Computer Programmer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

What can you earn as a computer programmer in the US? Learn how computer programmer salaries differ depending on location, experience, industry, and more.

[Featured image] A computer programmer sits in front of a wood-paneled wall with their laptop open.

Key takeaways

Computer programmers are technical professionals responsible for creating, modifying, and testing code. Code is the functional backbone for websites, software, and applications. At a glance, here's what you need to know about computer programmer salaries:

  • They earn a competitive pay. According to the US BLS, computer programmers earn a median annual wage of $98,670 a year, or roughly twice the median salary for all jobs in the US [1].

  • How much you can expect to earn is heavily influenced by your work experience, credentials, and geographic location, among other factors.

  • Generally, pay increases with education level and earning certificates or certifications may help increase your pay.

Below, you'll learn more about computer programmer salaries, including how numerous factors may impact your earning potential. Afterward, if you’re ready to start preparing for a role as a computer programmer, you might consider enrolling in the IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer Professional Certificate.

What do programmers do?

Computer programmers design, create, and maintain software and applications for various technological platforms. As a computer programmer, you may perform the following tasks:

  • Meeting with clients to gauge needs that can be met with software tools

  • Writing code using computer languages like C++, Python, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Assembly, Objective-C, C#, and Java

  • Developing new software programs

  • Testing the results to make sure everything functions as envisioned 

  • Ensuring projects meet security, performance, and reliability standards

  • Updating and improving the functionality of existing software

  • Receiving and incorporating feedback from clients for product improvement

What is the average salary of a computer programmer?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer programmers earn a median annual wage of $98,670 a year [1]. Glassdoor, meanwhile, puts the median total pay for computer programmers in the US at $107,000, which includes base salary along with additional pay like profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation [2].

However, salaries for computer programmers depend on several factors. Learning about the average salary for specific fields, such as IT, industries, and levels of expertise, may give you a better understanding of what you can earn.

How industry affects computer programmer salaries

As a programmer, you have a wide range of industries to choose from to work in. Nearly every modern business requires computer programmers or software developers. The most common industries that employ this role, along with the average wage for each, include [1]:

  • Software publishers: $112,110

  • Finance and insurance: $106,970

  • Manufacturing: $96,610

  • Computer systems design: $92,850

How experience level affects annual salary

The more experienced you are, the more likely you demand a greater computer programming salary. As you become more specialized and gain more field expertise, your pay may increase. Explore the median total pay for all levels of expertise reported by Glassdoor in June 2026 [2]:

  • 0–1 years of experience: $73,000 per year

  • 1–3 years of experience: $80,000 per year

  • 4–6 years of experience: $87,000 per year

  • 7–9 years of experience: $92,000 per year

  • 10–14 years of experience: $100,000 per year

  • 15+ years of experience: $117,000 per year

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of June 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

How long does it take to become a programmer?

Most programmers earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, a program that takes four years, before beginning their career. However, the amount of time it takes for you to become a programmer depends on several factors, including the type of program you choose. For example, associate degree programs require fewer credits than a bachelor’s degree program and take about two years to complete. On the other hand, you may choose to pursue a graduate degree to prepare for a career as a programmer, which can require another one to five years of study after earning your bachelor’s, depending on whether you complete the program as a full-time or part-time student.

How location affects computer programmer average salaries

Often, employers in cities and states with a higher cost of living pay more. Places where larger corporations are located also tend to have higher-paying employment opportunities. Consider the top five highest-paying states for computer programmers, according to data from Zippia [3]:

  • Washington: $89,760

  • California: $78,246

  • Oregon: $77,845

  • District of Columbia: $77,515

  • Maine: $74,684

The five best-paying cities for computer programmers include [3]:

  • Richmond, CA: $84,011

  • Washington, DC: $77,532

  • Chicago, IL: $74,119

  • Stamford, CT: $73,826

  • Jacksonville, NC: $73,542

How education affects computer programmer salaries

Sixty percent of computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, and 10 percent have a master's degree [4]. You don’t have to earn a degree to become a computer programmer. However, some employers may require an advanced degree for more advanced roles. Computer programmers typically study computer science or computer programming.

According to Zippia in June 2026, programmers with a master's degree earn $75,184 per year on average. With a bachelor's degree, the average salary is $72,834. With an associate degree, you can expect to earn $66,048 on average [3]. Keep in mind that employers also value alternative credentials, such as hands-on experience and Professional Certificates. Some computer programmers have no formal training or academic degree.

Linked image with text "See how your Coursera Learning can turn into bachelor's degree credit at University of London"

How different job titles and specializations can affect salary

The term “computer programmer” is an umbrella term that applies to many different specialized tracks of experience and skill development. Professionals qualified to work as computer programmers may also work for other advertised positions. 

Consider the following median total pay for job titles with overlapping skill sets reported by Glassdoor in June 2026:

Need help figuring out what programming languages to learn as an aspiring computer programmer? Check out the Most Popular Programming Languages.

How to increase your computer programmer salary

You may increase your salary as a computer programmer in several ways. If you currently work in an entry-level role, consider pursuing a specialization through online courses or certifications to increase your skill set. Those interested in obtaining a senior-level or management role may earn a degree to qualify for more advanced positions.

Computer programming courses and certifications

Consider these options offered by industry leaders and accredited universities to start:

For entry-level or beginner programmers:

For mid-level or intermediate programmers:

For senior-level or advanced programmers:

AI and computer programming

Computer programmers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their daily workflows, particularly to write code and speed up product delivery. Developing your AI skills can help future proof your skills and may even impact your earning potential.

Read more: AI in Software Development: Revolutionizing the Coding Landscape

Degrees and graduate certificates

A second option to become a computer programmer is to earn a graduate certificate or a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Through this formalized process, you will gain experience in writing code, fixing errors, and testing programs. You’ll learn the languages that prepare you for a career in programming, although it’s likely that you'll need to take continuing education courses to stay up to date with the most modern tools.

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Read more: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

Embarking on a new career journey? Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to keep up with trends and job opportunities in the industry. You can also discover more about a career as a computer programmer with the help of these Coursera resources:

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

Article sources

1. 

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Programmers: Pay, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm#tab-5." Accessed June 2, 2026.

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