The average starting salary for computer programmers varies wildly depending on the type of programming and where you live. There are times when the average starting salary for computer programmers is as low as $45,000 a year and there are other times where it’s above $160,000 a year. If you figure out the averages for each type of programming and consider where you want to live and how long you will be living there, you can guesstimate how much you would make in another city.
Starting salaries for computer programmers vary based on education and experience, with a starting salary in the range of $30,500. Some colleges offer associate degrees in computer programming; these associate degrees can take one year to complete. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related major is typically required to be a systems software developer or design engineer, while a master’s degree may be needed for greater responsibility or advancement in the field.
Average starting salary for computer programmers
This chart will give you a good idea of what to expect your starting salary to be when you first begin working as a computer programmer, based on your experience and educational attainment. If you’re interested, other factors such as location do also play a part in determining exactly how much you’ll earn.
The computer programming field is a great one to consider if you enjoy the hands-on aspect of technology. Those who enter the field can start at an average salary of $65,398 annually, but it should be noted that self-taught programmers can make approximately $15,000 less when starting out.
There are a number of factors that can affect starting salaries. For example, the type of company you’re working for, or your relative newness to the field can dramatically impact what you earn. However, when examining averages across all programmers and companies, the difference is relatively minor.
The starting salary for programmers in nearly every major city in the United States is very generous. The highest-paying cities featured on this list are San Jose and San Francisco, where you can expect to earn around $83K and $80K respectively. On the other hand, the lowest paying cities are New York and El Paso, where you can expect to earn a little over $60K.
The demand for software developers and programmers is much higher than qualified candidates. This means that salaries have been steadily increasing over time, with the average salary being $91,000 annually.
Their earning potential is limited, however, because their degree doesn’t qualify them to pursue other careers. If a software developer wants to become a graphic designer or creative director, they’ll need to go back to school or work their way up the ladder at middle management levels.
