National
| Median wages (2008) |
$33.47 hourly, $69,620 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
435,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
91,000 additional employees |
15-1021.00 - Computer Programmers
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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Programmer Analyst, Programmer, Analyst Programmer, Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Applications Developer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer, Web Programmer
Tasks
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
- Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
- Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Computer servers |
| Desktop computers |
| Mainframe computers — Mainframe operating systems |
| Serial port cards |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Compiler and decompiler software — Code generator software; Command interpreters; Stage compiler; Threaded code compiler |
| Data base management system software — CAST SQL Builder; Microsoft SQL Server; MySQL software; Pick software |
| Data base user interface and query software — dBase Plus; IEA Software Emerald; Microsoft Access; Structured query language SQL |
| Development environment software — C; Microsoft Visual Basic; Tier generator software; Xerces2 Java Parser |
| Object or component oriented development software — C++; Greatis Object Inspector; PowerSoft PowerBuilder; Sun Microsystems Java |
| Web platform development software — Apache Struts; Hypertext markup language HTML; JavaScript; Microsoft Silverlight |
