Computer Programmers

Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline by 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Factors that are fueling the employment decline include new technologies (such as artificial intelligence) that eliminate the need for some routine programming work of the past, the outsourcing of programming jobs overseas, and the increased sophistication of computer users who are able to write and implement their own programs.

Growing emphasis on cybersecurity will lead to demand for programmers who are familiar with digital security issues. Opportunities in cybersecurity are available in the private and public sectors.

Job applicants with the best chances of employment will be baccalaureate-degree-or-higher graduates with strong object-oriented programming capabilities and technical specialization in areas such as wireless, mobile, and Internet applications, multimedia technology, client/server programming, and graphic user interface. In addition, the best applicants will have some training or experience in an applied field such as accounting, science, engineering, or management. Since this field is constantly changing, programmers should stay abreast of the latest technology to remain competitive.