The job market for computer programmers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 294,900 computer programmers in the United States. The computer programmer job market is expected to shrink by -7.2% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are computer programmers?

CareerExplorer rates computer programmers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will lose -16,800 computer programmers. That number is based on the retirement of 4,500 existing computer programmers.

Are computer programmers in demand?

Although employment of computer programmers is expected to decline, job openings will result from the need to replace programmers who leave the labour force or transfer to other occupations. Applicants who possess a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of various programming languages and tools will have the best prospects. To remain competitive, programmers will need to keep pace with evolving technology and emerging, more sophisticated tools. An ongoing commitment to industry education, including obtaining vendor- and language- specific certifications, provides a competitive edge. Continuing emphasis on cyber security will increase the demand for programmers conversant with digital security issues and technology. There is no lack of computer programming jobs overall, but because programming can be carried out via digital transmission anywhere in the world, regardless of the home base of a business, companies are lured by the lower wages that they can pay in other countries. Computer programmers are at a significantly higher risk of having their jobs outsourced abroad than are workers in more complex information technology functions, such as software engineering. This continuing ‘off-shoring’ trend is projected to limit growth for programmers in the United States.

What’s the supply of computer programmers?

The computer programmer industry is concentrated in California, Texas, New York

Computer Programmer job market by state