A computer programmer works at companies that produce electronic equipment or software products, writing the programs that run the devices in question. Programmers usually work in teams and in a hierarchical structure, which is especially common for large companies. Junior programmers are typically tasked with more mundane tasks such as writing large, but non-complicated pieces of code – while senior programmers are responsible for developing the more intricate aspects of a given product, as well as coordinating their team and giving orders to junior programmers.
A Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences or computer engineering is usually required to get employed as a computer programmer. Due to the nature of the job and the fact that it’s commonly practiced as a hobby, many are able to find employment in the sector without having a higher degree of education, instead displaying impressive skills for their working experience. A computer programmer will usually develop a large portion of their skills directly on the job, and this opens up good prospects for career development.
Despite the long years of experience required to become a successful programmer, the average annual wage for the job isn’t as high as most would expect. The median for 2009 was $43,000, and the salary normally ranges between $38,000 and $65,000. Some companies pay their programmers a percentage of the product’s earnings, usually scaled according to the particular programmer’s own involvement in the project’s development – in these cases, programmers have a very high prospect for earning. This practice is common in the video game industry.