33 Honest Computer Programmer Salaries
Every app, website, and connected device we use is built on code, and behind that code is a computer programmer. These professionals are responsible for developing and maintaining the software that powers modern life. As more industries shift to digital-first operations, the need for skilled programmers is rising fast.
But programmers' earnings can vary significantly. Location, language expertise, industry, and experience level all influence what you might earn. And with remote work in the mix, the numbers are harder to pin down than ever.
That’s why salary transparency matters. In this guide, we’ll break down what computer programmers do, how much they earn in different cities, and what factors influence pay. You’ll also learn how to boost your earning potential with skills, certifications, and strategic career moves.
What is a Computer Programmer?
A computer programmer writes, tests, and maintains the code that tells software, apps, and systems what to do. They translate technical designs and business requirements into functional, reliable programs that power everything from e-commerce websites and mobile gaming apps to embedded devices and sprawling enterprise platforms.
Programmers work closely with software engineers, product managers, and IT teams to build, optimize, and troubleshoot code. While some specialize in front-end or back-end development, many are full-stack or work deep in systems or embedded code.
Strong programmers typically know multiple programming languages and development environments, including Java, Python, C++, Git, GitHub, and others. While every job is different, employers often look for programmers who can learn quickly, solve problems creatively, and adapt to changing requirements.
Core Responsibilities of a Computer Programmer
At a high level, computer programmers:
Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code.
Test and debug programs to ensure reliability and performance.
Maintain and update existing codebases as systems evolve.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet business goals.
Follow version control and deployment best practices.
But, depending on the role, a programmer may also be involved in designing algorithms, optimizing performance, implementing cybersecurity measures, or managing other programmers.
You might not always see “Computer Programmer” in the job listing. Other titles include:
Embedded Systems Programmer
Systems Programmer
Regardless of title, these roles share the same foundation: writing code that gets things done.
33 Honest Salaries for Computer Programmers
Computer programming may be a global profession, but salaries vary dramatically depending on where you live or who you work for. Some employers are still tied to local cost-of-living benchmarks, while others set salaries more competitively thanks to remote work or industry-specific demand.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary range is $31,000 to over $90,000, which is a pretty unhelpful number when comparing job offers or benchmarking your current salary!
To give you a more grounded look at what computer programmers actually earn, we pulled data from ZipRecruiter and cross-checked it with job listings from Indeed, Glassdoor, and Salary.com. Then, we averaged and rounded the numbers to create low, mid, and high salary bands for each city.
Each estimate reflects total annual compensation (base pay plus potential bonuses) for roles like application developer, software developer, and systems programmer. While titles may differ, the core skills are essentially the same, and the salary trends are clear.
Here’s how the numbers stack up across the U.S.:
City / State | Low-End Salary | Average Salary | High-End Salary |
San Jose, CA | $85,000 | $115,000 | $145,000 |
Seattle, WA | $80,000 | $110,000 | $140,000 |
New York, NY | $78,000 | $108,000 | $138,000 |
Austin, TX | $72,000 | $100,000 | $130,000 |
Chicago, IL | $70,000 | $96,000 | $125,000 |
Boston, MA | $75,000 | $102,000 | $132,000 |
Atlanta, GA | $68,000 | $92,000 | $120,000 |
Denver, CO | $70,000 | $95,000 | $123,000 |
Los Angeles, CA | $75,000 | $105,000 | $135,000 |
Raleigh, NC | $65,000 | $88,000 | $115,000 |
Phoenix, AZ | $64,000 | $87,000 | $112,000 |
Miami, FL | $63,000 | $85,000 | $110,000 |
Dallas, TX | $70,000 | $95,000 | $125,000 |
Tallahassee, FL | $55,000 | $72,000 | $90,000 |
Macon, GA | $54,000 | $70,000 | $88,000 |
Portland, OR | $68,000 | $94,000 | $120,000 |
San Diego, CA | $72,000 | $100,000 | $130,000 |
Philadelphia, PA | $66,000 | $91,000 | $118,000 |
Salt Lake City, UT | $63,000 | $86,000 | $112,000 |
Minneapolis, MN | $67,000 | $93,000 | $120,000 |
Richmond, VA | $60,000 | $82,000 | $105,000 |
Columbus, OH | $61,000 | $84,000 | $108,000 |
Detroit, MI | $60,000 | $83,000 | $106,000 |
Charlotte, NC | $64,000 | $88,000 | $112,000 |
Indianapolis, IN | $58,000 | $79,000 | $100,000 |
San Antonio, TX | $59,000 | $80,000 | $102,000 |
Houston, TX | $68,000 | $94,000 | $122,000 |
Boise, ID | $56,000 | $76,000 | $95,000 |
Cincinnati, OH | $58,000 | $79,000 | $99,000 |
Kansas City, MO | $59,000 | $81,000 | $102,000 |
Baltimore, MD | $63,000 | $86,000 | $110,000 |
Orlando, FL | $61,000 | $83,000 | $105,000 |
Omaha, NE | $56,000 | $75,000 | $94,000 |
A few clear patterns emerge when comparing programmer salaries across U.S. cities:
Tech Centers Still Lead the Pack: Unsurprisingly, tech hubs like San Jose, Seattle, and New York consistently lead the pack, with high-end salaries reaching well into the $130K—$145K range.
You Can Earn a Solid Salary in Smaller Towns: Smaller cities like Macon, GA, and Tallahassee, FL, offer lower salary ranges, with average compensation hovering around $70K—$72K. While that might sound low compared to coastal metros, it tracks closely with the local cost of living in those areas.
You'll Find Balance in Mid-Sized Cities: Mid-sized cities like Columbus, Raleigh, and Kansas City fall into a solid middle ground, offering averages in the $80K–$95K range. These markets may not match Silicon Valley paychecks, but they often strike a balance between competitive salaries and affordable living.
Salary Ranges are Wide: In most cities, salaries range from $30K to $40K from low to high-end averages, highlighting how much experience, specialization, and company size can affect pay. A junior developer supporting internal tools may earn $65K in Chicago, while a seasoned programmer working on high-performance backend systems at a fintech firm in the same city could make over $120K.
In short, location still matters—but so do your skills, certifications, and the kind of work you do.
Salary Considerations for Computer Programmers
After looking at the computer programmer salary chart above, it's easy to see that location has a massive impact on your salary. But the vast difference in the high and low end pay ranges in some cities indicates there's more to making money than your zip code. Here are other factors that impact salary.
Language Specialization
The programming languages you know can have a big impact on your paycheck. While staples like Java, Python, and C++ are always in demand, developers fluent in modern or niche languages like Rust, Go, or Kotlin often command higher salaries, especially at startups and tech-forward companies.
Legacy Skill
On the flip side, knowing older languages can also be surprisingly lucrative. Companies in industries like finance, insurance, and government still rely on legacy systems written in COBOL or Fortran, and not many people know those languages these days. If you're comfortable working in these environments, your niche expertise could make you indispensable (and well-paid).
Industry
Programmers in financial services, defense, and healthcare tend to earn more than those in academia, nonprofit, or local government. Heavily regulated industries usually require more secure, high-performance code, which often translates to higher compensation.
Project Type
Programmers working on embedded systems, systems-level code, or real-time applications typically earn more than those writing front-end scripts or automating simple tasks. Complexity, impact, and business risk all factor into how much a role pays.
Remote vs. On-Site
Remote work has opened the door to higher salaries in traditionally lower-paying regions. If you’re based in a smaller city but working for a company headquartered in New York or San Francisco, you may earn closer to big-city rates. That said, some employers still adjust pay based on location, so it’s worth understanding how your company sets compensation if you’re remote.
How Experience Impacts Salary
Like most tech roles, salary growth for computer programmers tends to follow experience, but it’s not just about how long you’ve been in the job. The complexity of your work, the types of systems you’ve built, and your ability to mentor others or take ownership of projects all play a role in how much you can earn. Here’s how compensation for computer programmers typically breaks down by experience level:
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Estimated range: $55,000–$75,000
At this level, computer programmers are usually focused on learning the ropes—maintaining existing codebases, fixing bugs, and writing smaller features under the guidance of experienced developers. You might also support QA teams or refactoring legacy code. While the pay is lower, this phase is all about gaining exposure to real-world systems and building a solid foundation of skills.
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)
Estimated range: $75,000–$100,000
Once you’ve got a few years under your belt, you’re likely building new applications, designing core system logic, and contributing to strategic decisions. Mid-level programmers often take the lead on specific components or modules and are expected to work more independently. Performance optimization, security best practices, and code reviews usually fall under your scope at this stage.
Senior-Level (6+ Years)
Estimated range: $100,000–$135,000+
Senior programmers own significant parts of the codebase, mentor junior developers, and help drive strategy. You might work closely with architects or product managers to shape how systems are built and scaled. At this level, communication and leadership become just as important as writing great code, and your salary reflects that added responsibility.
Must-Know Tools for Computer Programmers
The exact tools and languages you'll need in your role can vary based on the industry. There's no 'silver bullet' language or tool to know. However, learning a few tools or languages in each of these categories will help you stand out.
Languages and Frameworks
Every programmer should be fluent in at least one general-purpose language, such as Java, Python, C++, or C#. These are the building blocks for everything from desktop apps to enterprise systems. Web developers should also be comfortable with JavaScript and frameworks like React or Node.js, while database programming often calls for strong SQL skills.
Dev Tools
Version control is a must. Tools like Git and GitHub help programmers collaborate and manage changes to code across teams. You’ll also want to be comfortable with development environments like Visual Studio Code and Postman for testing APIs.
Testing Tools
Testing is part of the job, especially in environments where code quality and uptime matter. Familiarity with frameworks like JUnit (for Java), PyTest (for Python), or Selenium (for automated UI testing) can make you a more well-rounded and reliable developer.
Build and CI Tools
In modern software development, build automation and continuous integration (CI) are critical. Tools like Jenkins, Maven, and Gradle help streamline builds, run tests, and deploy code efficiently, especially in larger or Agile teams.
Database Technologies
Whether you're writing queries or managing schema changes, database knowledge is key. Programmers should be comfortable working with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or SQLite, depending on the stack. Understanding how to model data and optimize queries can also bump up your value in backend-heavy roles.
Must-Have Certifications for Computer Programmers
Certifications aren’t always required for programming roles, but they can definitely help you stand out, especially if you’re applying to larger organizations, shifting into a new specialization, or negotiating a raise. The right cert can validate your skills, expand your knowledge, and show employers you’re serious about your career.
Here are some of the most respected certifications for programmers:
Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE Programmer
This cert is a solid choice if you work in enterprise environments or build applications using Java. It covers core Java programming concepts and is often a prerequisite for more advanced Java certifications.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
This certification is ideal for developers building cloud-based applications on Microsoft’s Azure platform. It validates your ability to work with Azure SDKs, cloud storage, security, and deployment.
CompTIA Linux+
If you’re doing any systems programming or backend development, Linux+ is worth a look. It proves you can manage Linux environments, write shell scripts, and handle security and networking tasks—skills that are highly valued in IT and DevOps settings.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
This cert is for programmers who develop and maintain applications on Amazon Web Services. It covers AWS fundamentals, deployment, and debugging in a cloud environment—especially useful if you’re targeting cloud-native roles.
Certified Python Developer
Offered by the Python Institute, this certification tests your understanding of Python programming concepts, libraries, and problem-solving techniques. It’s a great way to validate your expertise if Python is your main language.
CIW JavaScript Specialist
This certification focuses on JavaScript and its role in front-end web development. If you work with HTML, CSS, and JS to build interactive web apps, this certification can help you show potential employers you have what it takes in this area.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Computer Programmer
Not all salary bumps come from changing jobs. Sometimes, the smartest move is investing in your skills, expanding your scope, or positioning yourself for a more strategic role. Here are a few ways to grow your income as a computer programmer:
Learn Multiple Programming Languages: Broadening your skill set makes you more versatile and increases your eligibility for a wider range of jobs.
Gain Cloud or DevOps Experience: Developers who understand cloud infrastructure (like AWS or Azure) or DevOps pipelines often earn more due to the added complexity and impact of their work.
Contribute to Open Source Projects: A strong GitHub profile can showcase your skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to collaborate with others, especially when applying to tech companies.
Earn In-Demand Certifications: Earning a computer programmer certification in cloud development, specific languages, or secure coding can boost your credibility and help you stand out in competitive job markets.
Shift Toward Broader Technical Roles: Transitioning into software engineering, full-stack development, or systems architecture gives you a broader scope—and often, a higher salary ceiling.
Take on Leadership Responsibilities: Stepping into a team lead or development manager role can open up a higher pay bracket and long-term career growth.
Conclusion
Computer programmers write the code that powers our modern life. While salaries can vary widely depending on where you live, what you specialize in, your certifications, and how much experience you bring to the table, there’s plenty of room for growth.
By staying current with tools and languages, earning trusted certifications, and leaning into higher-impact projects, you'll be able to grow your earning potential. Whether you're looking to level up in your current role or take your career in a new direction, investing in your skills is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Just getting started? Our Intro to Programming and Development Online Training is a good starting point.
Ready to learn more? Check out all the computer programmer courses available on CBT Nuggets.
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