Computer Programmers Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for computer programmers in the U.S. is $100,390 ($48.26 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $100,390
- Mean annual wage
- $105,170
- Median hourly wage
- $48.26
- Employment
- 92,230
92,230 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| 25th percentile | $75,850 | $36.47 |
| Median (50th) | $100,390 | $48.26 |
| 75th percentile | $130,680 | $62.83 |
| 90th percentile | $160,460 | $77.15 |
Highest-paying states for computer programmers
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $133,820 | 1,650 |
| Massachusetts | $128,390 | 1,930 |
| Washington | $125,620 | 2,540 |
| Maryland | $125,570 | 2,490 |
| Virginia | $121,610 | 3,070 |
| Hawaii | $118,180 | 450 |
| California | $116,760 | 11,340 |
| Arkansas | $111,840 | 1,050 |
| Minnesota | $107,250 | 2,070 |
| New Jersey | $104,940 | 3,930 |
Lowest-paying states
- South Dakota: $58,240 median annual wage
- West Virginia: $65,320 median annual wage
- Michigan: $65,860 median annual wage
- Illinois: $72,540 median annual wage
- New Hampshire: $74,000 median annual wage
About this occupation
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Typical tasks
- Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
- Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
- Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
- Develop Web sites.
- Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Bachelor's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 1.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 5.5% |
| Some college, no degree | 13.2% |
| Associate's degree | 8.9% |
| Bachelor's degree | 48.2% |
| Master's degree | 20.5% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 2.6% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
- Software Developers$135,980
- Computer User Support Specialists$61,860
- Computer Systems Analysts$105,850
- Computer Occupations, All Other$116,580
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$99,130
- Data Scientists$120,230
- Information Security Analysts$129,180
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$104,300
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.