How long does it take to become a computer programmer?

Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do computer programmers make?

The US median is $100,390 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a computer programmer?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a computer programmer?

1,530 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a computer programmer

Computers & IT · SOC 15-1251

$100,390US median pay, 2025

-7.3%Projected growth, 2025–35

4,400Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Work as a computer programmer

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Computer Science	CIP 11.0701	951
Computer Programming/Programmer, General	CIP 11.0201	379
Management Information Systems, General	CIP 52.1201	329
Computer Programming, Specific Applications	CIP 11.0202	136
Computer Graphics	CIP 11.0803	117
Data Analytics, General	CIP 30.7101	78
Computational Science	CIP 30.3001	77
Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation	CIP 11.0804	36
Cloud Computing	CIP 11.0902	35
Computer Game Programming	CIP 11.0204	21
Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification	CIP 11.0203	19
Computer Software Technology/Technician	CIP 15.1204	18
Computer Programming, Other	CIP 11.0299	16
Data Analytics, Other	CIP 30.7199	8
Medical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant	CIP 51.0709	6
Computer Programming, Specific Platforms	CIP 11.0205	3
Data Visualization	CIP 30.7103	3

See the 1,530 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a computer programmer?: Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do computer programmers make?: The US median is $100,390 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a computer programmer?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a computer programmer?: 1,530 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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