Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites.
Significant Points
- Sixty-seven percent of computer programmers held a college or higher degree in 2004; nearly half held a bachelor's degree, and about 1 in 5 held a graduate degree.
- Employment is expected to grow much more slowly than that for other computer specialists.
- Prospects likely will be best for college graduates with knowledge of a variety of programming languages and tools; those with less formal education or its equivalent in work experience are apt to face strong competition for programming jobs.
National Outlook
| 2004 Total Employment | 455,000 |
| 2014 Expected Employment | 464,000 |
| Change (Percent) | 8,000 ( 2.0) |
| Total Openings | 116,000 |