We surveyed 11,199 computer programmers to learn what personality traits and interests make them unique. Here are the results.


Holland Codes

Computer programmers are investigative and conventional

Computer programmers tend to be predominantly investigative individuals, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people that often like to spend time alone with their thoughts. They also tend to be conventional, meaning that they are usually detail-oriented and organized, and like working in a structured environment.

If you are one or both of these archetypes, you may be well suited to be a computer programmer. However, if you are enterprising, this is probably not a good career for you. Unsure of where you fit in? Take the career test now.

Here’s how the Holland codes of the average computer programmer break down:


Big Five

The top personality traits of computer programmers are social responsibility and openness

Computer programmers score highly on social responsibility, indicating that they desire fair outcomes and have a general concern for others. They also tend to be high on the measure of openness, which means they are usually curious, imaginative, and value variety.

Once again, let’s break down the components of the personality of an average computer programmer: