Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Computer Programmer is a professional role in the Computer and Mathematical job family, focused on Computer Programmer work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Computer Programmers do
Typical education: Bachelor's Degree
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
Top skills:ProgrammingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningQuality Control AnalysisSystems Analysis
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Computer Programmer salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
38,700 workers
$108,500
State Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
10,350 workers
$100,500
Educational Services
9,030 workers
$102,000
Information
8,650 workers
$119,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excl. State & Local Schools & Hospitals & USPS
7,510 workers
$100,000
Sectors 31, 32, and 33 – Manufacturing
7,360 workers
$109,000
Finance and Insurance
5,010 workers
$119,500
Local Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
4,560 workers
$101,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Computer Programmer pays 10% below the average across 21 roles in the Computer and Mathematical job family (family average $121,000).
The average base salary for a Computer Programmer in the United States is $109,000 per year, or about $52.40 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $78,500 and $135,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Computer and Mathematical roles?
The Computer and Mathematical job family averages $121,000 across 21 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
