NorthStar

Occupations/15-1251.00

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Bachelor’s

Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.

AI automation risk

79%

Higher automation risk

Human characteristics

24%

Fewer uniquely human demands

Task orientation

63%

Higher automation risk

A day in this job

  • Mostly human

    Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

  • Mostly routine

    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.

  • Mostly routine

    Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

Split from the wording of these tasks, shown next to the occupation’s AI risk. It is not a separate score for each task, and it is not a forecast that the job disappears.

Core tasks

  1. 01Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  2. 02Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  3. 03Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  4. 04Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  5. 05Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  6. 06Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

  • Repeating same tasks3.15
  • Degree of automation2.29
  • Time sitting4.84
  • Originality (ability)3.00
  • Conflict situations2.48
  • Hands-on objects/tools3.14
  • Outdoors / weather1.19
  • Disease exposure1.00
  • Decision freedom3.43

Top abilities

  • Written Comprehension4.00
  • Oral Comprehension3.88
  • Near Vision3.88
  • Problem Sensitivity3.75
  • Information Ordering3.75
  • Inductive Reasoning3.75
  • Deductive Reasoning3.75
  • Oral Expression3.50

Essential skills

  • Reading Comprehension3.38
  • Active Listening3.75
  • Writing3.25
  • Speaking3.12
  • Mathematics3.12
  • Science2.75
  • Critical Thinking3.75
  • Active Learning3.12
  • Learning Strategies2.38
  • Monitoring3.00

CIP matches

11.0201Computer Programming/Programmer, General11.0202Computer Programming, Specific Applications11.0203Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification11.0204Computer Game Programming11.0205Computer Programming, Specific Platforms11.0299Computer Programming, Other11.0701Computer Science11.0803Computer Graphics11.0804Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation11.0902Cloud Computing15.1204Computer Software Technology/Technician30.3001Computational Science30.7101Data Analytics, General30.7103Data Visualization30.7199Data Analytics, Other51.0709Medical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant52.1201Management Information Systems, General

Schools offering related programs

12 of 94 shown

Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.

InstitutionProgramTuitionAdmitGrad 6-yrEarnings

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$62,4004%96%

1 yr $147,858

2 yr $136,499

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$60,1004%96%

1 yr $142,198

2 yr $128,737

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$60,40012%88%

1 yr $137,605

2 yr —

Master's · CIP 11.07

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$13,8009%92%

1 yr $128,909

2 yr $125,388

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$17,50045%85%

1 yr $117,393

2 yr $101,592

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$11,80017%91%

1 yr $108,092

2 yr $92,632

Master's · CIP 11.07

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$68,2004%96%

1 yr $107,089

2 yr $103,078

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Chicago, IL · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$4,600100%27%

1 yr $101,406

2 yr $98,403

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$12,60048%84%

1 yr $99,833

2 yr $101,221

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$68,20012%92%

1 yr $94,851

2 yr $91,986

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$65,40012%95%

1 yr $93,342

2 yr $88,639

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$63,2007%91%

1 yr $91,744

2 yr $84,100

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07