A computer programmer salary may vary according to several key factors such as demographic area, experience, and industry. According to a median income report posted by Sokanu, a computer programmer can earn an average salary of 77,550$ per year. Typically, a computer programmer’s salary starts from 44,140 $ per year and can reach a maximum threshold of 127,640 $ dollars per year.
An entry-level computer programmer can earn an hour median wage of 37.28$. As for a senior computer programmer, the hourly wages can go all the way up to 61.36$.
As a computer programmer, the applicant for the job will be required to document and to test software, as per client request, to write code for applications and to debug various environments at the request of clients.
Computer Programmer Salary Influencers
1. Industry
Depending on the industry and the job’s profile, the average mean wages can vary. Furthermore, there additional factors that can influence a computer programmer’s salary like experience in the field and the nature of the contract.
For instance, an IT programmer analyst can earn up to 128,000 $ per year, whereas a computer programmer employed an online trader’s earnings cannot go higher than 20,000 $ per year. Seniority is also another factor that should be taken into account.
A starting computer programmer can earn up to 44,140 $ per year, meaning that the candidate earns approximately 21, 22 $ per hour. As for a top end computer programmer, the wages can go all the way up to 61,36 $ per hours, which means a total median wage of 127,640 $ dollars per year.
As per statistical spread, a computer programmer employed in the finance and insurance sector earns the highest wage, a typical salary starting from 78,580 $ dollars per year, whereas the Utility sector pays the less, yearly wages starting from 76,180 $ per year.
2. Geographic Area
If you’re currently searching for employment in the IT/computer programmer industry, then you should know that the highest paying state is Washington, the annual mean wage starting from 119,040 $. The second position is occupied by the state of New Mexico, where a computer programmer salary is at least 101,190$ per year.
The third highest paying state for this job is Alaska, where an entry-level computer programmer can have a wage of 95,630 per year.
Here are some other high paying states:
- A computer programmer in California earns 92,170 $ per year and 44,71 $ per hour;
- In Virginia, a computer programmer earns 91,960 $ per year and 44,21 $ per hour;
- In Texas, an entry-level candidate can earn 86,660 $ per year and 41,66 $ per hour;
- The state of Georgia pays 83,590 $ per year and 40,19 $ per hour;
If you’re currently seeking employment as a computer programmer, you should definitely avoid these states as they have the lowest payment rates in the country. Note that the states listed below are not in any particular order:
- Puerto Rico – 44,460 $ per year;
- North Dakota – 55,530 $ per year;
- Mississippi – 66,210 $ per year;
- South Dakota – 53,520 $ per year;
- West Virginia – 64, 860 $ per year.
3. Experience
Like in the case of any other occupations, the more experience you have in a specific field, the more chances you have of securing a well-payed job. Moreover, it’s important to know that while for some job requirements a bachelor’s degree might be enough, some positions require either a two-year degree or other certifications.
You should also keep in mind that most employers seek to hire individuals who have a background in mathematics, computer sciences, physical sciences or engineering. Other studies which include accounting, general business, finance or higher mathematics are considered positive aspects in the hiring process.
Working Hours and Environment
A computer programmer works and an average of 40 hours per week at an office equipped with a computer terminal. Since technology offers the possibility of working from remote locations, some computer programmers chose to work from home as well.
Also, if you sign up for getting a computer programmer salary, you might have to work weekends as well to resolve various technical issues. Less than 5 percent of all computer programmers choose a part-time schedule, compared to other industries, where the percentage rises to 15 percent.
Due to the fact that all programmers stay in front of the computer for a prolonged period, they might be susceptible to back pains and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Computer Programmer Salary by State
| State | Annual Mean Wage ($) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 83,190 |
| Alaska | 95,630 |
| Arizona | 82,400 |
| Arkansas | 70,310 |
| California | 92.170 |
| Colorado | 87,770 |
| Connecticut | 80,740 |
| Delaware | 83,430 |
| Florida | 75,900 |
| Georgia | 83,590 |
| Hawaii | 73,400 |
| Idaho | 66,620 |
| Illinois | 77,360 |
| Indiana | 67,760 |
| Iowa | 70,560 |
| Kansas | 68,680 |
| Kentucky | 69,370 |
| Louisiana | 67,720 |
| Maine | 64,980 |
| Maryland | 91,470 |
| Massachusetts | 95,370 |
| Michigan | 73,400 |
| Minnesota | 81,540 |
| Mississippi | 66,210 |
| Missouri | 78,830 |
| Montana | 63,610 |
| Nebraska | 74,110 |
| Nevada | 77,050 |
| New Hampshire | 74,010 |
| New Jersey | 91,310 |
| New Mexico | 101,190 |
| New York | 88,010 |
| North Carolina | 82,410 |
| North Dakota | 55,530 |
| Ohio | 69,920 |
| Oklahoma | 67,680 |
| Oregon | 77,240 |
| Pennsylvania | 78,830 |
| Rhode Island | 76,970 |
| South Carolina | 72,260 |
| South Dakota | 53,250 |
| Tennessee | 70,840 |
| Texas | 86,660 |
| Utah | 76,180 |
| Vermont | 65,350 |
| Virginia | 91,960 |
| Washington | 119,040 |
| West Virginia | 64,860 |
| Wisconsin | 73,830 |
| Wyoming | 60,400 |
Bonuses and Benefits Packages
Working as a computer programmer has any number of benefits, starting with the working hours, which can be negotiated with the employer. Another perk of working as an IT specialist and getting a computer programmer salary is that you don’t necessarily have to work from the office since many companies have an open policy when it comes to working with remote access.
As far as bonuses go, based on your job’s requirements, you experience and the industry, a computer programmer can earn a yearly bonus estimated at around 9000$.
Moreover, you will also be granted access to a medical insurance plan for occupational hazard. Concerning retirement plans, this aspect is not entirely clearly, being subjected to negotiation.
Job Outlook
According to a report posted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer programmers job market is currently following a steady trend, but by 2024, it will decline by approximately 8 percent. Furthermore, according to the same forecast, the employment chance predicted for the 2014-2024 interval is -26,500.
However, the good news is that this decline is only temporarily and that the business is still lucrative.
Conclusion
To summarize the article, there are many perks associated with a position as a computer programmer. Depending on the state and the industry, the salary may vary accordingly. In theory, every aspect related to the position is opened to negotiation, which means that any candidate can shape his working environment. Although the forecasts state that there will be a slight decline in the workforce market, the job as a computer programmer is still sought-after. Before applying for a job as a computer programmer check beforehand the industry and how much you will be able to earn working in that area or in that state.
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