Computer Programming – An Exciting Field!

Fortunately, there will always be a demand for computer programmers.

That demand will only multiply as technologies expand and become increasingly more complex.  Local, national and global enterprises  are constantly looking to create new programs; and the windows of opportunity havenâ??t come close to reaching their pinnacle!

Required Education:

Tech-savvy individuals require a vast pool of computer knowledge in order to be considered for a web programming career.   Web Programmers are responsible for converting software program designs into sets of intricate instructions that computers can comprehend.  Proficiency in a vast array of commonly-used programming languages is a pre-requisite.   A Bachelorâ??s Degree in Computer Information Systems, known as CIS, will provide the necessary skills required to land a web programming profession.

If you want to stay one step ahead of your competition, keep in mind that hands-on programming experience remains a crucial key requirement for securing a programming position.  Hiring managers will, usually, request to see portfolio samples of oneâ??s best computer-programming projects and applications.  Have an impressive portfolio readily available, upon request!

Job Availability/Expectations:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of computer software engineers and computer programmers, including web programmers, will grow much faster than the average for other occupations, in the coming years.  As technologies continue to develop and as computer systems become increasingly more high-tech, the demand for skilled programmers will reach its zenith, and continue to expand outward.

Being Information Technology (IT) professionals, web programmers are a vital component to ensure websites and computer programs operate like  fine-tuned machines.  Web programmers work hand-in-glove with computer engineers and developers to help launch new programs to satiate the technological appetites of businesses and industries across the continent and across the world.

Web programmers are primarily required to write detailed instructions that will allow computers to implement a web or software program.  Additionally, web programmers will repair, modify or update programs that already exist.  Testing websites, providing technical support and maintenance tasks, such as repairing bugs and errors as well as developing workarounds, all integrate and mesh into normal job expectations.

Web programmers use a variety of languages, tools and techniques to create or update web system design and workflow documents as well as develop or enhance applications.   Common programming languages and environments include: HTML, C++, C#, ASP.NET, AJAX, SQL, JavaScript, Android and XML.

Some programs are relatively simple and take only a few daysâ?? time to write, such as mobile applications for cell phones.  Other programs, such as computer operating systems, are much more complex,  and can require more than a year to complete.

Salary Prospects:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage and average annual salary, for computer programmers, are as follows, as of the end of 2012:

Average Hourly Wage: ———- $21 – $51 depending on location of job and other factors

Average Annual Income: ——- $73,000

A sampling of other related positions and average salary expectations:

** Application Programmer—– $75,000

** PHP Programmer————– $81,000

** Programmer Analyst———- $83,000

** SQL Programmer————— $84,000

** Websphere Programmer—- $98,000

** Lead Programmer————– $100,000

** Programmer Analyst Lead—- $155,000

If you are detail oriented, a self-starter, interested in computer technology, are analytical and can easily work independently as well as with others, you could be well-suited for a web-programming career!

From real estate to computer programming, I have had many opportunites to complement my teaching careers with many writing projects.  – Karen, Iowa.

Click here to find out the 7 most in-demand programming languages.

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