Computer Programmer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

What can you earn as a computer programmer in the US? Learn how computer programmer salaries differ depending on location, experience, industry, and more.

[Featured image] A computer programmer sits in front of a wood-paneled wall with their laptop open.

Computer programmers are technical professionals. They are responsible for creating, modifying, and testing code. Code is the functional backbone for websites, software, and applications. On average, a career in coding earns more than twice the median salary for all jobs in the US [1]. Learn more about a career as a professional computer programmer, including computer programmer salaries in the US and how to increase yours.

What does a computer programmer do?

Computer programmers design, create, and maintain software and applications for various technological platforms. As a computer programmer, you may perform the following tasks:

  • Meeting with clients to gauge needs that can be met with software tools

  • Collaborating with teams of software developers and engineers to achieve set goals 

  • Writing code using computer languages like C++, Python, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Assembly, Object C, C#, and Java

  • Developing new software programs

  • Testing the results to make sure everything functions as envisioned 

  • Ensuring projects meet security, performance, and reliability standards

  • Updating and improving the functionality of existing software

  • Receiving and incorporating feedback from clients for product improvement

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How much do computer programmers make?

The annual median salary for computer programmers in the US is $82,121 [2]. However, salaries for computer programmers depend on several factors. Learning about the average salary for specific fields, such as IT, industries, and levels of expertise, may give you a better understanding of what you can earn.

How industry affects computer programmer salaries

As a programmer, you have a wide range of industries to choose from to work in. Nearly every modern business requires computer programmers or software developers. The most common industries that employ this role, along with the average wage for each, include [1]:

  • Software publishers: $116,050

  • Finance and insurance: $108,590

  • Manufacturing: $98,870

  • Computer systems design: $98,710

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How experience level affects annual salary

The more experienced you are, the more likely you demand a greater computer programming salary. As you become more specialized and gain more field expertise, your pay may increase. Explore the average salaries for all levels of expertise reported by Glassdoor in December 2024 [2]:

  • 0–1 years of experience:: $61,037 per year

  • 1–3 years of experience: $67,593 per year

  • 4–6 years of experience: $73,480 per year

  • 7-–9 years of experience: $74,795 per year

  • 10–14 years of experience: $78,506

  • 15+ years of experience: $88,674

How location affects computer programmer salaries

Often, employers in cities and states with a higher cost of living pay more. Places where larger corporations are located also tend to have higher-paying employment opportunities. Consider the top five highest-paying states for computer programmers, according to data from Zippia [3]:

  1. Washington: $89,760

  2. California: $78,246

  3. Oregon: $77,845

  4. District of Columbia: $77,515

  5. Maine: $74,684

The five best-paying cities for computer programmers include [3]:

  1. Richmond, CA: $84,011

  2. Washington, DC: $77,532

  3. Chicago, IL: $74,119

  4. Stamford, CT: $73,826

  5. Jacksonville, NC: $73,542

How education affects computer programmer salaries

Sixty percent of computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, and 10 percent have a master's degree [4]. You don’t have to earn a degree to become a computer programmer. However, some employers may require an advanced degree for more advanced roles. Computer programmers typically study computer science or computer programming.

According to Zippia in December 2024, programmers with a master's degree earn $75,184 per year on average. With a bachelor's degree, the average salary is $72,834 . With an associate degree, you can expect to earn $66,048 on average [3]. Keep in mind that employers also value alternative credentials, such as hands-on experience and Professional Certificates. Some computer programmers have no formal training or academic degree.

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How different job titles and specializations can affect salary

The term “computer programmer” is an umbrella term that applies to many different specialized tracks of experience and skill development. Professionals qualified to work as computer programmers may also work for other advertised positions. 

Consider the following average salaries for job titles with overlapping skill sets reported by Glassdoor in December 2024:

Need help figuring out what programming languages to learn as an aspiring computer programmer? Check out the following article: Most Popular Programming Languages

How to increase your computer programmer salary

You may increase your salary as a computer programmer in several ways. If you currently work in an entry-level role, consider pursuing a specialization through online courses or certifications to increase your skill set. Those interested in obtaining a senior-level or management role may earn a degree to qualify for more advanced positions.

Computer programming courses and certifications

Consider these options offered by industry leaders and accredited universities to start:

For entry-level or beginner programmers:

For mid-level or intermediate programmers:

For senior-level or advanced programmers:

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Degrees and graduate certificates

A second option to become a computer programmer is to earn a graduate certificate or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Through this formalized process, you will gain experience in writing code, fixing errors, and testing programs. You’ll learn the languages that prepare you for a career in programming, although it’s likely that you'll need to take continuing education courses to stay up to date with the most modern tools.

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Increase your computer programming skills with Coursera

Computer programmers earn competitive salaries in various fields, including IT, manufacturing, finance, and insurance. Specializing in specific skill sets can set you apart from the competition in the job market. An online course can also help you determine what you'd like to specialize in if you're unsure where to focus your efforts. For those new to the field, consider enrolling in an introductory course like the Python for Everybody Specialization from the University of Michigan. If you already have programming experience, consider the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate on Coursera.

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Article sources

1. 

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Programmers: Pay, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm#tab-5." Accessed December 12, 2024.

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