Computer Programmers
Computer programmers work in computer software and consulting firms and in programming units throughout the private and public sectors. Their duties may require them to:
write computer programs or software packages by coding instructions into machine-readable form;
test, debug, document and implement computer programs or software packages;
maintain existing computer programs by making minor changes as required; and
act as a resource person, solving computer problems for users.
Education, Training and Experience
Computer programmers must usually complete either a bachelor's degree in computer science or in another discipline with a significant programming component such as mathematics, commerce or business administration, or a college program in computer science. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree or a community college diploma.
Those who wish to specialize in commercial or engineering and scientific applications must take specific college or university studies or obtain experience in those applications.
With experience, they may progress to senior positions, such as programmer analyst, or become computer systems analysts.
In These Occupations ...
99,000 people were employed in 1998, an increase of 86.0% from 1988. Most of the growth occurred from 1993 to 1998 when employment increased 64.3%. In comparison, employment in all occupations grew 12.3% over the same ten years, and 8.2% over the last five.
6% work part-time, well below the average of 19% for all occupations.
23% are self-employed, compared to an average of 17% for all occupations. The proportion of self-employed workers in this occupation has increased significantly over the last ten years.
24% are women, well below the average of 45% for all occupations.
the unemployment rate averaged 3.6% from 1996 to 1998, compared to the national average of 6.0%.
the average earnings are among the lowest for professional occupations but are comparable to those for other occupations in the natural and applied sciences sectors.
National Outlook to 2004
Currently, chances of finding work in this occupation are rated "Fair", since employment opportunities and earnings are both at average levels.
Over the next five years, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers.
Success for programmers will require keeping up with rapidly changing programming languages and techniques.
Job opportunities related to the year 2000 problem will disappear, so that programmers who have been working in this area will need to move into other fields. This may require updating their skills.
Most of the increase in employment requirements through 2004 for this occupation is expected to occur in the business services industry.
Where They Work | |
| Business Services | 46.4% |
| Finance and Insurance and Real Estate | 9.4% |
| Federal Administration | 4.9% |
| Telecommunication Carriers | 3.6% |
| Wholesale Trade | 3.4% |
| Professional Services | 3.1% |
| Education | 3.0% |
Type of Employment |
| This Occupation | All Occupations |
| Full-time | 93.8% | 81.1% |
| Part-time | 6.2% | 18.9% |
Distribution by Age |
| This Occupation | All Occupations |
| 15 - 29 | 34.5% | 26.5% |
| 30 - 39 | 40.8% | 28.5% |
| 40 - 54 | 22.5% | 35.2% |
| 55 & over | 2.3% | 9.8% |
Work Prospects | |
| Current | 2004 |
| Fair | Fair |
Earnings | |
| Age Groups | 20 – 29 | 30 – 39 | 40 – 49 |
| Highest 20% | 40,200 | 50,800 | 58,100 |
| Average | 32,800 | 41,500 | | 46,600 |
| Lowest 20% | 24,600 | 30,400 | 34,100 |
Unemployment Rate |
| This Occupation | All Occupations |
| 1998 | 3.5% | 5.5% |
| 1997 | 3.6% | 5.9% |
| 1996 | 3.7% | 6.5% |
| 1995 | 3.6% | 6.5% |
| 1994 | 3.8% | 7.0% |
| 1993 | 5.2% | 7.9% |
| 1992 | 5.3% | 8.5% |
| 1991 | 4.8% | 8.3% |
| 1990 | 4.0% | 6.7% |
| 1989 | 3.6% | 6.1% |
| 1988 | 3.5% | 6.2% |
| 1987 | 4.5% | 6.9% |
| 1986 | 5.7% | 7.4% |
| 1985 | 4.8% | 7.9% |
| 1984 | 4.9% | 8.4% |