Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a £100 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed are 65% more likely to report a hire than non-sponsored jobs**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires

Computer Programmer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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
7 min read

A Computer Programmer, or Programmer writes and tests the code that computer software is developed from. Their duties include writing programs, troubleshooting code and inspecting the source of glitches.

Computer Programmer duties and responsibilities

A Computer Programmer is responsible for planning and then writing the algorithms of computer software. They troubleshoot software and ensure that programs are easy to use and adaptable. A Computer Programmer’s key duties and responsibilities include:

  • Writing new computer codes to fit existing software, apps or programs
  • Sourcing existing code from open code libraries or databases developed by a company
  • Thoroughly testing computer programs and recommending updates or changes before release
  • Training new users to use updated programs or hardware
  • Debugging computer programs experiencing faults and glitches
  • Developing security systems and procedures to protect users from hacks and programs from viruses
  • Keeping up-to-date on new developments and advances in coding and software development
  • Ensuring that all code and software complies with data protection laws and security regulations
  • Balance work day between multiple projects and respond immediately to tech support requests from staff

Hire your next Computer Programmer today

Post a job

Hire your next Computer Programmer today

Post a job
Close

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 is responsible for developing computer codes using multiple languages. A Computer Programmer makes interaction with mobile apps, operating systems and computer games possible. They do this by writing code from original or copied algorithms. Computer Programmers provide support for software programs. They debug systems and improve user experience via updates.

A Senior Computer Programmer is also responsible for project management. They track the quality of every software process created by a development team.

Computer Programmer skills and qualifications

A Computer Programmer needs excellent technical skills in order to develop programs. They need knowledge of the most popular computer software and hardware systems. A successful Computer Programmer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications such as an analytical mind, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. They also typically have:

  • Knowledge of coding languages, including Python, C++, SQL or PHP
  • Web development skills in HTML, CSS or JavaScript
  • Open-source development skills through Apache, Mozilla or Linux source code
  • Extensive knowledge of computer operating systems, including Microsoft and Apple systems
  • Ability to deconstruct, then accurately repair code when troubleshooting
  • Ability to work on projects as part of a team alongside other Computer Programmers, Coders, Hardware Engineers and Software Developers
  • Ability to translate complex programming language into an easy to understand format
  • Application of Certified Ethical Hacker procedures

Computer Programmer experience requirements

Computer Programmers need a minimum of three years of experience working in the IT industry. Employers should look for candidates with experience gained from working within software development roles. Senior Computer Programmers will need at least five years of experience in the IT industry, and at least two of those years need to be spent working as a Computer Programmer. Senior Computer Programmers also require a minimum of two years of experience leading a team of Programmers, overseeing projects and delegating tasks.

Computer Programmer education and training requirements

Computer Programmers need to demonstrate a strong academic background in IT. As a minimum, employers tend to look for candidates with strong results in maths and IT at GCSE and A-levels. Their proficiency in programming languages can be gained independently or through work placements. Competitive applicants, however, hold a degree in computer science, computer engineering or computer programming.

Employers should consider candidates with degrees in analytical subjects. Maths and physics become helpful when the applicant also has independent programming knowledge.

Computer Programmer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Computer Programmer is £29,312 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If Computer Programmer isn’t the exact job you wanted, then these job description samples have a similar scope:

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

Hire your next Computer Programmer today

Post a job

Computer Programmer job description FAQs

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found