How much does a programmer make?

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.

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.

What's a typical day like?

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.

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.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out.

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.”

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.