How Much Do Coders Make? (Salary and Earning Potential)

Computer programmers, often simply referred to as coders, use computer languages to create programs across technological platforms. Working as a coder can be a lucrative and fulfilling career once you've gained experience in the field. You can continue to increase your earning potential as a coder, too, as you gain expertise in a particular specialization.

In this article, we explain the average salary of computer coders, including the top-earning careers for coders, and review the steps you can take to become a coder.

How much do coders make?

The national average salary for a computer programmer or coder is $73,059
per year. Once you specialize in a certain area of coding, you have the potential to earn a higher wage. Salary expectations differ based on your job location and years of experience. 

Some of the highest-paying cities for coders include parts of Seattle, Washington, at $87,680 per year on average, Los Angeles, California, at $77,995 per year on average and Albany, New York at $74,583 per year on average.

Highest-paying states for coders

Computer coders can earn the highest salaries in the following states:

• New York: $65,126 per year

• Illinois: $69,188 per year

• Kansas: $70,761 per year

• New Mexico: $70,798 per year

• Virginia: $82,701 per year

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the links provided.

Related: Is Computer Programming a Good Career? (With Salary and Tips)

Coder specializations

Below are the main specializations for computer coders:

1. Software coder

A software coder, or software developer, specializes in creating and formatting computer software programs. They write the code that instructs software to perform various functions including word processing, creative design programs and other industry-specific platforms. Software coders also perform checks on the systems they design, completing program updates as needed.

Find software coder jobs

2. Computer and network security coder

Computer coders who specialize in network and computer security use their programming skills to identify and eliminate potential threats to users. Security coders test programs and may repair systems as they isolate risk factors. These coders learn to use encryption techniques to complete a forensic analysis when a breach compromises a system.

Find computer coder jobs

3. Hardware coder

A computer hardware coder is responsible for writing all the system language a piece of equipment uses to operate. This means creating all hardware system files that make a computer work from powering on to shutting down. These coders may help write the interface between a computer and a human user including dialog instructions used to run programs and operate the machine.

Find hardware coder jobs

4. Web coder

Web coding or web designing is a popular specialty for computer coders. With so many internet-based programs for cloud computing and general website content, web designers can find niche areas within this broad area of coding. Web coders write language that controls the entire look and interactivity of a website from eCommerce to graphic displays.

Find web coder jobs

5. App coder

Coders working in app development create applications for smartphones and other mobile technology. They have involvement in testing apps to ensure an engaging and functional user experience through mobile platforms. Computer coders who learn to work in this part of the tech industry may design their own application programs, work for small firms or create for major developers.

Find app coder jobs

Related: 7 Pros and 4 Cons of Being a Programmer

5 top paying computer coding jobs

When you learn a coding language, you can work in many different positions. Here are the primary duties and median salary in the United States for each role:

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Computer engineer

National average salary: $71,089 per year

Primary duties: Computer engineers write and design systems to test computer hardware and networks. They're responsible for creating the coding for programs used in a variety of computer platforms both for software and hardware. A computer engineer also manages the operating systems of computer hardware.

Find computer engineer jobs

Related: What Does a Computer Engineer Do? (Plus Job Requirements)

2. Web developer

National average salary: $78,426 per year

Primary duties: Web developers write the computer code for the front end and back end of websites. They work with clients and other computer-based roles, including graphic designers, to create the overall appearance and functions of a website. Web developers perform diagnostic tests to make sure all software systems are operating correctly. They may also make periodic changes to websites due to software updates.

Find web developer jobs

Read more: Learn About Being a Web Developer

3. Computer systems analyst

National average salary: $79,569 per year

Primary duties: A computer systems analyst uses their coding and computer knowledge to examine and evaluate data systems. They prepare reports and communicate data needs with other technology experts. System analysts research current data and technology trends to advise users and upper-level management on the changing role and structure of data warehousing.

Find computer systems analyst jobs

Read more: What Does a Systems Analyst Do? (Plus How To Become One)

4. Database administrator

National average salary: $91,610 per year

Primary duties: Database administrators oversee the functions and performance of database systems. They check for efficiency and lead programmers in solving problems to correct database malfunctions. A database administrator may be responsible for maintaining user accounts, updating old databases to merge with new or existing systems and testing any changes made to databases.

Find database administrator jobs

Related: What Does a Database Administrator Do? With Job Requirements

5. Software engineer

National average salary: $111,743 per year

Primary duties: A software engineer is responsible for working with a client to develop a software program according to their needs and specifications. Software engineers work with other computer coding employees to manage projects and create code for software programs. Their duties may also include assessing software systems for necessary updates or revisions.

Find software engineer jobs

Note that figures from Glassdoor help supplement the data from Indeed.

Read more: Learn About Being a Software Engineer

Factors that affect your salary as a coder

Here are some ideas that can help increase your wages as a computer coder and earn a higher salary:

• Certifications: Most computer programming languages offer certification courses and official licenses once you pass an exam. After you earn a certification in a specific language, you have the opportunity to work as an expert using that particular code.

• Location: Relocating to a location with a high number of tech jobs and opportunities may also provide you with a job that compensates you more.

• Advanced degrees: A master's degree in computer science can provide increased opportunities for leadership roles within the coding industry.

Read more: Learn To Code: 18 Methods and Their Benefits

How to become a coder

Consider following these steps to begin your career as a computer coder:

1. Get familiar with coding language

Before you enter a coding training program, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most-used coding languages like Java, Python and C platforms. Working from a base knowledge of the main coding languages may help you progress more easily through training courses. You can actually teach yourself a lot of coding without going through a program, though it may still be better to complete official training, so you become a stronger candidate for potential jobs.

Here are some ways you can begin to expand your knowledge of computer coding:

• Use tutorials. Look for interactive coding tutorials that may help take you through the steps of beginning and some advanced coding methods.

• Take free online courses. Many reputable websites offer free online coding classes where you can begin to understand the basics of coding languages and programming. You can choose courses that focus on one coding language or others that teach multiple coding languages. This is a good way to prepare for a more official training program.

• Play games. Coding games are a fun way to get used to simple coding commands. You can find a large variety of online games or mobile apps that teach coding through gaming platforms. Some games may even teach you more advanced coding structures.

• Follow coders online. Find blogs, podcasts and video channels dedicated to coding instruction and information. Reading from thought leaders in the industry is a great way to get to know more about a career in computer coding before you get started.

Related: 50 Types of Programming Languages and What They Do

2. Enroll in a training program

There are multiple options for training and earning an education as a computer coder, including:

Coding boot camp

Coding boot camp is a training program that introduces you to the major coding languages. One of the benefits of training through a coding boot camp is the accelerated class schedule. You can learn coding basics in a shorter timeframe than it takes to earn a degree, allowing you to begin working as a computer coder more quickly.

Degree in computer science

A four-year degree in computer science may provide more marketable credentials to help you earn a position after you graduate. Over the course of your degree program, you'll learn basic and advanced coding languages and processes. You'll also have the opportunity to pursue a specialization within the coding industry. When searching for four-year degree programs, make sure you find one from an accredited university.

Related: Improving Your Computer Literacy: What You Need to Know

3. Network with other industry experts

Even before you graduate, start creating your networking circle by attending career training seminars and forming networking relationships with other students, instructors and other people you meet. Find industry events, participate in internship programs and seek out mentors from the technology sector. Many people are ready to help incoming computer coders who ask for assistance and advice for getting started in their careers.

Related: 10 Tips To Help You Build a Network (With Benefits)

4. Find a position in the tech industry

Entering the technology industry as a beginning programmer may take you on a different career path than you first expected. You may find an opportunity in an entry-level position that gets you started in a big tech company.

Once you begin to gain experience, it can be easier to move to a more ideal job within the company or a similar workplace. You may be able to use your networking connections to help you secure a beginning position.