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Computer Programmer Career Assessment

Writing and testing code — ND in-demand occupation

Section 1 of 11

Welcome

Computer programmers write and test the code that makes software work.

You will explore what this job is really like, including how it is changing, and whether it fits you.

This takes about 15 minutes.

What is a Computer Programmer?

A programmer turns software designs into working code. They write code, test it, fix bugs, and update older programs. Programmers usually work from plans made by software developers or analysts.

A programmer works at two monitors displaying abstract code-like lines.

The Reality: This job is shrinking nationally because AI tools and developers now do much of the routine coding. Programmers who also design software (developers) have better prospects.

Your Responsibilities:

You turn plans into working programs.

A Day in the Life

Two programmers review code together at one monitor.

8:30 AM — Check messages and the task list.

9:00 AM — Write code for a new report screen.

11:00 AM — Fix a bug a tester found.

12:00 PM — Lunch.

1:00 PM — Update an older program for a new tax rule.

3:00 PM — Code review with a teammate.

4:30 PM — Write notes.

Focused coding work at a computer.

Training in North Dakota

Usually a bachelor's degree. Most programmers have a computer science or related degree. Internships help a lot.

Training Pathways:

Where to Train in North Dakota:

Before You Start: Strong logic and math. Internships are preferred by employers.

Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, exam fees, or a laptop. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Many IT certifications are also sold as low-cost online courses you can do at home.

Certification & Licensing

No license needed. Your code and portfolio matter more than certifications.

Certifications Employers Look For:

The Exams: Job interviews often include coding tests.

Cost: Varies.

Keeping It Current: Keep your skills current.

Salary & Job Outlook

North Dakota Computer Programmer Pay (May 2025):

What that means: Good pay in ND, close to national levels.

Jobs in North Dakota: About 240 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 230 (about 6% fewer jobs). Expect about 10 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 6% fewer jobs — decline.

Outlook: Declining. Only about 10 openings a year in ND. Consider software developer or QA paths, which are growing.

Who Hires in ND: State government (NDIT in Bismarck), Microsoft's Fargo campus, banks and insurance companies, health systems, energy companies, universities, and IT service companies. Many remote jobs exist.

Work Setting: Offices or remote. Regular hours.

Physical Demands: Light. Long hours at a screen.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 15-1251); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.

Where This Leads

Path 1: Software Developer — Design and build software (growing).

Path 2: QA Automation Engineer — Write tests.

Path 3: Data Engineer — Build data systems.

Path 4: Web Developer — Build websites.

The Real Talk

What's Great:

What's Hard:

Be Honest: Are you ready to grow into software development, not just programming? Will you keep learning as AI changes the work?

Part 1: What Attracts You?

What draws you to programming?

Part 2: Are You Ready?

1. I enjoy logic and puzzles.
2. I can focus for long periods.
3. I have tried coding.
4. I am willing to get a degree.
5. I am willing to learn AI coding tools.
6. I can take feedback on my work.
7. I am open to growing into software development.
8. I am OK with a competitive job market.

Part 3: Your Next Move

What's your plan?

Your Computer Programmer Assessment Results

Sources & Learn More

Everything on this page comes from these sources. Each one opens the page the information came from, so you can check it yourself or keep reading.

Career information
Computer Programmer on O*NET OnLine — what the job involves, the skills it uses, and related jobs.
Pay and employment data
North Dakota pay for Computer Programmers — from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2025.
North Dakota job outlook, 2024–2034 — state projections from Projections Central.
Education and training
North Dakota schools that train Computer Programmers — colleges and programs in this state, with how many people finished recently. From the U.S. Department of Labor, using federal college data (IPEDS).
More career exploration
RUReady.ND.gov career planning — North Dakota’s own career and college planning site. An account may be required.

Pay and outlook figures on this page were taken from the sources above in September 2026. Occupation code: 15-1251.00. Numbers are updated by the agencies over time, so check the links for the newest figures.