Computer Programmer

Your Fit

Income

$91K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

-11.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Computer Programmer?

A Computer Programmer is a professional who writes and tests code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They translate software designs and specifications into high-quality, executable code.

Sample job titles:

Analyst Programmer, Computer Programmer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Computer Programmer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Computer Programmer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Computer Programmer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$72K per year	$91K per year	$114K per year	$137K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $26K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Computer Programmer do?

Work environment

Computer Programmers typically work in offices, often within IT departments of various organizations or at software development companies. Some may work remotely from home or have flexible working arrangements. Their work usually involves collaboration with other programmers, software engineers, and IT professionals, and can include long periods of coding and problem-solving.

Quick task list

Writes and tests code for new software applications.
Updates, repairs, modifies, and expands existing software.
Collaborates with software developers and engineers to design software solutions.
Debugs code and resolves technical issues.
Documents the design and code for future reference and maintenance.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Web Development: Creating and maintaining websites and web applications.
Application Development: Designing, building, and maintaining software applications.
Systems Programming: Writing software for operating systems and hardware interfaces.
Game Development: Developing interactive games for various platforms.
Mobile App Development: Creating applications for mobile devices.

Description

Computer programming is a dynamic and evolving field that is central to technology and software development. Programmers are responsible for writing the code that powers everything from simple desktop applications to complex operating systems. They work closely with software developers to translate software designs into functional programming code, using languages like Java, C++, and Python. Their role involves not only writing new code but also updating and fixing issues in existing software, ensuring that applications run smoothly and efficiently.

The occupation requires strong analytical skills, as programmers must be able to understand complex software designs and turn them into code. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small mistakes in code can cause significant issues in software functionality. Programmers must also be adept at problem-solving and logical thinking, as they often encounter unexpected challenges and bugs that need to be resolved.

Continuous learning is a significant aspect of being a Computer Programmer. The field is constantly evolving with new programming languages, technologies, and methodologies. Stays up to date with the latest trends and advancements in programming is essential. Despite the challenges, the occupation offers a rewarding career for those passionate about technology and software development.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The intellectual challenge and creativity involved in writing and solving code.
The satisfaction of seeing a project develop from a concept to a functioning application.
Opportunities to work on a variety of projects and continually learn new technologies.

You might make a good Computer Programmer if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a focus on writing precise and efficient code.
Passionate about technology and software development.
A problem solver who enjoys logical challenges and puzzles.
Patient and persistent, able to work through complex issues.
Keen to continuously learn and adapt to new programming languages and technologies.

Pros:

High demand in various industries and the potential for remote work.
Opportunities for creative problem-solving and project variety.
High earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

Cons:

Can involve long hours of screen time and intense concentration.
The need to constantly learn and adapt to new technologies.
Can be stressful due to tight deadlines and complex problem-solving.

How to become a Computer Programmer

Typical education

Most Computer Programmers have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, which generally requires 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may accept an associate's degree or relevant programming experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

Computer Science to learn the basics of programming and software development.
Mathematics, especially algebra and calculus, to develop logical thinking skills.
Information Technology to understand the fundamentals of computer systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining or starting a coding club.
Participating in coding competitions or hackathons.
Developing personal programming projects or contributing to open-source software.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
Consider coding bootcamps or online courses to learn specific programming languages or frameworks.
Gain experience through internships, freelance projects, or contributing to open-source projects.

More resources

Codecademy - Interactive platform offering coding classes in various programming languages.
GitHub - A repository hosting service to collaborate on and share coding projects.
Stack Overflow - A question-and-answer site for programmers to discuss coding issues and solutions.
Coursera – Computer Science Courses - Online courses in computer science and programming from universities around the world.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.