How To Become A Contract Programmer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a contract programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

James Sellmann Ph.D.

A contract programmer writes computer code used in software applications on a temporary or fixed-length contract. They are usually responsible for developing software applications using coding languages, such as Python and C++, and regularly reviewing software and operating systems in order to ensure they are working smoothly.

Contract programmers often work closely with software developers to aid in creating programs for organizations. They usually work for businesses, computer manufacturers, and government agencies on a project-by-project basis. A successful contract programmer should have extensive programming expertise. They should also have analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.

Contract programmers do not have regular working hours. They only work within the timelines specified by the client and might work long hours in instances where they take on multiple projects.

What general advice would you give to a Contract Programmer?

James Sellmann Ph.D.

Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian Studies, University of Guam

General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.

ScoreContract ProgrammerUS Average

Salary

6.3

Avg. Salary $80,027

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 14.91%

Black or African American 5.12%

Hispanic or Latino 9.05%

Unknown 4.74%

White 66.00%

Gender

female 15.15%

male 84.85%

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

Key steps to become a contract programmer

Explore contract programmer education requirements

Most common contract programmer degrees

Bachelor's

68.2 %

Associate

18.4 %

Master's

9.5 %

Start to develop specific contract programmer skills

Skills	Percentages
Microsoft SQL Server	11.60%
C++	9.49%
Web Application	6.71%
SAS	4.19%
DB2	3.69%

Complete relevant contract programmer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New contract 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 a contract programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real contract programmer resumes.

Research contract programmer duties and responsibilities

Update source code in Java and PHP which manage library acquisitions and requisitions.
Develop and code several useful algorithms using various SAS statistical functions to accomplish probabilistic data linking.
Utilize COBOL, OS390, DB2, IMS, Xpediter and Endevor on IBM OS390 system.
Develop and implement client side of Unix account management system.

Prepare your contract programmer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your contract 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 a contract 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 Contract Programmer Resume templates

Build a professional Contract 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 Contract Programmer resume.

Apply for contract programmer jobs

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

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

How do contract programmers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Contract Programmer reviews

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