How much does a programmer make?
a year · about $48 an hour
A typical programmer in the United States makes $100,390 a year, about $48 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A programmer studies a plan, writes or updates code at a computer, then runs tests to see if an app works. If it fails, they hunt for mistakes, fix them, and talk with teammates or document changes.
Did you know? In 1947, a real moth was found in Harvard’s Mark II computer and taped into its logbook, helping the team popularize the phrase “computer bug.”
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $57,710 and $160,460How do you become one?
In the United States, most programmers study computer science or a related subject in college and earn a bachelor’s degree; internships give practice. Some employers accept other degrees or language experience, and some ask for certificates in the tools they use.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, programmers with more experience or in-demand specialist skills can earn more, and pay can differ by employer industry and location. Some employers value certifications in programming languages or products.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Connecticut ($133,820), lowest in Michigan ($65,860).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In Japan, a software developer averages $38,565. Programmer salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $57,710 | $100,390 | $160,460 | about 92,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $133,820 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $128,390 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $125,620 | about 3,000 |
| Maryland | $125,570 | about 2,000 |
| Virginia | $121,610 | about 3,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1251.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.si.edu/object/log-book-computer-bug:nmah_334663
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY