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