64,650 | $143,860 | 360 |
| Nebraska | $93,620 | $95,890 | $58,370 | $149,080 | 1,390 |
| Missouri | $93,550 | $95,230 | $54,280 | $131,990 | 1,410 |
| Nevada | $92,650 | $95,290 | $54,060 | $147,150 | 420 |
| Kansas | $91,600 | $98,990 | $57,170 | $136,580 | 600 |
| Alaska | $88,930 | $91,550 | $54,500 | $131,660 | 520 |
| North Dakota | $88,910 | $93,810 | $62,090 | $131,380 | 230 |
| Utah | $88,410 | $95,060 | $59,860 | $136,050 | 1,200 |
| Alabama | $87,230 | $90,900 | $49,950 | $134,330 | 1,360 |
| Pennsylvania | $84,770 | $89,210 | $52,080 | $131,840 | 4,130 |
| Iowa | $84,730 | $88,310 | $55,230 | $128,190 | 1,020 |
| Louisiana | $83,980 | $105,250 | $50,770 | — | 1,640 |
| New Mexico | $83,680 | $93,270 | $65,510 | $134,170 | 490 |
| Indiana | $83,670 | $90,060 | $52,610 | $131,040 | 2,120 |
| Illinois | $83,460 | $91,450 | $53,000 | $137,880 | 1,470 |
| District of Columbia | $82,580 | $99,070 | $81,680 | $145,650 | 1,000 |
| New Hampshire | $80,880 | $80,900 | $52,920 | $122,710 | 590 |
| Texas | $80,820 | $91,560 | $41,700 | $145,670 | 11,220 |
| Idaho | $80,390 | $89,030 | $52,680 | $150,510 | 170 |
| Vermont | $78,230 | $82,510 | $52,310 | $117,640 | 150 |
| Arizona | $71,930 | $79,220 | $37,270 | $125,050 | 4,170 |
| Michigan | $68,790 | $72,480 | $34,490 | $116,240 | 5,350 |
| West Virginia | $65,140 | $71,800 | $26,940 | $115,740 | 190 |
| Mississippi | $65,120 | $72,010 | $45,410 | $100,890 | 600 |
| South Dakota | $56,520 | $69,960 | $55,420 | $112,900 | 70 |
Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for computer programmers. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for .NET Programmer or Analyst Programmer frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.
This data helps you understand how Computer Programmers compares to others in the 15 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.
careers with the closest data values to Computer Programmers
The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.
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