Programmer Job Description: Comprehensive Guide to Roles, Skills and Career Prospects

A computer programmer writes, tests and maintains an organization’s computer programs and software applications. Their role involves designing and updating software solutions, writing and updating source code and managing different operating systems. Computer programmers collaborate with other programmers, software developers and project managers. They play a critical role in maintaining the technical health of an organization. 

Computer programming is a profession that’s in high demand across all industries. The job market for computer programmers is forecasted to increase by 17% until 2033. In this article, we provide an overview of the primary software developer responsibilities, required qualifications, skills and experience, salary and benefits as well as frequently asked questions.

What Does a Programmer Do?

A computer programmer is an architect of the digital world. They translate complex processes into code that a computer would understand. They construct these codes using different programming languages, such as Python, Java or C #43; #43;. A computer programmer has many tasks to perform, including:

• Writing code to improve software efficiency
• Designing and updating software solutions
• Writing and updating source code
• Managing different operating systems
• Reviewing and enhancing software programs
• Finding and fixing bugs or defects
• Implementing methods to prevent issues from reoccurring
• Building status updates and reporting on program functionality
• Presenting progress to senior-level employees
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Leading peer code reviews and advocating for coding standards
• Optimizing code for performance and scalability
• Contributing to improving development processes and tools
• Mentoring junior programmers

Programmer Duties and Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a computer programmer include:

• Collaborating with the company to understand its vision and technical needs
• Writing functional and clean code on the front and back end
• Testing the code and fixing bugs or other issues
• Creating prototypes for proof of concept
• Developing and maintaining software documentation
• Implementing software tools, processes and metrics
• Complying with project plans and industry standards
• Mentoring junior programmers and providing technical guidance
• Staying up to date with new technologies and industry trends
• Participating in code reviews
• Continuously learning and incorporating new technologies
• Developing and maintaining databases and data storage systems
• Contributing to time and resource estimation
• Assisting in software deployment
• Providing technical support and software maintenance

Programmer Qualifications and Skills

You need certain qualifications and skills to fulfill the requirements of a computer programming role effectively. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of computer science, software engineering or a related subject
• Experience: One to five years of programming experience and specific industry knowledge
• Technical Skills: Full proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java and C #43; #43;, database knowledge and Object-Oriented Programming proficiency
• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, communication, adaptability, ability to work under pressure and critical thinking 
• Certifications: Professional certifications are in high demand, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Associate, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Cisco Certified Network Associate, Azure Developer Associate and AWS Certified Developer Associate

Potential Projects for Programmers

There are several different types of projects a computer programmer can work on. Some examples include:

• Researching, developing, designing, building and maintaining computer and business software applications 
• Creating user-friendly and intuitive databases and software application interfaces 
• Building and improving e-commerce platforms for online businesses that are dynamic, user- friendly and intuitive
• Developing mobile applications and programming software applications for smartphones, tablets and other digital devices 
• Creating and maintaining content management systems that can manage, create, edit and publish content 
• Implementing cybersecurity measures using secure coding practices for strong access controls and continuous monitoring
• Optimizing algorithms and code to ensure functionality, speed and efficiency 
• Integrating third-party APIs to improve functionality and monitoring API usage and performance to ensure applications run smoothly
• Developing custom tools for internal use to streamline workflows, increase productivity and improve task efficiency 
• Creating video games or interactive experiences using different software and programming languages and assembling platforms to power the games
• Developing web applications and APIs using programming languages such as JavaScript or Python
• Building machine learning and AI systems that can solve problems and improve processes 
• Coding data visualization tools to create visual representations of large data sets

Programmer Salary Expectations

The annual average salary of a computer programmer in the U.S. as of 2023 is $99,700, but salaries may vary depending on location, experience, education, industry and programming language specialization. The countries with the highest pay for computer programmers are the U.S., Switzerland and Israel. The salary for an entry-level programmer is, on average, $69,354 per year, while a senior computer programmer can earn up to  $104,188 per year.

Programmer Work Hours and Benefits

Work Hours

Computer programmers typically work full-time with potential overtime. This role offers flexible hours and remote and hybrid positions. The technology industry has one of the highest share of employees working remotely, with nearly 67% reporting doing so. 

Benefits

A full-time computer programmer is eligible for benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, professional development, bonuses and stock options.

Programmer FAQs

What Is the Difference between a Computer Programmer and a Software Engineer?

A computer programmer mainly writes code to create software applications and is responsible for coding, debugging and testing parts of a project. A software engineer designs, develops and maintains software systems using engineering principles.

What Are the Most In-Demand Programming Languages?

The most in-demand programming languages include Python, JavaScript, C #43; #43; and SQL.

Do I Need A Degree to Become a Programmer?

A degree is not strictly necessary to become a computer programmer but can be beneficial. Skills and practical experience have significant value in the tech industry, and programmers can gather knowledge through certifications and courses. However, a degree provides a broader understanding of computer science fundamentals and is the better prerequisite for complex programming roles.

What Are the Differences between Working at a Startup vs. a Large Corporation?

Each work environment has its unique challenges and benefits. Start-ups are fast-paced, informal and dynamic and can have casual and flexible structures. Employees have the freedom to be more innovative and take risks but may wear multiple hats. Large corporations have more structures and hierarchies, and the work environment is more formal. The usually more specialized roles have clear job descriptions and a focus on specific tasks.