Interested in becoming a computer programmer? Here's all the information you'll need to know to land a job as a computer programmer, including job responsibilities, education requirements, desired skills, and salary information.
Computer Programmer Job Description
Computer Programmers write code. Through the use of computer languages, such as C++ and Java, computer programmers create instructions for computers to perform and follow.
They work closely with others in the company to develop, maintain, debug, and test computer programs.
Overall, it is the responsibility of the computer programmer to write code and manipulate it into a language the computer can understand and follow.
Computer Programmers are commonly employed by software companies. However, with the surge in access to computer programmers, many governmental and private sector companies, such as banks and law firms, have begun to employ computer programmers. It is not uncommon to see computer programmers working as freelancers, moving from project to project within technology consulting firms or independently.
Education and Training
Most employers require computer programmers to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, some employers do hire applicants with an associate's degree and internship experience. It is recommended, no matter what degree level, that those interested in computer programming complete at least one internship.
Certifications for specific programming languages or for vendor-specific programming products are not required by all employers but is strongly recommended.
Desired Skills and Qualities
Analytical Thinking: Computer programmers need to understand, manipulate, and repair complex computer code.
Strong Attention to Detail: Computer programmers need to pay attention to every line of code written. One wrong command and the entire program could malfunction.
Collaboration: Computer programmers may need help from another department or colleague to fix a software issue. It is important they have a collaborative mindset.
More Computer Programming Skills
A - G
Algorithms
Analysis
Analytical
Analytics
Analyze Data
Applications
Application Development
Application Development Methodologies
Application Development Techniques
Application Development Tools
Application Programming Interfaces
Architecture
AROS
Ars Based Programming
Aspect Oriented Programming
Best Practices
Browsers
CASE Tools
Code
Coding
Collaboration
Communication
Components
Computer Platforms
Concurrent Programming
Computer Science
Constraint-based Programming
Customer Service
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
Database Techniques
Databases
Data
Data Analytics
Data Structures
Debugging
Design
Development
Development Tools
Documentation
Embedded Hardware
Emerging Technologies
Fourth Generation Languages
H - M
Hardware
HTML Authoring Tools
HTML Conversion Tools
Industry Systems
iOS
Information Systems
Implementation
Interface with Clients
Interface with Vendors
Internet
Languages
Linux
Logic
MacOS
Math
Mobile
Multimedia
Multi-Tasking
N - S
Operating Systems
Optimizing
Organizational
OS Programming
Parallel Processing
Personal
Physics
Planning
Post Object Programming
Problem Solving
Programming Languages
Programming Methodologies
Quality Control
Relational Databases
Relational Programming
Reporting
Revision Control
Self-Motivation
Software
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Symbolic Programming
System Architecture
System Development
System Design
System Programming
System Testing
Teamwork
Technical
Testing
Third Generation Languages
Troubleshooting
UNIX
Use Logical Reasoning
Web
Web Applications
Web Platforms
Web Services
Windowing Systems
Windows
Workstations
Computer Programmer Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Programmers earned an average of $74,280 in 2012. The bottom 10% of programmers earned less than $42,850 and the top 10% earned at least $117,890.
ref:
https://www.thebalance.com/computer-programmer-job-description-salary-and-skills-2061823
