I'm interested in pursuing a career in computer programming and want to know about the job outlook in this field. Is demand growing, or is it shrinking? It would be helpful to understand before committing to a college major.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment for computer programmers will decrease by 10% from 2022 to 2033. This decrease is attributed to companies outsourcing programming jobs to countries where wages are lower.
However, it's important to understand that the decline is specifically for programming jobs where the primary function is to write and test code. Jobs that require a broader set of skills, like software development, are actually expected to grow significantly. The BLS predicts a 17% growth in software development jobs, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This trend is reflective of the evolving nature of the tech industry. Future opportunities tend to favor those who can do more than just write code. It's increasingly important to understand systems architecture, to be able to assist in technical design, and to work effectively as part of a team that may include analysts and designers.
Thus, if you're interested in computer programming, it could be beneficial to consider a degree in Computer Science rather than a narrower programming-focused degree. In a Computer Science degree, you'll still learn programming, but you'll also cover a broader range of topics that could make you more marketable.
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