What Does a Computer Programmer Do?
For payroll offices, registrars and the developers who design new systems, computer programmers ensure the accuracy of the code behind each job. They make sure that specifications are followed, and programs are tested and delivered on time. The job is distinguished from software development in that programmers mostly write, fix and update code to designs someone else has drawn up.
Also known as: Assistant Computer Programmer, Associate Application Programmer
Computer Programmer Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a computer programmer include:
- Write new code from specifications, flowcharts or tickets prepared by developers and analysts.
- Fix bugs in existing programs and explain the cause and the fix in the ticket.
- Update older programs, including COBOL on mainframes, when business rules or data formats change.
- Test code with sample data and compare the output with expected results.
- Commit changes to Git with clear messages and respond to code review comments.
- Convert programs to new languages or platforms during system migrations.
- Build scheduled reports and data extracts in SQL for offices across the organization.
- Comment code and keep technical notes current so other programmers can maintain it.
- Profile slow programs and rewrite queries or loops that waste processing time.
- Estimate how long each change will take and flag risks to the team lead.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a computer programmer, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Languages such as Java, Python, C# or COBOL
- SQL and relational databases
- Git version control
- Debugging tools in Visual Studio or IntelliJ
- Reading specifications and flowcharts accurately
- Unit testing habits
- Patience for slow, careful detective work
- Clear written notes for the next programmer
Education and Training
Entry to the field without a bachelor's degree might be possible, but graduates in computer science will have a clear advantage over other applicants. Any graduate can say they know Java. To stand out, you need to show employers examples of your code in action. With experience, you could progress from assistant programmer to associate programmer or software developer.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $75,850 - $130,680 per year, with a median of $100,390.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Computer Programmers.
According to BLS, employment of computer programmers is projected to fall about 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, leaving roughly 4,400 openings a year. Openings in this field often are tied to older systems that still need upkeep, but new programmers will be needed as long-serving staff retire and as that old code is rewritten. The languages you learn may land you a programming post, but more importantly they carry over into developer and analyst jobs.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Computer programmers.