Computer programming is a lucrative and growing field with job opportunities nationwide. Whether you’re working for a large tech company like Apple or a small private startup, there are many ways to pursue a career in computer programming.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary for programmers is $95,640, though salaries vary depending on where you work. For example, programmers in California and Washington can expect higher average salaries than their counterparts in Pennsylvania and Florida, which can be attributed to a variety of factors including cost of living.
Whether you’re looking to maximize your potential income or are curious how much computer programmers are paid in your state, you can find the top paying states for computer programmers here.
How To Increase Your Computer Programming Salary
While you could increase your salary by moving states, education provides a reliable way to secure a pay bump and possibly even a promotion. Many professionals in the field of computer programming pursue secondary degrees such as a master’s or Ph.D. to further their knowledge of the subject and raise their projected salary post-graduation.
Due to the competitive nature of the field, it is important to note that applicants with graduate degrees can apply for management-level positions that recent bachelor’s degree graduates may not be eligible for given their minimal professional experience.
Colleges and universities offer 1-2 year master’s programs designed for busy, working students. These programs offer courses entirely online, and many provide plenty of flexibility through asynchronous learning.
Related: How To Become A Computer Programmer
States With The Highest Programmer Salaries
1. Washington
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $177,210
Hourly Mean Wage: $85.20
Number of Computer Programmers: 5,160
2. District of Columbia
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $119,010
Hourly Mean Wage: $57.22
Number of Computer Programmers: 360
3. California
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $107,000
Hourly Mean Wage: $51.59
Number of Computer Programmers: 21,800
4. Virginia
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $103,150
Hourly Mean Wage: $49.59
Number of Computer Programmers: 6,750
5. Texas
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $102,650
Hourly Mean Wage: $49.35
Number of Computer Programmers: 18,070
6. Massachusetts
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $102,170
Hourly Mean Wage: $49.12
Number of Computer Programmers: 5,450
7. Illinois
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $100,320
Hourly Mean Wage: $48.23
Number of Computer Programmers: 6,970
8. North Carolina
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $97,200
Hourly Mean Wage: $46.73
Number of Computer Programmers: 5,360
9. Maryland
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $95,320
Hourly Mean Wage: $45.83
Number of Computer Programmers: 5,880
10. Vermont
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $93,760
Hourly Mean Wage: $45.08
Number of Computer Programmers: 230
11. New Jersey
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $92,980
Hourly Mean Wage: $44.70
Number of Computer Programmers: 7,120
12. Pennsylvania
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $92,760
Hourly Mean Wage: $44.60
Number of Computer Programmers: 7,420
13. Alaska
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $92,390
Hourly Mean Wage: $44.42
Number of Computer Programmers: 510
14. Georgia
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $91,390
Hourly Mean Wage: $43.94
Number of Computer Programmers: 4,280
15. New York
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $91,290
Hourly Mean Wage: $49.89
Number of Computer Programmers: 12,910
16. Delaware
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $90,930
Hourly Mean Wage: $43.72
Number of Computer Programmers: 760
17. Arizona
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $90,680
Hourly Mean Wage: $43.60
Number of Computer Programmers: 2,390
18. Wisconsin
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $89,670
Hourly Mean Wage: $43.11
Number of Computer Programmers: 4,310
19. Connecticut
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $88,370
Hourly Mean Wage: $42.49
Number of Computer Programmers: 2,260
20. Alabama
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $88,040
Hourly Mean Wage: $42.33
Number of Computer Programmers: 3,870
21. Minnesota
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $87,940
Hourly Mean Wage: $42.28
Number of Computer Programmers: 3,330
22. Nevada
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $87,830
Hourly Mean Wage: $42.23
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,010
23. Hawaii
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $87,100
Hourly Mean Wage: $41.88
Number of Computer Programmers: 480
24. Tennessee
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $86,930
Hourly Mean Wage: $42.79
Number of Computer Programmers: 2,330
25. Ohio
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $86,440
Hourly Mean Wage: $41.56
Number of Computer Programmers: 5,480
26. Maine
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $86,360
Hourly Mean Wage: $41.52
Number of Computer Programmers: 540
27. Louisiana
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: 85,870
Hourly Mean Wage: $41.28
Number of Computer Programmers: 2,220
28. Indiana
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $85,560
Hourly Mean Wage: $41.14
Number of Computer Programmers: 3,180
29. Arkansas
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $85,390
Hourly Mean Wage: $41.08
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,550
30. Utah
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $85,160
Hourly Mean Wage: $40.94
Number of Computer Programmers: 2,210
31. Colorado
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $84,900
Hourly Mean Wage: $40.82
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,990
32. Oregon
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $84,010
Hourly Mean Wage: $40.39
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,530
33. Kansas
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $83,590
Hourly Mean Wage: $40.19
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,010
34. New Hampshire
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $83,530
Hourly Mean Wage: $40.16
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,230
35. Missouri
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $82,590
Hourly Mean Wage: $39.71
Number of Computer Programmers: 3,400
36. Montana
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $82,410
Hourly Mean Wage: $39.62
Number of Computer Programmers: 690
37. Oklahoma
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $82,050
Hourly Mean Wage: $39.45
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,060
38. Florida
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $80,070
Hourly Mean Wage: $38.50
Number of Computer Programmers: 18,070
39. South Carolina
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $79,960
Hourly Mean Wage: $38.44
Number of Computer Programmers: 2,050
40. West Virginia
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $79,210
Hourly Mean Wage: $38.08
Number of Computer Programmers: 370
41. Nebraska
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $78,180
Hourly Mean Wage: $37.59
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,600
42. North Dakota
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $77,260
Hourly Mean Wage: $37.15
Number of Computer Programmers: 480
43. Wyoming
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $77,140
Hourly Mean Wage: $37.09
Number of Computer Programmers: 170
44. Michigan
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $77,520
Hourly Mean Wage: $36.31
Number of Computer Programmers: 3,410
45. Kentucky
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $74,810
Hourly Mean Wage: $35.97
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,190
46. New Mexico
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $74,180
Hourly Mean Wage: $35.66
Number of Computer Programmers: 980
47. Iowa
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $73,110
Hourly Mean Wage: $35.15
Number of Computer Programmers: 1,470
48. Idaho
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $72,380
Hourly Mean Wage: $34.80
Number of Computer Programmers: 750
49. Mississippi
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $71,450
Hourly Mean Wage: $34.35
Number of Computer Programmers: 830
50. South Dakota
Mean Computer Programmer Salary: $58,250
Hourly Mean Wage: $28.00
Number of Computer Programmers: 360
Methodology
Our team referenced data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections on job opportunities and salaries, along with data to determine the geographic implications of accepting a position in the field. Understanding employment data is a great way to research any career regardless of the industry and is a powerful tool for prospective students and professionals looking to further their job opportunities. However, note that no amount of education or state data guarantees that an individual will secure a specific job or earn a specific salary.
Thomas graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in history and economics. Before joining Universities.com as an editor, Thomas covered the education space as a writer, helping students learn more to make informed decisions for their futures.
