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Average Computer Programmer Salary: How Much Can I Make?
Discover the average computer programmer salary by state, and what you need to do to enter the programming field and start a fresh, new career.
According to from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for computer programmers is $103,640 per year ($49.83 per hour).
Computer programmer salaries will vary depending on the industry and location of the job and the programmer’s qualifications, skills and seniority. Keep in mind this is not an entry-level estimate – you will need to work towards reaching this level of pay.
Computer programmers salary by state
| Average salary | Median Salary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Per Hour | Per Year | Per Hour | Per Year |
| Alabama | $43.70 | $90,900 | $41.94 | $87,230 |
| Alaska | $44.01 | $91,550 | $42.75 | $88,930 |
| Arizona | $38.09 | $79,220 | $34.58 | $71,930 |
| Arkansas | $51.60 | $107,330 | $48.40 | $100,670 |
| California | $57.72 | $120,060 | $55.87 | $116,220 |
| Colorado | $62.56 | $130,130 | $60.04 | $124,880 |
| Connecticut | $54.47 | $113,290 | $48.32 | $100,510 |
| Delaware | $51.34 | $106,800 | $48.41 | $100,700 |
| District of Columbia | $47.63 | $99,070 | $39.70 | $82,580 |
| Florida | $49.30 | $102,550 | $47.42 | $98,630 |
| Georgia | $47.88 | $99,580 | $47.10 | $97,970 |
| Hawaii | $51.15 | $106,390 | $51.94 | $108,040 |
| Idaho | $42.81 | $89,030 | $38.65 | $80,390 |
| Illinois | $43.96 | $91,450 | $40.13 | $83,460 |
| Indiana | $43.30 | $90,060 | $40.23 | $83,670 |
| Iowa | $42.46 | $88,310 | $40.74 | $84,730 |
| Kansas | $47.59 | $98,990 | $44.04 | $91,600 |
| Kentucky | $53.51 | $111,310 | $50.40 | $104,840 |
| Louisiana | $50.60 | $105,250 | $40.38 | $83,980 |
| Maine | $52.80 | $109,830 | $49.57 | $103,110 |
| Maryland | $51.76 | $107,650 | $49.52 | $103,000 |
| Massachusetts | $57.86 | $120,360 | $55.39 | $115,200 |
| Michigan | $34.85 | $72,480 | $33.07 | $68,790 |
| Minnesota | $49.51 | $102,990 | $52.14 | $108,450 |
| Mississippi | $34.62 | $72,010 | $31.31 | $65,120 |
| Missouri | $45.79 | $95,230 | $44.98 | $93,550 |
| Montana | $52.93 | $110,080 | $61.84 | $128,630 |
| Nebraska | $46.10 | $95,890 | $45.01 | $93,620 |
| Nevada | $45.81 | $95,290 | $44.54 | $92,650 |
| New Hampshire | $38.89 | $80,900 | $38.89 | $80,880 |
| New Jersey | $54.29 | $112,930 | $49.41 | $102,770 |
| New Mexico | $44.84 | $93,270 | $40.23 | $83,680 |
| New York | $52.36 | $108,910 | $48.27 | $100,410 |
| North Carolina | $44.52 | $92,590 | $46.04 | $95,770 |
| North Dakota | $45.10 | $93,810 | $42.75 | $88,910 |
| Ohio | $45.09 | $93,790 | $47.85 | $99,520 |
| Oklahoma | $53.54 | $111,370 | $48.51 | $100,910 |
| Oregon | $57.47 | $119,540 | $61.05 | $126,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $42.89 | $89,210 | $40.76 | $84,770 |
| Rhode Island | $48.30 | $100,460 | $45.46 | $94,560 |
| South Carolina | $49.51 | $102,980 | $48.38 | $100,620 |
| South Dakota | $33.63 | $69,960 | $27.17 | $56,520 |
| Tennessee | $62.80 | $130,630 | $47.73 | $99,270 |
| Texas | $44.02 | $91,560 | $38.85 | $80,820 |
| Utah | $45.70 | $95,060 | $42.51 | $88,410 |
| Vermont | $39.67 | $82,510 | $37.61 | $78,230 |
| Virginia | $54.68 | $113,730 | $53.78 | $111,860 |
| Washington | $76.49 | $159,090 | $76.36 | $158,820 |
| West Virginia | $34.52 | $71,800 | $31.32 | $65,140 |
| Wisconsin | $50.04 | $104,080 | $52.68 | $109,580 |
| Wyoming | $45.93 | $95,540 | $50.68 | $105,420 |
All salary data courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. | ||||
What do computer programmers do?
Computer programmers play a critical role in the function of the global, technology-driven economy. They write, test, and maintain the code that creates software programs and applications. Their day-to-day duties will generally include:
- Using computer languages such as C++, Java, Python and more to write programs
- Testing and “debugging” programs by editing mistakes in computer code
- Updating existing programs
- Utilizing integrated development environments (IDEs) or code libraries to create and test code
Computer programmers also typically work very closely with software developers. As a result, programmers may also participate in the program design process, creating models showing how the program will work and designing aspects of the user interface as well as writing the code for it.
Job titles for computer programmers
Different companies will use different job titles when recruiting computer programmers. According to O-Net Online, some of the alternative titles may include:
- Analyst Programmer
- Application Programmer Analyst
- Computer Programmer Analyst
- Internet Programmer
- Java Developer
- Web Applications Programmer
- Web Programmer
Job outlook for computer programmers & related occupations
According to the BLS, overall job openings for computer programmers look set to decline by -6% nationwide over the 2024-2034 period. This is likely due to continued offshoring of entry-level programming jobs. As a result, the job market for some types of computer programmers will be very competitive.
However, note that with the right computer programming and development skills, it’s possible to be qualified to pursue many computer programming-related roles which are projected to grow quickly, including:
| Job / Career | Proj. increase* |
|---|---|
| Web developer | 8% (BLS) |
| Software developers | 16% (BLS) |
* - Indicates the BLS projection for growth in employment from 2024-2034. | |
Joining the field of programming and computer science
If web development or software development interest you, Herzing University offers degree programs uniquely designed for these types of specialized careers. Herzing University offers a computer science degree program (bachelor’s or master's degree) to help position you best for the type of job you really want.
Having the right qualifications and skills in programming, web/software development or computer systems can help you stand out in job market and pursue fast-evolving, exciting career opportunities.
Learn more about our online computer science degree programs
* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.