Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for computer programmers was $72,630 in 2010. The best-paid 10 percent in the field made approximately $115,610 while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $41,710. The highest-paid in the profession work in the metropolitan areas of Rochester, Minn., San Jose, Calif., and Durham, N.C.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $56,060.00 |
| 2004 | $68,860.00 |
| 2006 | $71,550.00 |
| 2008 | $72,720.00 |
| 2010 | $74,690.00 |
Average Computer Programmer Pay vs. All Technology Jobs
The average computer programmer makes less than our other Best Technology Jobs. Still, the pay is good and comparable to the salaries paid to other occupations on our list. For example, computer programmers earned about $72,630 in 2011, while a database administrator earned about $75,190 in the same year. Web developers earned $77,990 in 2011.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $89,280.00 |
| Web Developer | $77,990.00 |
| Civil Engineer | $77,990.00 |
| Database Administrator | $75,190.00 |
| Computer Programmer | $72,630.00 |
See Complete List of Best Technology Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Computer Programmers
The highest paid in the computer programmer profession work in the metropolitan areas of Rochester, MN, Santa Fe, NM, and Durham, NC. The San Jose, CA area also pays well, as does the city of Newark, NJ.
Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $114,910 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer programmer working in Rochester, MN is $114,910, which is $42,280 more than the average pay in the profession.
Santa Fe, NM
Average Salary: $109,340 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer programmer working in Santa Fe, NM is $109,340, which is $36,710 more than the average pay in the profession.
Durham, NC
Average Salary: $99,650 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer programmer working in Durham, NC is $99,650, which is $27,020 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $99,570 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer programmer working in San Jose, CA is $99,570, which is $26,940 more than the average pay in the profession.
Newark, NJ
Average Salary: $97,860 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer programmer working in Newark, NJ is $97,860, which is $25,230 more than the average pay in the profession.
