Computer programmer salary

Computer programmer earnings by seniority

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Computer programmer salary by state

How much does a Computer Programmer earn?

Since computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, companies often hire programmers in countries where wages are lower. This ongoing trend is projected to limit growth for computer programmers in the United States, and employment is projected to decline by eight percent from 2014 to 2024 according to the BLS. However, there are high costs associated with managing projects given to overseas programmers, and these costs can offset the savings from the lower wages, causing some companies to bring back or keep programming jobs in the United States.

A computer programmer's work varies greatly, and so do typical starting salaries. PayScale.com reported that entry-level computer programmers earned a median wage of $51,174 in September 2015.

The highest computer programmer salaries are in the metropolitan areas of Seattle, Vallejo, California, Oxnard, California, Albuquerque, New Mexico and the District of Columbia. Computer Programmers tend to make the most in the following industries:

Finance and Insurance - $78,580
Information - $78,500
Manufacturing - $78,090
Wholesale Trade - $77,210
Transportation and Warehousing - $77,000
Utilities - $76,180

How do computer programmer salaries compare to similar careers?

Computer programmers earn about the same as related careers in Florida. On average, they make less than web developers but more than technical support specialists.