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What is an information technology programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Brian Glas,
Christian Hansen Ph.D.

Information technology (IT) programmers are individuals who program, test and maintain software programs in a variety of industries. They work to ensure that computer applications function according to customer guidelines and are responsible for ensuring that these programs integrate with existing computer programs and operating systems. IT programmers also work with databases, computer networks, and other related technologies to develop reliable and efficient computer programs.

Many IT programmers have a bachelor's or a master's degree in computer science, software development, or a related field. However, employers will also consider those individuals who have obtained a certificate or an associate's degree in an IT-related field or have comparable skills and experience. An IT programmer should possess strong analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills and be comfortable working in teams with other developers.

If you have a talent for computers and programming, then a career as an IT programmer can be just what you are looking for. Many IT programmers can make up to $84,000 a year, but the field is expected to decline by 7% in the next ten years.

What general advice would you give to an information technology programmer?

Brian GlasBrian Glas LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Union University

Build relationships: Different technologies will interest and challenge you, but throughout your career, you'll find that it's the relationships that are the most important. This is harder to grasp earlier in your career, but much easier to understand after 15-20 years.
Gain different perspectives: Spend time with people in other roles that your job interacts with, and gain a solid understanding of how they view things; this is most valuable for career progression and understanding of how your work fits into the big picture.
ScoreInformation Technology ProgrammerUS Average
Salary
7.0

Avg. Salary $89,063

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.1

Growth rate -7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 15.01%

Black or African American 5.00%

Hispanic or Latino 8.84%

Unknown 4.71%

White 66.26%

Gender

female 24.51%

male 75.49%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
5.1

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Information technology programmer career paths

Key steps to become an information technology programmer

  1. Explore information technology programmer education requirements

    Most common information technology programmer degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.4 %

    Associate

    20.3 %

    Master's

    9.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific information technology programmer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    C++9.74%
    Java6.54%
    JavaScript5.83%
    Windows4.55%
    HTML4.33%
  3. Complete relevant information technology programmer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information technology programmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information technology programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information technology programmer resumes.
  4. Research information technology programmer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage a re-design of the company s Intranet using Microsoft SharePoint.
    • Manage and statistically analyze large databases using SAS on both the mainframe and PC environments.
    • Lead the development of build the UI layer for a high traffic call center application.
    • Manage creative/technical/ design of application features and user interactions for innovative GUI system including 3D and 2D graphics API.
  5. Prepare your information technology programmer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information technology programmer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an information technology programmer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable information technology programmer resume templates

    Build a professional information technology programmer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information technology programmer resume.
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
    Information Technology Programmer Resume
  6. Apply for information technology programmer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an information technology programmer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first information technology programmer job

Zippi

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Average information technology programmer salary

The average information technology programmer salary in the United States is $89,063 per year or $43 per hour. Information technology programmer salaries range between $63,000 and $124,000 per year.

Average information technology programmer salary
$89,063 Yearly
$42.82 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do information technology programmers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Information technology programmer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

The opportunity to take lead and mentor junior programmers

Cons

Working with Junior programmers who won't take your advice/direction even if you have a sound argument


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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