Build your career as a programmer
Considering a career in tech? Learn how to become a computer programmer and take the next step in your career.
What does a programmer do?
Computer programmers write and test code for software and apps. Working closely with other tech professionals, they evaluate software to correct bugs. Programmers pair their knowledge of computer programming languages with strong problem-solving skills.
Careers in programming offer high salaries and career advancement opportunities. With programming skills, professionals can work in many different roles. In addition to programmer job titles, they can work as software developers, web developers, and software testers.
Learn how to become a programmer
Start your programming career
Break into programming by strengthening your technical skills and then specializing.
- Choose a programming language to learn first. Popular options include Python and JavaScript.
- Take an online computer programming class to learn the basics and build on your foundational skills.
- Consider a bachelor's degree in programming. You'll develop strong programming skills to launch your career.
Start your programming career
Break into programming by strengthening your technical skills and then specializing.
- Choose a programming language to learn first. Popular options include Python and JavaScript.
- Take an online computer programming class to learn the basics and build on your foundational skills.
- Consider a bachelor's degree in programming. You'll develop strong programming skills to launch your career.
Prepare for a programming career with online programs
What do you need to work as a programmer?
| Essential technical skills | Soft skills | Required education |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
See how one edX learner launched a programming career
"After CS50x ignited my passion for computer science, I registered for MITx: Introduction to Computer Science to learn Python programming. It was really hard and really amazing. It gave me all the tools I needed at that moment to start learning. Then, I started learning the Django Framework by myself, using the Python skills that I got thanks to [MIT], and working as a freelance web developer on small projects… I've always been interested in technology, but never learned to code. I changed my career thanks to edX."
— David Lechón Quinoñes
Types of programmers
Programming industry insights
Programming skills can benefit professionals in many different industries. In addition to working in tech, programmers can also find career opportunities in healthcare, government, and education.
Where do programmers typically work? Many work in the tech sector for companies that create system software, mobile apps, and other software. Software publishers, web developers, and mobile app developers all employ programmers. So do gaming companies.
The top-paying industries for programmers include finance, where programmers may specialize in areas like fintech and information security. Other high-paying career paths for programmers include manufacturing and insurance.
Top 5 paying industries for programmers
| Industry | Median annual salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
|
|
Explore top programmer salaries by state
Your earning potential can depend on your location. So, where do programmers earn the highest salaries? Check out the map below to see how much programmers make in your state.
Programmer career track
As computer programmers gain experience, they can advance in many career paths.
Entry-level programmers often start by writing code based on a software developer's instructions. Early in their career, programmers may specialize in one programming language or write code in multiple languages.
After gaining experience as junior developers, programmers can move into more specialized roles, including web or software developers. In these roles, programmers can expand their design and development skills to manage software projects. Experienced developers may hold titles like senior or principal developer.
Earning an advanced degree can also help programmers move into developer roles. At the highest level of the profession, a developer can take on executive responsibilities as a chief technology officer (CTO).
Early career 1–4 years | Mid career 5–10 years | Late career 11–15 years | C-suite 15+ years |
|
|
|
|
Build programming skills with online education
Degree resources
Career resources