Occupation Details
Computer Programmers
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$54,350.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$83,420.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$115,200.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
15,770
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
15,670
+-10 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,021
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.0%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Programming
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Computer servers
- Desktop computers
- Mainframe operating systems
Technology
- ABC Compiler
- ABC: the AspectBench Compiler for AspectJ
- AJAX
- Ada
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript
- Adobe Systems Adobe ColdFusion
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks
- Adobe Systems Adobe Flex
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe PostScript
- Advanced business application programming ABAP
- Algorithmic language ALGOL
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- provide customer service
- write documentation for computer programming
- develop computer performance standards
- maintain or repair computers or related equipment
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- develop records management system
- supervise programming personnel
- provide technical computer training
- communicate technical information
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- provide technical support to computer users
- recommend software or hardware purchases
- consult with customers concerning needs
- monitor computer operation
- prepare instruction manuals
- prepare workflow chart
- consult with managerial or supervisory personnel
- follow data security procedures
- follow data storage procedures
- use graphic arts techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use knowledge of mainframe computers
- use object-oriented computer programming techniques
- use structural analysis techniques to analyze computer systems
- use project management techniques
- distinguish details in graphic arts material
- identify color or balance
- use creativity in graphics
- design computer hardware or software interface
- design computer programs or programming tools
- develop mathematical or computer languages
- use differential equations in computer programming
- evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
- analyze workflow
- develop tables depicting data
- encode equations for processing
- assist co-workers with software problems
- implement computer system changes
- maintain client-server database
- program computers for electronic engineering applications
- program computers for management analysis applications
- program computers for medical applications
- program computers for social science applications
- program computers using existing software
- program mainframe computer
- resolve symbolic formulations in data processing applications
- test computer programs or systems
- use computer programming language
- use computer application flow charts
- use computer graphics design software
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- write computer software, programs, or code
- resolve computer program operational problems
- revise or correct errors in computer programs, software, or systems
- configure computers in industrial or manufacturing setting
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
- adjust computer operation system
- install computer programs
- test data communications hardware or software
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
- Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
- Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
- Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
- Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
- Develop Web sites.
- Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
- Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
- Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Camp Game:Intensive Video Game Creation
Camp Game is a unique five-week experience in intensive video game creation, visualization, and production. Work with a faculty of game industry veterans to create concepts and prototypes for games using the latest software, hardware, and development tools. The program provides the optimal balance between creativity and application, evaluation and analysis, and instruction-based learning and hands-on practice.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholar Adventures: Geneseo Summer Scholars
The Geneseo Summer scholars program is a wonderful opportunity for interested students entering grades 5 to 8 to take advantage of. Each student chooses two courses that interest them. The courses include Adventures in Science, Astronomy and Aerospace, Computer Art and Design and Web Site Design.
Learn MoreColumbia University Summer Program For High School Students, Junior - Senior Division
The Summer Program for High School Students in New York City is renowned for its academic rigor, instructional excellence, and the unique opportunity to experience college life in the Ivy League and life in New York City. Intensive summer study includes a variety of coursework in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science and Computers.
Learn MoreComputer Game Development Academy
Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process.
Learn MoreComputer Systems Officers
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreComputer Systems Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreComputer programmers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreCornell University Cooperative Extension New York City 4 H Youth Favorite Places
4 H Youth Favorite Places (YFP) is an activity designed to help teach youth about Geographic Information Systems/Global Positioning System (GIS/GPS) as well as provide a service to their community, in which youth "map" their favorite places in their community.
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Genetic Horizons (Green Genes alumni) investigates how genetic research is changing our lives. Students use DNA fingerprinting to identify suspects at a mock crime scene, use PCR to detect genetically modified foods, and use bioinformatics to analyze and compare DNA sequences
Learn MoreGirls Go Tech: Careers You Can Count On
Math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! Be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technology. Read the activities and then find out more about the careers associated with them.
Learn MoreGirls Go Tech: Careers You Can Count On
Math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! Be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technolog. Careers in math, science and technology are as varied as they are exciting. Read the activities and then find out more about the careers associated with them.
Learn MoreGirls Summer 2006: Science and Technology
Science and technology students get hands-on experience in a variety of cutting-edge topics and academic environments. The students get the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the world of science, computers, robotics, technology and other disciplines of the future.
Learn MoreIlluminations: Activities
Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The library of 90 online activities sorted by age group help to make math come alive in the classroom or at home.
Learn MoreIlluminations: Lessons
Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The collection of 524 lessons for preK12 math educators is easily sorted by age group and topic.
Learn MoreInternational Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK to 12 and teacher education.
Learn MoreKids on Campus
Choose Your Workshop: make your very own bumper car flash game, create your own Web site, explore four-dimensional space, join the graphics design think tank and build your own computer game engine!
Learn MoreMathBits.com
MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school and college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.
Learn MoreMathBits.com
MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school/college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.
Learn MoreMentorPlace
A structured online program connecting IBM employee-volunteers with students and teachers.
Learn MoreMentorPlace
A structured online program connecting IBM employee volunteers with students and teachers. You and your IBM mentor will talk online, working together on activities and discussing issues that you care about. Your teacher will give you direction on the activities that you and your IBM mentor will work on together.
Learn MoreMultimedia Math Mania
An opportunity to explore math and technology firsthand, to apply math skills and use problem solving while conducting experiments, designing and constructing projects, working on state-of-the-art computer programs and exploring the Internet
Learn MoreMultimedia Math Mania
Math is fun! This is an opportunity to explore math and technology firsthand, to apply math skills and use problem solving while conducting experiments, designing and constructing projects, working on state of the art computer programs and exploring the Internet
Learn MoreNational Computer Camp: Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York
National Computer Camp aims to provide campers with life long computer skills. As its primary focus, NCC provides a solid foundation in programming, focusing on languages and applications, hardware, video game and web page design.
Learn MorePurchase College: Summer Tech Day Camp
This computer day camp is designed for children ages 6 through 9. The course includes general computing (OS, Microsoft Apps) to get children up to speed as well as animation, web page making, and computer gaming.
Learn MorePurchase College: SummerTech
SummerTech Computer Camps offer a choice of seven week long and multiweek curricula. All courses are integrated into the full camp experience. Tech learning and fun featuring seven curriculums to choose from include Digital Film, Animation, Music Recording,Machinima Code,Flash and Web.
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Adelphi University
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Adelphi University
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Fordham University (Marymount Campus) - Tarrytown,NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Fordham University (Marymount Campus) - Tarrytown,NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at New York Institute of Technology - Manhattan NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Solomon Schechter School Westchester, NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at St. Johns University - Queens Campus,NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at St. Johns University, Queens Campus, NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at The New School Manhattan, New York
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Day Camp:Ages: 6 to 9
This computer day camp is designed for children ages 6 through 9. The course includes general computing (OS, Microsoft Apps) to get children up to speed as well as animation, web page making, and computer gaming.
Learn MoreSummer Safari at Plattsburgh State University 2006
Chemistry, Forensics, Anatomy and Physiology,Experimenting Excitement,Making Math Magic and Kids Creating Music Thru Technology are but a few of the exciting camp themes for you to explore at Summer Safari.
Learn MoreSummer Safari at Plattsburgh State University 2007
Camp Med, Magic World of Chemistry, Forensics: To Catch a Thief, Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Experimenting Excitement, and Creating Music Thru Technology are but a few of the exciting camp themes for you to explore at Summer Safari 2007.
Learn MoreSummer at RIT:Kids on Campus
Choose Your Workshop! Animation with a Twist, Interactive Music Madness, Web Magic, Flash Puzzle Quest, Draw, Shoot, Animate, and Ultimate Web Comics are just a few fun topics available!
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Computer Game Development Academy
Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process, artists and programmers will take separate classes that speak to their particular skill sets, and then interdisciplinary teams will be formed and then construct their game from start to finish.
Learn MoreSummerTech at Manhattanville College,Purchase,NY
SummerTech Computer Camps offer a choice of seven week-long and multi-week curricula. All courses are integrated into the full camp experience. Tech learning and fun featuring seven curriculums to choose from: Digital Film, Animation, Music Recording,Machinima Code,Flash and Web.
Learn MoreThink Quest New York City
ThinkQuest New York City creatively brings together learning and technology for students and educators. Be a part of the greatest adventure of our time, the Internet. Build an interactive Web site that will be freely available to others in the ThinkQuest New York City Library.
Learn MoreWave Hill Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer opportunity combined with academic studies in Basic Mapping Science, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Site visits to environmentally significant locations and small work crews prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College's Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for three college credits, tuition-free.
Learn MoreWestchester Community College Children and Teens 2007
Westchester Community College Children and Teens 2007 programs include Ossining Summer Science Academy, Computer Arts for Teens, and Computers for Kids in Peekskill.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Columbia University Computer Camp, NY
<p>iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.</p>
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Columbia University Computer Camps,NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens at over 30 universities. The summer computer camp courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Vassar College Computer Camps,NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Vassar College Computer Camps,NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens at over 30 universities. The summer computer camp courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps:Fordham University Computer Camps, NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
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