How to Become a Computer Programmer

How to become a Computer Programmer

The Basics of Becoming a Computer Programmer

Are you investigating how to become a Computer Programmer and want to know more about the career? The main job of a Computer Programmer is to create code used in software programs. They use diagrams created by software developers to create a program that a computer can follow. They write code in computer languages, such as C++ and Python. They debug the code and test it to ensure it works properly. They may use code libraries and other computer-assisted software engineering tools to simplify the code writing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most computer programmers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject; however, some employers hire workers who have an associate degree. Programmers who work in specific fields, such as healthcare or accounting, may take classes in that field to supplement their degree in computer programming. In addition, employers value experience, which many students gain through internships.

What Are Hurdles to Becoming A Computer Programmer?

I think the biggest hurdle for entry level computer programmer positions relates to understanding the code. HOWEVER, I think there’s a second MASSIVE hurdle: Fitting in. Fitting into tech culture is all about knowledge. If you don’t know how to perfectly manipulate a CSS file or how to write a JS script, you will get laughed at. The key is to OWN it. The knowledge gap is just temporary. The best response to fitting in is to be curious and inquisitive. Asking questions goes a very long way. Trying to learn will garner respectability. The more you try to fight the knowledge and technical gap, the worse it will be for you. Roll with the waves until you become an integral part of the team.
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- Anthony Jullien, Director of IT @ Dupray

A Computer Programmer's Salary Potential

Lowest 10th%
$50,150
Median
$86,550
Highest 90th%
$140,250

States with the Highest Employment Levels

STATES	2019 ANNUAL MEAN WAGE	NUMBER OF JOBS
California	$103,790	24,400
Texas	$95,620	20,430
New York	$92,550	13,380
Florida	$80,370	9,670
Illinois	$94,010	9,260

(Bureau of Labor Statistics)

How Do Your Skills Stack Up?

Day to day life of a Computer Programmer

As reported by O*NET, these types of tasks are conducted every day in this role – would you feel comfortable performing these tasks as part of the day to day life of a Computer Programmer?^[i]

What Will You Learn with a Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science usually covers course work such as:

Operations Management
Emerging Trends in Technology
Web Analytics
Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
Business Project Management

Computer science bachelor’s degrees are typically designed to provide students with technology skills in areas like mobile, cloud computing and analytics. In addition to general education courses, students may cover topics including database implementation strategies for programmers; mobile web application development; distributed database management; and distributed applications architecture. In some cases, students may choose an area of specialization—such as Apple iOS app development—and may be required to complete a capstone course to demonstrate their competencies.

Who are some Famous Computer Programmers?

Biography.com compiled a list of influential and famous computer programmers, here are some of the most notable programmers:

Mark Zuckerberg - Creator of the world-famous social network site, Facebook, was a computer programmer by the age of 12.
Steve Wozniak -An American computer scientist best known as one of the founders of Apple and the inventor of the Apple II computer.
Jack Dorsey - A businessman and Computer Programmer best known as the founder of the social networking site Twitter.
Marissa Mayer - led the development of Google's most successful products for more than 10 years and was appointed CEO of Yahoo in 2012, at the age of 37.

FAQs About How to Become a Computer Programmer

What general knowledge should a computer programmer have?

According to O*NET, computer programmers should have knowledge in computers and electronics, mathematics, customer and personal service, and administration and management. They might use their knowledge in computers, technology, and mathematics to write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages; correct errors in programming; conduct trial runs of programs; write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs; and revise, repair, and expand existing programs. They may use their experience in customer and personal service, administration, and management to work with colleagues and customers and manage projects and workloads.

What Skills do Computer Programmers Possess?

Computer Programmers are usually proficient in skills such as programming, asking the right questions to better understand the expected outcome, complex problem-solving, time-management, and systems evaluation and analysis.

How many computer programming jobs are there in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 111,540 computer programmers worked across five primary industries as of May 2019:

Computer systems design and related services
Software publishers
Management of companies and enterprises
Data processing, hosting, and related services
Colleges, universities, and professional schools

The same year, the majority of computer programmers were employed in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida. The median annual salary for computer programmers is $86,550. The BLS predicts that employment of computer programmers will decline by 7 percent between 2018 and 2028.

What professional certificates might I pursue as a computer programmer?

There are several professional certificates you might pursue:

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer, which helps professionals prove their ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies.
The AWS Certified Developer – Associate, which validates technical expertise in developing and maintaining applications on the AWS platform.
The Oracle Application Express (Oracle APEX) Certification, which helps computer programmers gain the skills necessary to develop and deploy their applications from beginning to end. Oracle also offers numerous other certification programs.
Puppet Certification which validates computer programmers’ knowledge and experience in Puppet technology.

These and numerous other types of certification exist for computer programming professionals. You might pursue these or other certifications according to your specialization in computer programming and your personal and professional goals. According to the BLS, some companies hiring computer programmers might require them to be certified (or gain certification) in the programs and systems the companies use.

Job information sourced from O*NET

The sources for school statistics and data is the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System unless otherwise noted.

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