The Computer Programming major builds core foundations in this discipline and prepares students with practical, career-relevant skills. Use RoEDU™ to find programs that match your goals.
Within Computers, students often explore key subfields and specializations that provide targeted expertise.
Graduates translate classroom knowledge into real-world impact across sectors through hands-on projects and internships.
As part of Computers, this major connects to diverse, high-demand fields and interdisciplinary pathways.
Typical starting pay soon after graduation.
Estimated after a decade of experience.
Seasoned professionals at ~20 years.
CAGR (compound annual growth rate) summarizes average yearly change across the observed period.
Employment-weighted across mapped SOCs; entry ≈ 85% of median; historical CAGR shown for last 5y; projections capped at 3% CAGR; lifetime is 40-year present value at 3% discount.
Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) • Median wages, employment, and growth projections
| Occupation | Median Wage | Total Jobs | Growth Rate | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Programmers SOC: 15-1251 Occupation: Computer Programmers | $98,670 | 109,870 | N/A | N/A |
Computer Network Support Specialists SOC: 15-1231 Occupation: Computer Network Support Specialists | $73,340 | 146,450 | N/A | N/A |
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC: 25-1021 Occupation: Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $96,690 | 36,240 | N/A | N/A |
Web and Digital Interface Designers SOC: 15-1255 Occupation: Web and Digital Interface Designers | $98,090 | 111,400 | N/A | N/A |
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers SOC: 15-1253 Occupation: Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $102,610 | 199,800 | N/A | N/A |
Software Developers SOC: 15-1252 Occupation: Software Developers | $133,080 | 1,654,440 | N/A | N/A |
Historical data from Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020-2024) • Salary trends and employment growth over 5 years
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $98,670 | 109,870 |
| 2023 | $99,700 | 120,370 |
| 2022 | $97,800 | 132,740 |
| 2021 | $93,000 | 152,610 |
| 2020 | $89,190 | 178,140 |
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $73,340 | 146,450 |
| 2023 | $71,530 | 158,720 |
| 2022 | $68,050 | 168,920 |
| 2021 | $62,760 | 176,200 |
| 2020 | $65,450 | 184,220 |
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $96,690 | 36,240 |
| 2023 | $96,430 | 36,150 |
| 2022 | $84,760 | 33,870 |
| 2021 | $77,910 | 37,600 |
| 2020 | $85,540 | 32,230 |
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $98,090 | 111,400 |
| 2023 | $98,540 | 111,060 |
| 2022 | $83,240 | 97,350 |
| 2021 | $79,890 | 82,380 |
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $102,610 | 199,800 |
| 2023 | $101,800 | 203,040 |
| 2022 | $99,620 | 196,420 |
| 2021 | $98,220 | 190,120 |
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $133,080 | 1,654,440 |
| 2023 | $132,270 | 1,656,880 |
| 2022 | $127,260 | 1,534,790 |
| 2021 | $120,730 | 1,364,180 |
| Year | Median Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $90,930 | 78,860 |
| 2023 | $84,960 | 85,350 |
| 2022 | $78,580 | 88,620 |
| 2021 | $77,030 | 84,820 |