Hiring Computer Programmers
Employers across the 79 metro areas we have BLS OEWS wage data for pay computer programmers a median of $65,220 to $154,920 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A search through recruitlocalpros runs Tier I to Tier VI, $6,240 to $54,340, set by seniority, never by location or salary. Our vetted recruiting partner handles sourcing, screening and placement end to end.
What do computer programmers do?
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- 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.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 15-1251.00.
What does it take to become one?
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET Job Zone 4, SVP (7.0 to < 8.0). O*NET OnLine.
Employers commonly list experience with C#, C++, Cascading style sheets CSS, Extensible markup language XML, Git, Hypertext markup language HTML for this role.
What do computer programmers get paid?
BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for computer programmers in 79 of the metro areas in this build. The median ranges from $65,220 to $154,920 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $99,050. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.
BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 15-1251.
What does hiring one cost?
The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest published median for computer programmers in this build is $154,920. A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $30,984 to $46,476 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.
Frequently asked
- How fast can a computer programmers search fill?
- 23 to 35 days, 2 to 3x faster than a typical contingency search, per the recruiting provider's published figures.
- What if the hire does not work out?
- A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.
Price a computer programmers search
Eight questions about the role. Your tier range appears on screen, with the contingency comparison if you are paying one now.