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Average Computer Programmer Salaries by Salary, Experience, & Location

Computer programming was one of the fastest-growing, most sought-after careers in 2023. Computer programming salaries are lucrative, there is promising career growth, and the demand for computer programmers is only increasing. In a world where technology is taking the forefront and companies are developing their own proprietary tools and platforms, computer programmers are in high demand.

In the U.S., there are roughly 150,000 computer programmers, making an average salary of $96,650, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, computer programmer salaries can vary widely when it comes to location, seniority, and skills.

Table of Contents
Pros of Computer Programming
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Computer Programmer Average Salary
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Best-Paying Cities for Computer Programmer Salary
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Best-Paying States for Computer Programmer Salary
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Computer Programmer Hourly Salaries
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Entry-Level Computer Programmer Salary
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Computer Programmer Manager Salary
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How to Get Hired for a New Computer Programmer Role
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Pros of Computer Programming

Are you wondering if computer programming is the right career path for you? The ideal programmer is analytical, detail-oriented, good at problem-solving, and also has strong communication skills. Computer programming is more than sitting behind a screen writing code. The most effective and successful computer programmers have both hard, technical skills and soft skills that help them seamlessly work within a team.

The daily professional life of a computer programmer involves writing and testing code, working with other developers, attending sprint planning meetings, and more, and most computer programmers enjoy their roles.

Here are a few more pros of computer programming.

  • High job satisfaction
  • Promising career growth
  • High average salaries
  • Opportunities to freelance
  • No need for formal education
  • Conductive to remote work

Computer Programmer Average Salary

With inflation sitting around 8%, salary is a critical component of any computer programming job. The average computer programmer’s salary is $96,650, but again, this can vary widely. In the U.S., the top computer programmers earn roughly $116,220, and programmers in the lowest quarter earn $67,370.

Best-Paying Cities for Computer Programmer Salary

The top cities for computer programming are San Francisco, Midland, San Jose, Dallas, and Mobile. These cities are in California, Texas, and, perhaps surprisingly, Alabama. The average computer programmer in San Francisco makes $125,420, and the average computer programmer in Mobile, Alabama, makes $109,380. If you're looking to get connected to a computer programmer job in a high paying city, it's recommended to reach out to a San Francisco, California staffing agency.

Infographic chart of best-paying cities for computer programmer salaries in 2023.

According to USNews, the salaries for computer programmers are as follows:

City, State Average Salary
San Jose, California $144,130
San Francisco, California $126,220
Dalton, Georgia $123,500
Boulder, Colorado $188,970
Washington, District of Columbia $177,870

Best-Paying States for Computer Programmer Salary

Computer programmers in Washington, the District of Columbia, California, Virginia, and Texas make the highest salaries, with Washington coming in first place with an average salary of $177,210. Computer programmers in D.C. make $119,010, and California computer programmers have an average salary of $107,300. Texas computer programmers make an average salary of $102,650.

State Average Salary
Washington $183,610
California $114,740
Virginia $112,890
District of Columbia $112,120
Massachusetts $109,980
Infographic chart of best-paying states for computer programmer salaries in 2023.

Computer Programmer Salary California

California is undoubtedly a tech hot spot with many lucrative opportunities for computer programmers. There are 2,270 job openings in California, with programmers making a median salary of $95,370. Los Angeles has the most computer programmers, earning a median salary of $87,890.

Computer Programmer Salary In Texas

As one of the newer tech hot spots, Texas has a strong job market for computer programmers. The average programmer makes $84,980, but the range can run from $51,000 and go as high as $134,040 for the top 20%. Reach out to a Dallas staffing agency to get connected quickly.

Computer Programmer Hourly Salaries

Entry-level computer programmers make roughly $21.20 an hour, but that rises quickly when the seniority level increases. Mid-level computer programmers make between $42 and $51 per hour, with senior programmers making $50.73 an hour. Programmers don’t typically work hourly unless it is a freelance role; otherwise, they’re making a salary. However, other IT roles, such as web developer or systems administrator, might offer high-paying contract wages.

Entry-Level Computer Programmer Salary

As in most career paths, computer programmers who are just starting out in their careers begin on the lower end of the salary scale. Entry-level computer programmers make an average of $44,093. The lowest entry-level salaries are anywhere from $32,500 to $48,000. Top entry-level earners are making around $72,500.

According to ZipRecruiter, these are the top average computer programmer salaries by city:

City, State Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
San Francisco, CA $55,051 $4,587 $1,058 $26.47
Fremont, CA $53,709 $4,475 $1,032 $25.82
San Jose, CA $51,686 $4,307 $993 $24.85
Jackson, WY $51,463 $4,288 $989 $24.74
Oakland, CA $51,175 $4,264 $984 $24.60
Frankston, TX $50,788 $4,232 $976 $24.42
Vallejo, CA $50,101 $4,175 $963 $24.09
Hayward, CA $50,073 $4,172 $962 $24.07
Seattle, WA $50,019 $4,168 $961 $24.05
Barnstable Town, MA $49,857 $4,154 $958 $23.97

Computer Programmer Manager Salary

Computer programming managers are at the next phase of their careers, running a team and performing more leadership and managerial duties instead of writing code. Computer programming managers typically have a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience. The average salary for a computer programming manager is $86,377, with the lowest 10% making $78,000 and the top 10% making $148,000. California, Texas, New York, Virginia, and Florida come in as the top five states with the most computer programmer manager roles.

According to Zippia, these are the states with the highest computer programming manager jobs with their average salaries:

Rank State Number of Jobs Average Salary
1 California 2,243 $116,424
2 Texas 970 $103,419
3 New York 793 $101,603
4 Virginia 758 $90,190
5 Florida 757 $82,364
6 Massachusetts 690 $103,826
7 Illinois 626 $107,158
8 Maryland 599 $85,576
9 Pennsylvania 592 $91,042
10 Washington 574 $106,157

How to Get Hired for a New Computer Programmer Role

At Advantis Global, we help skilled tech talent find new jobs. From Fortune 50s to start-ups looking for permanent and contract tech talent to help them grow, Advantis Global works with the most in-demand companies. If you’re looking to explore a new career in computer programming or a more highly paid position, submit your resume or apply for a job.

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