Career: Computer Programmers

If you picture yourself as a computer programmer, you may already know a computer language. Once you know multiple computer languages, you’ll be able to communicate throughout the world.

In addition to mastering programming languages like C++ and Java, you’ll also need to communicate easily with people. After all, you’ll often work with a team and sometimes with the users of the products you develop. At the end of the day, the key to programming is language.

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the instructions that computers must follow to land airplanes, sell products online, build machines, share information, and so much more.

“Just as in the English language there are different ways to say the same thing, in programming, too, there are various ways to achieve the same end result. There is actually a lot of creativity involved.”

Sam, Applications-Systems Programmer and Analyst

Are You Ready To...?

• Tackle assignments that at first seem impossible
• Work long hours, sometimes on tight deadlines and even on weekends
• Juggle more than one assignment at a time
• Be flexible and think creatively

It Helps to Be...

A problem solver who’s attentive to detail, patient, and able to work under pressure. You should be comfortable communicating with people who don’t know much about computers as well as those who do. If you love crossword puzzles, you might love programming.

Make High School Count

• Take as much advanced math as your high school offers.
• Make the most of your science classes. They train you to think logically -- a basic skill in programming.
• Sign up for computer science classes. If your high school doesn’t offer any, look into summer classes for precollege students at local two- or four-year colleges.
• Consider summer computer science programs like MIT’s Women’s Technology Program.

“Programming languages and the tools used to create new programs have become incredibly sophisticated, so it's much easier for software developers to get things done.”

Brian Kernighan, Professor of Computer Science,
Princeton University

Outlook

Government economists expect jobs in programming to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2014. Experts predict that the fields of computer systems design and software publishing will need the most programmers.

As programming becomes more advanced and specialized, graduates of two-year programs, those with less than a two-year degree, and even bachelor’s degree holders will face strong competition for jobs. Learning a variety of programming languages and tools for networking, database management, and Internet applications will increase your chances of landing a job.

Compensation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average yearly salary of computer programmers in 2006 to be $69,500. Here are average 2006 salaries in the industries that hire the most computer programmers:

• Computer systems design: $72,400
• Software publishers: $80,340
• Management of companies and enterprises: $68,620
• Insurance Carriers: $67,830
• Employment Services: $75,830