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Computer Programmer Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

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A Computer Programmer, or a Software Programmer, writes computer code to create software applications. Their duties include using code libraries for common commands to make writing programs more efficient, testing finished programs, searching for errors, and correcting them.

Computer Programmer duties and responsibilities

Computer Programmers often perform a wide range of tasks, including reviewing user feedback, participating in meetings with Software Engineers and Software Developers, and analyzing the speed and performance of software when used with a variety of devices. Duties and responsibilities in a Computer Programmer job description may include:

  • Ensuring the integrity of data storage and backup systems
  • Monitoring security tools
  • Managing the configuration of operating systems
  • Responding to security or usability concerns
  • Anticipating problems and resolving them before they impact users wherever possible
  • Using software engineering tools to automate some coding
  • Preparing reports for supervisors
  • Determining hardware requirements and creating user manuals for software

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Computer Programmer Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

What does a Computer Programmer do?

A Computer Programmer translates program designs into code, troubleshoots problems with programs, and updates and expands on existing software. Computer Programmers also help Software Developers streamline programs to use less processing power and increase their user-friendliness and functionality. Computer Programmers often create and test code in integrated development environments or IDEs. These tools include code editors, libraries, and debuggers to make creating new programs easier. Computer Programmers can work on operating systems, games, smartphone apps, websites, and internal software for companies.

Computer Programmer skills and qualifications

Successful Computer Programmers have a combination of technical and social skills. They collaborate with coworkers to create effective programs that have streamlined user interfaces. They’re also able to find and solve errors in computer code. Top skills and qualifications for Computer Programmers include:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Extensive understanding of operating systems and programming languages like C++, HTML, Java, Linux, Windows, Oracle, Pascal, and Delphi
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Outstanding attention to detail and the ability to recognize small errors in complex code

Computer Programmer experience requirements

Computer Programmer candidates require one to two years experience in a similar position working with the programming languages your systems use. However, candidates who have experience from an internship or volunteer position can also succeed in entry-level positions with on the job training. If you’re hiring for a more specialized or senior job, you should require candidates to have more than five years of programming experience.

Computer Programmer education and training requirements

Most Computer Programmer jobs require an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Candidates should ideally have certifications to prove their proficiency in specific languages. For example, Oracle offers a Java certification after candidates pass an exam, and the Ruby Association offers Ruby Programmer Silver or Ruby Programmer Gold certifications to people who pass a 50-question test. On-the-job training is usually required.

Computer Programmer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Computer Programmer in Canada is $53,846 per year. Individual pay levels vary depending on experience, education levels, the company, and the location.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Computer Programmer isn’t exactly what you’re is looking for, other job descriptions that may fit your needs include:

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

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Computer Programmer job description FAQs

Job Description Examples

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