Computer Programmer: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Computer Programmer do?

Computer programmers write and test code for software applications. You translate designs into executable programs, troubleshoot issues, and work with development teams to create user-friendly software solutions.

Computer Programmer: Main duties

Computer Programmers in the IT & Development field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Write and test code for new software programs and applications.
Update and expand existing programs.
Debug programs by testing for and fixing errors.
Use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify the writing.
Review code written by other programmers and work collaboratively in a team setting.
Develop and deploy computer applications.
Execute code builds to test and production environments.
Fix bugs in existing code and improve its performance.

Computer Programmer: Key Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
Knowledge of multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, and C#.
Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle.
Experience with database management and proper system design.
Good communication skills to collaborate with other developers and technical team members.
Ability to learn quickly and apply new skills effectively.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Computer Programmers

Detail-oriented mindset with a high degree of accuracy in coding and review.
Strong analytical skills for effective problem-solving.
Good organizational skills to handle multiple projects at once and meet deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration and client interaction.
Continuous learning to keep up-to-date with fast-changing programming tools and environments.

Salary Expectations for Computer Programmers

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Computer Programmer	IT & Development	90,780 USD

The average salary for a Computer Programmer in the U.S. is approximately $90,780 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Computer Programmers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$113,475
Senior	11+ years	$99,858
Experienced	6-10 years	$90,780
Mid Level	3-5 years	$81,702
Entry Level	0-2 years	$68,085

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Computer Programmer Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Computer Programmers

Computer Programmers can progress to roles such as Senior Programmer, Software Developer or Software Engineer. Many programmers also specialize in specific programming fields, such as web development, mobile application development, or systems programming, and eventually take on project management roles in IT departments.

Computer Programmer: Work Environment

Computer Programmers typically work in offices, particularly in the tech industry, although remote work is becoming increasingly common. They usually work full-time, but long hours can be common, especially when dealing with deadlines or technical issues. The role requires sitting and concentrating for long periods, often requiring intense focus while coding or debugging.

Computer Programmer: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Discover the role of a Computer Programmer, essential in developing and maintaining functional, efficient software across various computing platforms.