General
Computer Programming
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Computer Programming.
Entry Level Salary
$60,000
Median Salary
$89,669
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
23.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,586,760
Entry (Early)
$60,000
Median (Prime)
$89,669
High (Prime)
$100,290
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+81k
+322k
+408k
$25k / yr
-9k
+232k
+318k
$50k / yr
-99k
+142k
+228k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
34
26
25
$25k / yr
Never
31
29
$50k / yr
Never
38
34
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-9%
213%
292%
$50k / yr
-46%
65%
105%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate18.7%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Software developers
18.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$82,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$101,295|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Computer programmers
9.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$61,354
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,864|$98,670
openings
5,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -6%
Management occupations
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,232
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,805|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Computer systems analysts
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$49,736
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,413|$103,790
openings
34,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.7%
Computer occupations, all other
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,650
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,000|$108,970
openings
31,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.2%
Computer and information systems managers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,475
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,550|$171,200
openings
55,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.2%
Computer support specialists
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$39,393
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$76,000|$61,550
openings
50,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2.7%
Elementary and middle school teachers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$5,206
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$37,756|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Top executives
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$108,290
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$166,600|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Mathematical science occupations
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,475
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$104,620
openings
37,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +27.1%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| computer programming. | Undergrad Certificate | 188 | $27,233 - $101,091 |
| computer programming. | Associate's Degree | 284 | $32,459 - $87,708 |
| computer programming. | Bachelor's Degree | 73 | $45,832 - $137,503 |
| computer programming. | Master's Degree | 11 | $84,866 - $179,964 |
| computer programming. | Level 99 | 9 | $52,638 - $52,638 |