Career Guide for Computer Programmers in Seattle, WA

Move over Silicon Valley. Seattle computer programmers have SV beat -- at least when it comes to paying its programmers a handsome salary. According to JIST works, "America's Career Publisher," Seattle Washington computer programmers currently earn the highest annual median salaries in the nation ($88,580 per year), followed by San Francisco computer programmers ($79,080 per year), New York ($73,580 per year), and Boston ($73,070 per year). Seattle computer programmers also have access to dozens of top companies in the industry such as Bluetooth SIG and The Omni Group. In addition, Seattle, Washington computer programmers work in a wide variety of industries such as publishing, utilities, telecommunications, securities, and chemical manufacturing.

So what does a computer program do? JIST Works Salary Facts Handbook offers the following job description for computer programmers:

Computer programmers develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. They convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. In simple terms, computer programmers write the code that tells the computer what to do. They typically work with programming languages such as C, C++, COBOL, FORTRAN, PERL, and Java, and most computer programmers are well versed in multiple computer languages.

If becoming a computer programmer sounds like it may be your calling, there are several steps to take in order to get there. To become a computer programmer, you must start by earning a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or an institute of technology. More than half of all Seattle computer programmers have a bachelor's degree and around 20% have a master's degree or higher. Degrees include: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science, BS in Computer Information Systems, and a BS in Computer Engineering. A Master of Science in Computer Science is on the menu as well as a Master of Computer Science. Students interested in a PhD should look into the PhD in computer science.

After earning a bachelor's degree or higher and competing an internship to gain valuable hands-on training and experience, obtaining certification might be useful. A great way to increase your chances of landing the perfect computer-programming job is to obtain computer language specific certification. This type of certification is available through many software firms and product companies.

Seattle computer programmers may enjoy higher salaries, but the competition may be stiff for entry-level positions. Outsourcing has put a damper on hiring, as well as developments in packaged software programs, which has enabled amateurs to write their own programs. Fortunately, computer programmers that keep in pace with technology and advanced computer programmers will have a significant number of opportunities in the coming years. These individuals can also expect to earn six figures for their experience and advanced skills.

For more information about Seattle, WA computer programmers or computer programmer careers in general, please visit the following websites:

College Degree Report - Computer Programmer Careers: Employment & Salary Trends for Aspiring Computer Programmers

The U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos110.htm

U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences - http://nces.ed.gov/

JIST publishing - http://www.jist.com/shop/web

College Degree Report - Computer Programmers - Career, Salary & Employment Info