
Programmers Income
Computer programmers are technical professionals. They are responsible for creating, modifying, and testing code. Code is the functional backbone for websites, software, and applications. On average, computer programmers earn more than twice the median salary for all jobs in the US [1]. You can learn more about computer programmer salaries in the US and how to increase yours in the following article.
How much do computer programmers make?
The annual median salary for computer programmers in the US is $74,534 [2]. This figure includes a base salary of $70,115 and a reported additional pay of $4,419 per year. Additional pay may include bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing. However, salaries for computer programmers depend on several factors. Learning about the average salary for specific fields, industries, and levels of expertise can give you a better understanding of what you can earn.
How industry affects computer programmer salaries
The most common industries that employ computer programmers, along with the median annual salary for each, are as follows:
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Software publishers: $102,370
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Finance and insurance: $99,260
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Manufacturing: $98,320
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Computer systems design: $79,860 [1]
How experience affects computer programmer salaries
In general, the more experienced you are, the greater the computer programming salary. As you become more specialized and gain more field expertise, your pay should increase. The list below represents the average salaries for all levels of expertise (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in January 2023.
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Entry-level (0-1 year of experience) computer programmer: $62,751 per year
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Junior (1-3 years of experience) computer programmer: $68,830 per year
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Mid-level (4-6 years of experience) computer programmer: $73,969 per year
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Senior (7-9 years of experience) computer programmer: $78,775 per year
How location affects computer programmer salaries
Often, employers in cities and states with a higher cost of living pay more. Places where larger corporations are located also tend to have higher-paying employment opportunities. Here are the top 5 highest paying states for computer programmers [3]:
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Washington: $89,760
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Oregon: $77,845
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North Carolina: $73,377
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Maine: $74,684
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Pennsylvania: $72,748
The 5 best-paying cities for computer programmers include [3]:
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Richmond, CA: $84,011
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Washington, DC: $77,532
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Chicago, IL: $74,119
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Stamford, CT: $73,826
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Jacksonville, NC: $73,542
How education affects computer programmer salaries
Sixty percent of computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, and 10 percent have a master's degree [4]. A degree is not required to become a computer programmer. However, some employers may require an advanced degree for more advanced roles. Computer programmers typically study computer science or computer programming.
According to Zippia in January of 2023, programmers with a master's degree earn $76,914 per year on average. With a bachelor's degree, the average salary is $73,118. With an associate degree, you can expect to earn $65,971 on average. Keep in mind that employers also value alternative credentials, like hands-on experience and Professional Certificates. Some computer programmers have no formal training or academic degree.