What is the job outlook for computer programmers?
Employment of programmers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Jobs for both systems and applications programmers should be most plentiful in data-processing service firms, software houses, and computer consulting businesses. These types of establishments are part of computer systems design and related services and software publishers, which are projected to be among the fastest growing industries in the economy over the 2004-14 period. As organizations attempt to control costs and keep up with changing technology, they will need programmers to assist in conversions to new computer languages and systems. In addition, numerous job openings will result from the need to replace programmers who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations such as manager or systems analyst. How much can you earn in a computer programming job? Median annual earnings of computer programmers were $62,890 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned
