If you are thinking about a career as a computer programmer, earning potential is probably one of your key considerations, along with educational requirements and necessary skills. You may also be interested in steps that you can take to increase your earning potential as a computer programmer. Learning about what computer programmers do, as well as the average salary for the role can help you decide if it could be the right role for you. In this article, we discuss what computer programmers make, the highest salaries by state and the job outlook for this career. We also share some of the most frequently asked questions people ask about computer programmers.
Related: Learn About Being a Computer Programmer
How much do computer programmers make?
The national average salary for a computer programmer is $60,547 per year. You can see the average salary by state below:
- Alabama: $48,785 per year
- Alaska: $71,781 per year
- Arizona: $58,510 per year
- Arkansas: $64,085 per year
- California: $46,113 per year
- Colorado: $86,392 per year
- Connecticut: $61,401 per year
- Delaware: $71,554 per year
- Florida: $46,550 per year
- Georgia: $65,146 per year
- Hawaii: $68,714 per year
- Idaho: $63,509 per year
- Illinois: $57,117 per year
- Indiana: $65,465 per year
- Iowa: $67,340 per year
- Kansas: $64,441 per year
- Kentucky: $46,497 per year
- Louisiana: $71,219 per year
- Maine: $66,620 per year
- Maryland: $70,914 per year
- Massachusetts: $96,846 per year
- Michigan: $61,720 per year
- Minnesota: $52,941 per year
- Mississippi: $63,300 per year
- Missouri: $56,378 per year
- Montana: $43,513 per year
- Nebraska: $68,251 per year
- Nevada: $68,747 per year
- New Hampshire: $67,749 per year
- New Jersey: $60,928 per year
- New Mexico: $68,747 per year
- New York: $61,433 per year
- North Carolina: $56,121 per year
- North Dakota: $58,614 per year
- Ohio: $51,820 per year
- Oklahoma: $67,357 per year
- Oregon: $71,398 per year
- Pennsylvania: $47,567 per year
- Rhode Island: $65,257 per year
- South Carolina: $62,174 per year
- South Dakota: $65,338 per year
- Tennessee: $56,806 per year
- Texas: $71,567 per year
- Utah: $66,340 per year
- Vermont: $67,099 per year
- Virginia: $63,997 per year
- Washington: $74,401 per year
- West Virginia: $56,014 per year
- Wisconsin: $65,815 per year
- Wyoming: $66,219 per year
Job outlook
Employment for computer programmers is expected to decline by seven percent from 2018 to 2028, primarily because more companies are hiring computer programmers from overseas and eliminating some U.S. jobs. This trend is expected to limit job growth for computer programmers.
How to increase a computer programmer salary
There are a number of things you can do to increase your salary as a computer programmer.
- Relocate.
- Advance your skills.
- Earn a master's degree.
- Change industries.
1. Relocate
Salaries for computer programmers are strongly impacted by geographic location. If you're interested in looking for a position with a higher salary, consider relocating to a different city or state.
2. Advance your skills
Programming is a field where there is always room for growth and improvement. The more you advance your skills, the more compensation you can generally expect to be paid.
3. Earn a master's degree
Master's degrees aren't required for computer programming positions, however, it can qualify you for more advanced, senior positions.
4. Change industries
The software publishing industry is by far the highest-paying industry for computer programmers. Finance and insurance, computer systems design and manufacturing all also pay a strong salary for programmers. If you are seeking positions with higher salaries, you may want to consider pursuing a job in one of these industries.
Related jobs list
Here is a list of jobs that are similar to computer programming:
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