what is a programmer?

Whenever you go online or use a mobile app, you can thank a programmer. Computer programmers develop software with coding languages, such as HTML, Ruby, CSS and Python. You'll also update and maintain software to keep programs active.

Coding or programming languages are like math problems with virtually no room for error. When software breaks down, you'll review the code to find the issue, which is sometimes a single digit out of place. Other times, the site is so outdated that you have to overhaul the back end. Some languages are so obsolete that the software will crash if you don't adapt the code to modern languages.

Likewise, you rewrite code to make programs compatible with different operating systems. Each system requires a unique programming language. Instead of telling customers to buy the right system, companies tailor their products to their clients.

Since you're the coding expert, you'll also train others and write technical guides. Consumers and technology experts use your technical guides to run programs correctly and make alterations without crashing the system. Similarly, you'll answer your clients' questions whenever they're stuck.

Would working as a programmer suit your computer skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a programmer role.

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average programmer salary

On average, programmers made a median salary of $93,000 in 2021. Salaries ranged from $47,560 to $155,240 per year, with the software publishing industry topping the charts. Finance and insurance programmers made about $99,260, while manufacturing programmers made $98,320 per year.

Entry-level jobs often pay less but provide valuable education, especially if your company has a mentorship program. As you gain experience, you could move to increasingly prestigious industries until you make a six-figure salary. Likewise, earning programming certifications helps you secure better jobs.

While you could work on an hourly basis at first, many programmers have salaried jobs. Salary employees make a set amount no matter how many hours they work. This provides more flexibility but could leave you underpaid if you frequently work overtime.

Since most programmers work full time, you can expect health insurance, retirement plans, paid sick days and other benefits. Weigh the benefits alongside the salary as you choose a job. A position could offer a lower salary but better health insurance or more vacation time.

Wondering what you can earn as a programmer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a programmer is.

male smiling while sitting behind his desk, computer screens displaying programming code.
male smiling while sitting behind his desk, computer screens displaying programming code.
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types of programmer

Software programmers build various applications on your computer: photo editors, music libraries, movie makers, word processors, firewalls, games and more. Similarly, mobile programmers make apps for smartphones and tablets. As a programmer, you'll design clean, user-friendly apps with educational and entertaining features.

If you enjoy video games, become a game programmer who works with gaming engines, such as Unity and Blender. You can also develop websites, including online stores, blogs, business sites, and social media platforms, with front-end and back-end programming. Other programmers work with databases, system hardware, and artificial intelligence (AI).

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working as a programmer

Bring software designs to life when you become a programmer. Here's a look at the qualifications you'll need.

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programmer skills and education

Most programmers need a bachelor's degree in math, computer science, programming languages or a related field. Earning a master's degree or doctorate afterward will deepen your knowledge, making you a sought-after expert. You can supplement your education with certificates, such as an online web developer certificate, that you receive after graduating.

Internships don't always come with a paycheck, but they add invaluable hands-on experience to your resume. You might even land a job in the company after you graduate college. Plus, you'll learn alongside a mentor with years of experience who could connect you with other professionals.

Certifications on your resume show employers that you've mastered a skill. Common programmer certifications include:

  • CompTIA A+ Certification
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
  • Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1)
  • Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP)
  • AWS Certified Developer
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

To earn your certifications, you'll have to pay a fee and pass exams. Many programs offer online study guides so that you can learn about the material before scheduling your exam. Earning a certification can take months on top of your existing education and cost hundreds of dollars.

skills and competencies

Programmers are patient and detail-oriented. You'll have situations where you spend hours working on a code only to find an error that makes the software unusable. Fortunately, a series of logical steps is all you need to address the issue. You'll run tests, study each line of code and make changes until the program works again.

You'll also need to retain extensive amounts of knowledge. Successful programmers can write and understand multiple languages, adding that to their hardware, software and web development skills. The process is like learning foreign languages: You'll find similarities, but each programming language has its own rules.

Sometimes, programmers work in tense environments. You'll need a positive attitude and strong communication skills to stay strong under pressure. When colleagues follow your example, you'll complete the project on time without scrambling after the deadline. Plus, your friendly attitude might qualify you for mentorship roles.

Programmers know how to manage their time and stick to the schedule. Occasionally, you step back to focus and return to the project later, but you never procrastinate. If an incident strikes, you're honest with your client about the deadline change. They count on you to get back on track and potentially submit the code earlier than expected.

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FAQs about working as a programmer

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about programmers.

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