Programming careers: Explore jobs, skills, and degrees | edX

Build your career as a programmerConsidering a career in tech? Learn how to become a computer programmer and take the next step in your career.Create an accountWhat does a programmer do?Computer programmers write and test code for software and apps. Working closely with other tech professionals, they evaluate software to correct bugs. Programmers pair their knowledge of computer programming languages with strong problem-solving skills.Careers in programming offer high salaries and career advancement opportunities. With programming skills, professionals can work in many different roles. In addition to programmer job titles, they can work as software developers, web developers, and software testers.How much do programmers make?Programmer salary (May 2024)PercentileAnnual salary90th$162,09075th$128,96050th$98,67025th$71,86010th$52,190Learn how to become a programmerFor career startersFor career changersFor career advancementStart your programming careerBreak into programming by strengthening your technical skills and then specializing.Choose a programming language to learn first. Popular options include Python and JavaScript.Take an online computer programming class to learn the basics and build on your foundational skills.Consider a bachelor's degree in programming. You'll develop strong programming skills to launch your career.Start your programming careerBreak into programming by strengthening your technical skills and then specializing.Choose a programming language to learn first. Popular options include Python and JavaScript.Take an online computer programming class to learn the basics and build on your foundational skills.Consider a bachelor's degree in programming. You'll develop strong programming skills to launch your career.Prepare for a programming career with online programsShow MoreWhat do you need to work as a programmer?Essential technical skillsSoft skillsRequired educationProgramming languagesData managementTestingQuality assuranceProblem-solvingAdaptabilityDetail-orientedTeamworkBachelor's degree (required or recommended)See how one edX learner launched a programming career"After CS50x ignited my passion for computer science, I registered for MITx: Introduction to Computer Science to learn Python programming. It was really hard and really amazing. It gave me all the tools I needed at that moment to start learning. Then, I started learning the Django Framework by myself, using the Python skills that I got thanks to [MIT], and working as a freelance web developer on small projects… I've always been interested in technology, but never learned to code. I changed my career thanks to edX."— David Lechón QuinoñesTypes of programmersFull-stack developerFull-stack developers specialize in web and app development. They have the skills to program the front-end, oruser-facing, elements along with back-end elements such as databases and servers.Software developerSoftware developers design and write software applications, working closely with a team of quality assurance analystsand testers.Mobile app developerMobile app developers create apps used on smartphones and mobile devices. They need strong programming skills.Data engineerData engineers design and implement data management systems, including databases and other types of data infrastructure.DevOps engineerDevOps engineers, also known as development operations engineers, manage the software development process. Theycoordinate between operational and developmental tech professionals.Game developerGame developers design game software, working closely with a team to create characters, code game mechanics, and create games.Programming industry insightsProgramming skills can benefit professionals in many different industries. In addition to working in tech, programmers can also find career opportunities in healthcare, government, and education.Where do programmers typically work? Many work in the tech sector for companies that create system software, mobile apps, and other software. Software publishers, web developers, and mobile app developers all employ programmers. So do gaming companies.The top-paying industries for programmers include finance, where programmers may specialize in areas like fintech and information security. Other high-paying career paths for programmers include manufacturing and insurance.Top 5 paying industries for programmersIndustryMedian annual salary (May 2024)Software publishersFinance and insuranceManufacturingComputer systems design and related services$112,110$106,970$96,610$92,850Source: BLSExplore top programmer salaries by stateYour earning potential can depend on your location. So, where do programmers earn the highest salaries? Check out the map below to see how much programmers make in your state.Read the map dataAnnual Median Wage and Employment by StateStateAnnual Median WageEmploymentState AbbreviationAlabama$87,2301,360ALAlaska$88,930520AKArizona$71,9304,170AZArkansas$100,6701,140ARCalifornia$116,22014,720CAConnecticut$100,5101,460CTDelaware$100,700370DEDistrict of Columbia$82,5801,000DCFlorida$98,6304,700FLGeorgia$97,9702,330GAHawaii$108,040Data not availableHIIdaho$80,390170IDIllinois$83,4601,470ILIndiana$83,6702,120INIowa$84,7301,020IAKansas$91,600600KSKentucky$104,8401,640KYLouisiana$83,9801,640LAMaine$103,110420MEMaryland$103,0002,360MDMassachusetts$115,2003,040MAMichigan$68,7905,350MIMinnesota$108,4501,960MNMississippi$65,120600MSMissouri$93,5501,410MOMontana$128,630450MTNebraska$93,6201,390NENevada$92,650420NVNew Hampshire$80,880590NHNew Jersey$102,7704,000NJNew Mexico$83,680490NMNew York$100,4107,090NYNorth Carolina$95,7703,880NCNorth Dakota$88,910230NDOhio$99,5202,030OHOklahoma$100,9101,420OKOregon$126,9801,180ORPennsylvania$84,7704,130PAPuerto Rico$43,010910PRRhode Island$94,560360RISouth Dakota$56,52070SDTennessee$99,2701,300TNTexas$80,82011,220TXUtah$88,4101,200UTVermont$78,230150VTVirginia$111,8604,210VAWashington$158,8203,220WAWest Virginia$65,140190WVWisconsin$109,5803,020WIWyoming$105,42060WYProgrammer career trackAs computer programmers gain experience, they can advance in many career paths.Entry-level programmers often start by writing code based on a software developer's instructions. Early in their career, programmers may specialize in one programming language or write code in multiple languages.After gaining experience as junior developers, programmers can move into more specialized roles, including web or software developers. In these roles, programmers can expand their design and development skills to manage software projects. Experienced developers may hold titles like senior or principal developer.Earning an advanced degree can also help programmers move into developer roles. At the highest level of the profession, a developer can take on executive responsibilities as a chief technology officer (CTO).Early career1–4 yearsMid career5–10 yearsLate career11–15 yearsC-suite15+ yearsJunior Java developerJunior Python developerWeb applications developerFront-end developerWeb developerFull-stack developerSoftware developerProgrammer analystSenior software developerSoftware engineerPrincipal software engineerDirector of software developmentChief technology officerChief executive officerBuild programming skills with online educationDegree resourcesLearn computer programmingBachelor’s in computer programming degreesProgramming certificatesCareer resourcesHow to get a coding certificateWhat programming language should I learn?Top AI programming languages