• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TechGuide

  • Degrees
    • Analytics
      • Analytics Associate
      • Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics
      • Online Bachelor's in Data Science
      • Data Analytics Master's
      • Data Science Master's
      • Business Analytics Master's
      • Online Master's in Business Analytics
      • Online Data Analytics Master's
      • Online Master's in Data Science
      • Data Science PhD
      • Data Analytics PhD
      • Business Analytics PhD
    • Computer Science
      • CS Associate
      • IT Associate
      • Computer Science Bachelor's
      • Artifical Intelligence Master's
      • Computer Science Master's
      • Machine Learning Master's
      • Software Engineering Master's
      • Online Associate Degree in Computer Science
      • Online Bachelor's in Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence Online Master's
      • Online Master's in Computer Science
      • IT PhD
    • Design
      • Graphic Design Associate
      • Graphic Design Bachelor's
      • Graphic Design Master's
      • Instructional Design Master's
      • Integrated Design Master's
      • UX Design Master's
      • Online Graphic Design Degree
      • Online Video Game Design
      • Online Master's in Instructional Design
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering Master's
      • Aerospace Engineering Master's
      • Electrical Engineering Master's
      • Engineering Management Master's
      • Industrial Engineering Master's
      • Mechanical Engineering Master's
      • Robotics Master's
    • Fintech
      • Fintech Associate
      • Fintech Bachelor's
      • Blockchain Master's
      • Fintech Master's
    • MBA
      • Business Analytics
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
      • Fintech
      • Information Technology
  • Careers
    • Analytics
      • Business Analyst
      • Business Intelligence
      • Data Analyst
      • Data Architect
      • Data Engineer
      • Data Scientist
      • Data Specialist
      • Sports Data Analyst
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Cloud Computing
      • Computer Programmer
      • Computer Scientist
      • Front-End Developer
      • Full Stack Developer
      • Machine Learning
      • Software Developer
      • Software Engineer
      • Video Game Developer
      • Web Developer
    • Design
      • Data-Driven Designer
      • Graphic Designer
      • Instructional Design
      • Multimedia Artist
      • Product Designer
      • UX Designer
      • Video Game Designer
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineer
      • Civil Engineer
      • Computational Science
      • DevOps Engineer
      • Electrical Engineer
      • Engineering Manager
      • Industrial Engineer
      • Mechanical Engineer
      • Robotics Engineer
    • Fintech
      • Fintech App Developer
      • Blockchain Developer
      • Compliance Expert
      • Cryptocurrency Analyst
      • Financial Analyst
      • Innovation Analyst
      • Investment Analyst
      • Investment Banker
      • Product Manager
      • Quantitative Analyst
      • Tech Sales
    • Marketing
      • Content Marketing
      • Content Strategist
      • Marketing Analyst
      • Social Media Manager
  • Certifications
    • Analytics
      • Business Analyst
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Cloud Computing
      • Computer Coding
      • Cybersecurity
      • Information Technology
    • Design
      • Instructional Design
      • UX Design
    • Engineering
      • Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Project Management PMP
      • Systems Engineering
    • Fintech
      • Blockchain
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Fintech
      • Procurement
  • Bootcamps
    • Analytics
      • Business Analytics
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
    • Computer Science
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Coding
      • Front-End Development
      • Full-Stack Development
      • Information Technology
      • Machine Learning
      • Software Development
    • Design
      • UX Design
    • Engineering
      • Project Management
      • Software Engineering
    • Fintech
      • Blockchain
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Fintech
  • Resources
    • Courses
      • Blockchain
      • Coding
      • Computer Science
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • Digital Marketing
      • Fintech
      • Project Management (PMP)
      • UX Design
    • Jobs
      • Business Analyst
      • Computer Programming
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science and Data Scientist
      • Electrical Engineer
      • Graphic Designer
      • Instructional Designer
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Web Developer
    • Guides
      • Tech Career Mini Course
      • A Career with Numbers
      • K-12 STEM Resources
      • Internships in Tech
      • Best Tech Scholarships
      • A Veteran’s Guide to a Job in Tech
      • Women in Tech
  • Podcast
Home   >   Careers   >   computer programmer

How to Become a Computer Programmer

Ursula Squire – Last updated: November 27, 2023

WRITER

Ursula Squire is a copywriter and web designer based in Colorado.

On This Page
  • Degree
  • How to Become
  • Overview
  • Job Description
  • Recap
  • FAQ
  • Related Resources

A career as a computer programmer is rewarding in that it offers high pay and various opportunities for professional growth. 

But because computer programming is such a competitive and specialized field, students are required to earn a certificate or degree to be considered qualified and competitive job candidates in today’s job market. 

Ad
techguide.org is an advertising-supported site. Clicking in this box will show you programs related to your search from schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other information published on this site.
Featured Computer Training

School NameProgramMore Info
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline BS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
Columbia UniversityCoding BootcampVisit Site
Eastern Oregon UniversityOnline BS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
University of California, BerkeleyCoding BootcampVisit Site
East Central UniversityOnline BS in Computer ScienceVisit Site
Syracuse UniversityOnline MS in Computer Science - No GRE RequiredVisit Site

Computer Programming Degree

To be considered by hiring managers, those pursuing a computer programming career are generally expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in their field. Of course, many different majors will suffice and are dependent upon a student’s career goals.

When choosing what type of bachelor’s degree to earn for a computer programming job, students should first outline their career goals to choose the proper specializations in their degree. 

Many other bachelor’s degrees will prepare students for a career in computer programming. Many universities offer similar bachelor’s degrees that provide a background in computing, with different names or further specializations. Popular options include computer science and/computer engineering.

Talking with a career counselor and other professionals available to students in the university’s resource center can help students narrow down the classes, majors, and minors to pursue.

Many computer programmers receive graduate or master’s degrees to increase their experience, earnings, or competitiveness in the job market.

While it is not necessary to earn a graduate degree to become a computer programmer, specific jobs require a higher level of specialization for candidates to excel in the position.

Bachelor’s degrees for computer programming jobs take roughly four years to complete. They can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000+ depending on the university, whether the program is an online computer programming degree, and other requirements specific to the degree.

While tuition for a degree in computer programming may be expensive, it certainly pays for itself over time. Computer programmers earn an average of $97,800 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Moreover, there are many different opportunities for growth in adjacent careers available to successful computer programmers.

These options are discussed in greater detail later in this guide. 

How to Become a Computer Programmer

There are a few different paths to becoming a computer programmer. Most students pursue a bachelor’s degree in science and major in a relevant area, such as computer science or mathematics.

Other students obtain a certificate or attend a computer programming bootcamp to prepare themselves for a career in computer programming.

Some students choose to pursue an associate’s degree in computer programming from a community college.

Earning a bachelor’s degree is the most comprehensive path to becoming a programmer. Bachelor’s degrees geared toward computer programming provide students with an industry-standard curriculum and high-caliber professors who are experts in their field.

However, bachelor’s degrees are also the most time-consuming and cost-prohibitive route to becoming a computer programmer. Therefore, they are not an option for everyone.

Instead, many students also choose to earn a certificate, attend a bootcamp, or earn an associate’s degree in computer programming.

Certificates and bootcamps often meet the requirements to become a computer programmer, as long as the student has clearly outlined their career goals.

Since certificates and bootcamps are more specialized than a bachelor’s degree in computer programming, it is important to ensure that the curriculum matches the specific career that a student is working toward.

An associate’s degree can also fulfill the job requirements to become a computer programmer, especially if the student gains experience.

Computer programming certificates, bootcamps, and associate’s degrees require much less time commitment. Students can complete most computer programming certificates in one year or less. Some certificates can even be completed in one month. 

Earning an associate’s degree takes about two years in total. If a student has existing credits from another institution, these may transfer and count toward the total classes needed for graduation.

Bootcamps and certificates for becoming a computer programmer are also much more affordable. The average cost of a coding bootcamp comes in at about $13,000, while computer coding certificates offer a much wider range of cost—from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Associate’s degrees can cost as little as $3,000.

Students should research any scholarship opportunities before enrolling in a computer programming degree, certificate, or bootcamp. Scholarships are sometimes available to qualified students that can mitigate the cost of the education.

Learn more about tech scholarships

Certificates also provide continuing education opportunities for existing computer programming professionals. 

Certificates can also be a worthwhile route for professionals who already have computer programming experience and are seeking to stay up to date on trends or dive deeper into a specialization.

Bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, bootcamps, and certificates are available for campus-based and online learning.

This flexibility has drawn in more students interested in becoming computer programmers, especially those looking to pivot in their career or have other time commitments, such as raising a family.

What Does a Computer Programmer Do?

Computer programmers translate the code written for the web, software, and other development projects into a readable language for computers. 

This translation brings the program to life and enables user interaction with the interface. Computer programmers not only write but also test these programs.

Computer programmers can develop anything from video games to security needed for online banking. Ensuring that these programs follow best practices and top-of-the-line security measures is an essential part of a computer programmer’s job description.

Computer Programmer Job Description

Individuals who earn a degree in computer programming enjoy an array of options available to them.

There are many career paths that one can follow upon earning a degree in computer programming.

One of the most appealing attributes to a job as a computer programmer is the availability to work in various industries—from cutting-edge tech companies to nonprofits, government, and more. 

Computer programmers develop, maintain, and test computer programs. As the age of information continues and the world relies more and more on technology, there continues to be an increase in the need for computer programmers.

Once computer programmers gain experience in their field, they become qualified to grow their careers in many different directions.

Experienced computer programmers are often found in fields such as:

  • Software development: Developing software can be a lucrative and intellectually engaging career option for computer programmers. Payscale reports the average salary for a software developer is $77,550 per year.
  • Web development: As companies continue to migrate into the online space, web developers enjoy the opportunity to work in almost any industry imaginable. Web development is another lucrative career option with an average salary of $63,567, according to PayScale.
  • Database development: Maintaining the security and operational functions of databases is the focus of database developers. Database development pays an average of $82,882 per year, according to PayScale.
  • Mobile app development: Another career on the rise as companies look to tech for their survival, the average salary of a mobile app developer comes in at $82,076, according to PayScale.
  • Computer systems engineering: Network and administration maintenance is the main focus of a computer systems engineer. PayScale reports that the average annual salary for a computer systems engineer is $86,823.
  • Software engineering: Computer software engineers enjoy a wide variety of work, from development and design to maintenance, to improving existing software. And software engineering pays well, too—an average of $92,463 per year, according to PayScale.
  • Systems analyst: these tech gurus do more than solve problems—they identify the criteria to evaluate computer systems. And their hard work pays off, with an average annual salary of $70,221, according to PayScale.
Learn more about computer programming jobs and salary guide

The Recap

Becoming a computer programmer offers graduates the ability to grow in their careers in many different exciting directions. Gaining experience as a computer programmer is a transferable skill.

It provides professionals with exposure to the technology field that helps narrow down the best fit for growth in their career.

Computer programming is a rewarding and lucrative career path for those who enjoy solving technical problems and maintaining high-level computer operating systems.

There are a variety of jobs available, too—computer programmers can often work in any industry they desire since most companies have joined the digital space (and will continue to).

Not only is computer programming satisfying and lucrative, but it also offers flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the world.

This flexibility, along with intellectual stimulation and multi-industry job opportunities, adds to the profession’s high ranking in job satisfaction.

The job market for computer programmers is expected to see a decrease of 11 percent from 2022 to 2032. However, during this period, there will still be an average of approximately 6,700 job openings annually for computer programmers.

These openings are primarily anticipated due to the necessity of filling positions left vacant by programmers who move to different careers or leave the workforce, including those retiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What educational background is required to become a computer programmer?

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is recommended. However, many successful programmers are self-taught or have completed coding bootcamps.

Are there specific programming languages I should learn?

Yes, languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript are fundamental. The choice of language can depend on the field you wish to enter, such as web development, software development, or data science.

How important are problem-solving skills in computer programming?

Extremely important. Programming is essentially about solving problems and creating solutions. Strong analytical and logical thinking skills are crucial.

Can online courses and coding bootcamps help in becoming a computer programmer?

Absolutely. Many online courses and bootcamps offer intensive, practical training in programming, which can be a great way to learn and build a portfolio.

What is the role of a portfolio in a programming career?

A portfolio showcasing your coding projects is vital. It demonstrates your skills to potential employers and can be more important than formal education in this field.

What industries hire computer programmers?

Programmers are needed in nearly every industry, including technology, finance, healthcare, education, entertainment, and more.

Related Resources

  • Computer Programming Jobs and Salary Guide
  • Find a Degree, Certification, Bootcamp, or Career in Computer Science
  • How to Become a Computer Scientist
  • Find the Best Coding Courses
  • Resource Guides for Computer Science

Primary Sidebar

Ursula Squire – Last updated: November 27, 2023

WRITER

Ursula Squire is a copywriter and web designer based in Colorado.

ON THIS PAGE

  • Degree
  • How to Become
  • Overview
  • Job Description
  • Recap
  • FAQ
  • Related Resources

Follow us

About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Copyright © 2025 | TechGuide | All Rights Reserved