Computer Programmers Salary
Computer and Mathematical Occupations · 92K employed in the U.S.
Median annual
$100,390
Median hourly
$48
Average annual
$105,170
Typical range
$57,710–$160,460
Pay distribution
10th to 90th percentile, with the median marked.
What this role pays
The median annual salary for Computer Programmers is $100,390 as of May 2025, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. That works out to about $48 an hour at a full-time schedule.
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.
Most earn between $57,710 and $160,460 a year. There are roughly 92K people employed as computer programmers in the United States. Use the state and metro pages below to see how pay changes by location, and the calculator to convert any hourly or annual figure.
Salary calculator
Convert your pay and see where it lands for Computer Programmers.
- Hourly
- $48.26
- Daily
- $386
- Weekly
- $1,931
- Bi-weekly
- $3,861
- Monthly
- $8,366
- Annual
- $100,390
$100,390 a year is around the 50th percentile for Computer Programmerss. The median is $100,390.
Highest-paying states
Median annual wage by state.
- 1Connecticut$133,820
- 2Massachusetts$128,390
- 3Washington$125,620
- 4Maryland$125,570
- 5Virginia$121,610
- 6Hawaii$118,180
- 7California$116,760
- 8Arkansas$111,840
- 9Minnesota$107,250
- 10New Jersey$104,940
- 11Utah$104,890
- 12Colorado$104,610
Top-paying metro areas
Median annual wage by metro area.
- 1Boulder, CO$155,030
- 2San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$154,920
- 3Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT$141,920
- 4Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR$136,880
- 5San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$134,130
- 6Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA$132,850
- 7Bend, OR$132,280
- 8Portland-South Portland, ME$131,960
- 9Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT$130,790
- 10San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA$130,730
- 11Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$130,390
- 12Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH$128,900
Related job titles
Employers advertise Computer Programmers roles under these titles.
- Analyst Programmer
- Application Programmer
- Application Programmer Analyst
- Business Programmer
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- Client Server Programmer
- Computer Game Programmer
- Computer Language Coder
- Computer Programmer
- Database Programmer
- E-Commerce Programmer (Electronic Commerce Programmer)
- Engineering and Scientific Programmer
- Engineering Programmer
- Game Programmer
- Internet Programmer
- IT Programmer (Information Technology Programmer)
Related occupations
What a Computer Programmers does
- 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.
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
- Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
- Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Computer Programmers make?
- The median annual wage for Computer Programmers is $100,390 ($48 per hour). Pay ranges from about $57,710 at the 10th percentile to $160,460 at the 90th percentile.
- What is the average salary for a Computer Programmers?
- The average (mean) annual salary is $105,170, which is higher than the median because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
- Which state pays Computer Programmerss the most?
- Connecticut has the highest median annual wage for this occupation at $133,820.
- Is Computer Programmers a growing occupation?
- BLS employment data for May 2025 counts about 92K people in this occupation. Projected growth is published separately in the BLS Employment Projections program.
- What does a Computer Programmers do?
- 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..