How to Become a Computer Programmer in 2024
By Amy Wilson
Updated on September 1, 2024
Are you wondering how to become a computer programmer? With technology becoming an increasingly significant part of people’s daily lives, computer programming is becoming a popular career path and field of study.
You might be thinking that a career as a computer programmer could be right for you. If so, this article will discuss the various pathways you can take to acquire skills related to computer programming and find employment in this growing field.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Here are some steps you can take if your goal is to become a computer programmer:
These steps are simply a guideline. Each individual’s path to becoming a computer programmer is unique to them.
While a college degree is not strictly necessary to pursue a career as a computer programmer, some employers may prefer candidates who have degrees.
Earning a degree can also give you opportunities to learn computer-related knowledge and skills other than programming. Let’s look at the different levels of degrees that you can pursue in computer science.
An associate’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can enable you to qualify for entry-level tech jobs. Entry-level positions include:
An associate’s degree usually takes 2 years to complete with full-time study, and it can be completed online, on campus, or at a community college. You can take basic courses in computer programming, and you’ll study common programming languages, such as Java and C++.
While the curriculum can vary at different schools, you’ll typically learn about how computers are used in business and educational settings. You’ll also study how to solve common problems that professionals encounter when using technology.
Since an associates degree does not provide time to study how computers operate in depth, the focus of an associates is usually on practical technology skills for the office and similar settings. This level of degree does not usually require a lot of higher-level math or related subjects.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science can enable you to qualify for a variety of careers involving computers and technology.
Here are some common computer and IT careers that computer science graduates pursue:
A bachelors degree typically takes 4 years to complete, depending on how many classes you take each term. Compared to an associates degree, a bachelors program allows you to develop more theoretical knowledge of how computers work.
Coursework in a computer science bachelors program usually includes the study of discrete mathematics, algorithms, data structures, and similar subjects. Bachelor’s degree students study not only how to write code in multiple languages but also why codes work the way they do. In addition to coding and the theory behind it, computer science students also spend time studying computer hardware and how it works.
Once you have developed a broad understanding of computer science by earning your bachelors, you could choose to go on to earn a masters degree. A masters-level program enables you to develop more advanced, specialized knowledge and skills in your chosen field. A masters program usually includes a research project called a thesis as well.
A master’s degree is not necessary to work as a computer programmer or in most other computer science professions. It could be useful, though, if you want to work in academia or do research in an emerging field, such as artificial intelligence or human-computer interaction.
Possible career options for computer science masters degree holders include:
Masters degree programs can vary considerably in length, but they often take 1 to 2 years to complete. Non-thesis programs can usually be completed in less time than programs that include a thesis component.
You could consider earning a professional certification in addition to or in lieu of a traditional degree. Companies such as Oracle and Microsoft offer certification exams that enable software professionals to verify their skill levels in different areas. This can be especially helpful for self-taught programmers.
There are also many coding bootcamps where you can take classes for a few months and earn a certificate when you are done. These often do not provide as much knowledge as a full-length traditional degree program, but they can teach you the basic skills to get started as a programmer.
Here are some different certifications you could earn:
A professional certificate can communicate to employers what specific skills you have in programming and IT.
How do you become a computer programmer? Computer programming is a complex task. There are many different skills that could be useful to you in this field. The following sections will cover the hard and soft skills that can help make you a proficient programmer.
Hard skills are specific skills that can be easily tested and verified. Here are some hard skills that are useful to a computer programmer:
In general, the more you know about different types of software and programming languages, the easier it can be to qualify for a job in programming.
Soft skills are general personal qualities that are useful on the job. They can be harder to measure than hard skills, but they are still important. Here are examples of soft skills that are useful for computer programmers:
In addition to studying programming languages, cultivating these soft skills can help prepare you for a career as a computer programmer.
Most high-paying jobs in computer programming require prior work experience. An internship can be a strategic way to get the initial work experience needed to launch your career.
Most internships are unpaid, but if your college or university offers internships as part of your degree program, you may be able to earn course credit for it. When deciding where to attend school, you may want to specifically seek out a school that offers internship opportunities.
If you are attending school on campus, there may be internships available for computer science students that involve working with your school’s IT professionals. There are also internships available at all kinds of companies.
Many students try to get internships specifically at tech companies if possible. Since companies in other industries still need programmers, though, you could potentially find an internship opportunity almost anywhere.
An internship can help you get on-the-job training so you can see what it’s like to use computer programming skills outside of a classroom. It can also provide you with opportunities to network with other people in the industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some careers related to computer programming.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer Network Architects | $120,520 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
| Computer Programmers — Software Publishers | $102,370 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $99,270 |
| Computer Programmers — Finance and Insurance | $99,260 |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $98,860 |
| Computer Programmers — Manufacturing | $98,320 |
| Computer Programmers — Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $79,860 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $77,200 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% job growth for computer and IT occupations over the next ten years.
Here are some things you may want to look for when choosing a degree program in computer programming:
There are many degree programs available that teach computer programming, so you can explore your options to find which ones meet your personal needs and preferences.
A computer programmer writes the code that makes a computer run correctly and efficiently. They may update existing software to fix bugs and errors, rewrite software to make it work on different operating systems, or be involved in the creation of entirely new software.
When writing code, programmers often run tests to see how well it works and then rewrite it to fix mistakes. They often work closely with software developers and other professionals to ensure that an application does exactly what it is supposed to do.
It is not strictly necessary to have a degree to be a programmer. There are lots of ways to learn programming outside of school.
That said, some employers prefer candidates who have degrees, so there may be more job opportunities available to you with a degree. Earning a degree can also help you develop a deeper understanding of how computers work and help you become better at solving certain types of problems.
While you do not need a degree to become a programmer, you may still want to consider the benefits of having a college degree.
Whether or not computer programming is considered difficult is subjective. It could depend on your natural aptitudes as well as your level of interest in programming.
Computer programming does require systematic problem solving, and coursework in a degree program usually includes advanced math such as calculus and discrete mathematics. Professional computer programmers usually need to be proficient in multiple programming languages. Developing a high level of proficiency in multiple languages could require several years of study and practice.
Some computer programming projects might also be considered more difficult than others. For instance, programming an entire operating system could be both complex and time-consuming, while programming a mobile app might be simpler.
Computer programmers can work for all kinds of companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers most commonly work with computer systems design and related services. The median salary for professionals in this sector is $93,000.
Programmers can also work in finance and insurance, manufacturing, and software publishing. Many are also self-employed. The median salary for programmers who work for software publishers is $102,370 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are employed by many of the same types of companies as computer programmers. They are somewhat less likely than computer programmers to be self-employed.
What qualifications you need to be a computer programmer depends on where you want to work and exactly what kind of computer programming job you want.
Here are some various qualifications you could earn to help you develop your programming skills:
You may want to browse job postings to see what the specific requirements are for the types of positions you are interested in.
Yes, programming is a good career for many professionals. With technology increasingly working its way into every industry, there are lots of job opportunities in programming and related professions.
Many computer and IT positions pay above average salaries as well. For instance, the median salary for computer programmers is $93,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently projects that employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers will grow by 22% over the next decade. This profession has a median annual salary of $110,140.
Employment of web developers and digital designers is expected to grow by 13%, and these professionals have a median salary of $77,200. Of course, your job opportunities will be dependent on a number of factors, such as your geographic location, industry, and work experience.
Exactly how long it takes to become a computer programmer depends on how much education you choose to pursue before getting your first job.
Certificate programs in coding can often be completed in 6 months or less, while an associate’s degree usually takes 2 years to earn. A traditional bachelor’s degree in computer science usually takes 4 years of full-time studies.
If you want to get an internship or pursue education at the graduate level, that could potentially take 1 or 2 years more. It is also possible for you to pursue higher education while you work in the field as a programmer.
The salary of a computer programmer can vary widely, depending on your work experience, education level, and other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer programmers is $93,000. Most make between $47,560 and $155,240.
The median salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is $110,140, and the median for web developers and digital designers is $77,200 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Earnings for computer and IT jobs tend to be higher than the average wage for all occupations.
Here are some differences between computer programmers and software engineers.
| Computer Programmer | Software Engineer |
|
|
Of course, different companies may vary in exactly how they use these job titles. Software engineers may do some computer programming themselves, and they at least need to be knowledgeable enough about the subject to communicate with programmers.
The term “programmer” is a little bit broader than “coder” since it may include other responsibilities besides coding.
Here are some differences between the two roles:
There is often an overlap between programming and coding, and many professionals do both. Also, different companies may vary in exactly how they use these terms.
With the technology industry growing so rapidly, now is a strategic time to study computer programming or to earn a degree in computer science or a related field.
The study of computer programming is very conducive to online learning. Programming students tend to spend a lot of time in front of their computers, regardless of whether they opt for online or on-campus instruction. An online degree in computer programming can provide the flexibility to continue working while you develop new skills and credentials to add to your resume.
If you’re ready to start your educational journey, you can begin by exploring computer programming degrees from accredited colleges and universities today!
Your next big step starts here—click “Find My Program” today.
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
