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Computer Programmer Salary
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How Much do Computer Programmers Make?
The BLS reports the median annual wage for computer programmers was $79,840 in 2016. The best-paid 10 percent in the field made approximately $130,360, while the lowest-paid 10 percent made about $45,570.
Salary Outlook
What is the Outlook for Computer Programmers?
The BLS projects the number of positions in the computer programming field will decline 8 percent by 2026 due to companies outsourcing jobs to other countries with lower wages. This is expected to result in the loss of 22,600 jobs. The job outlook is better for programmers holding a bachelor’s degree or higher who have an extensive knowledge of different programming languages and new programming tools.
Best Paying Cities for Computer Programmers
The highest paid in the computer programmer profession work in the metropolitan areas of Savannah, Georgia, Seattle, and San Francisco. The Bellingham, Washington area also pays well, as does the city of Oxnard, California.
| Savannah, Georgia | $120,810 |
| Seattle | $120,000 |
| San Francisco | $109,060 |
| Bellingham, Washington | $106,860 |
| Oxnard, California | $105,650 |
Top 5 Best Paying Cities for Computer Programmers
Seattle
The average salary of a computer programmer working in Seattle is $120,000.
San Francisco
The average salary of a computer programmer working in San Francisco is $109,060.
Bellingham, Washington
The average salary of a computer programmer working in Bellingham, Washington is $106,860.
Oxnard, California
The average salary of a computer programmer working in Oxnard, California is $105,650.
Best Paying States for Computer Programmers
The states and districts that pay computer programmers the highest mean salary are Washington ($116,170), the District of Columbia ($96,070), Colorado ($95,730), Massachusetts ($95,510), and Virginia ($94,680).
| Washington | $116,170 |
| District of Columbia | $96,070 |
| Colorado | $95,730 |
| Massachusetts | $95,510 |
| Virginia | $94,680 |
How Much do Computer Programmers Make in Your City?
See current salary offers for jobs in your field.
What is the Computer Programmer Salary by Place of Employment?
In addition to region and education, factors such as specialty, industry and employer have an effect on a computer programmer’s salary. The top-paying places of employment with the highest average annual salaries for this career are securities and commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage firms ($115,720), other financial investment activities firms ($112,720), dry cleaning and laundry services ($110,580), natural gas distribution companies ($103,830) and automobile dealers ($100,150). Most programmers work full time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average hourly wage for computer programmers?
A: The average hourly wage was $40.95 in 2016.
Q: What is a computer programmer’s salary in Los Angeles?
A: The average salary for a computer programmer in Los Angeles was $89,100 in 2016.
Average Computer Programmer Pay vs. Other Best Jobs
Computer programmers made an average salary of $85,180 in 2016, which is less than that of database administrators ($87,130) and software developers ($104,300). Computer programmers made more than web developers ($72,150) and computer systems administrators ($84,500) in 2016, though.
Jobs Related to Computer Programmer
Software Developer - Average Salary $104,300
Software developers are the masterminds behind the technologies you can't imagine living without.
Database Administrator - Average Salary $87,130
A database administrator stores and organizes data using special software. It’s also this professional’s job to ensure data are secure.
Web Developer - Average Salary $72,150
A web developer produces websites based on each client’s needs.
Computer Systems Administrator - Average Salary $84,500
Computer systems administrators set up and maintain an organization's computer servers.
Similar Jobs
Database Administrator
Median Salary $84,950
Software Developer
Median Salary $100,080
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