Computer programming is one of the most popular jobs at the moment, and if you’re a programmer you’re probably wondering about the 25 best states for computer programmers.
As a writer and someone who is admittedly more right-brained than left, I tried a bit of computer programming and gave up. It’s too difficult for me, so I’m proud of anyone who’s really good at it and loves solving problems like that. Especially since I live on my computer and would die without it. I’m glad someone else likes figuring out the details of that. Someone can program the stuff I use, and I’ll use it, and then we have a nice symbiotic relationship and everything is smooth sailing from there.
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We live in a society where computers and software are absolutely necessary to do work. We use computers for communicating, finding information, storing data, reading the news, and more. These days if I’m going to the grocery store and I need to make a list, it lives in the Notes app on my phone. If you’re a computer programmer, you know that computers can’t do anything on their own. They need commands to follow and you’re the one to give them commands. There are a lot of programming languages to choose from, so you pick one, pick a command, and the computer should follow.
Most programmers are divided into two types: front-end and back-end developers. However, a lot of them are also full stack, which means they’re competent on both ends. Many programmers learned how to code online, and if you want to expand your horizons you can check out the 10 Best Freelance Websites for Programmers.
If we’re looking at the best states for programmers, we should consider the average salary by state, as well as states offering good working and living conditions and those with the latest technology updates. As a programmer, those are probably the things you have in the front of your mind. In order to create this list, we considered a few things. First, we did some research on how many people are working as computer programmers in each state. Then, we looked at how much they earn each year. We found this information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The list was sorted by the approximate annual average salary, starting from lowest to highest.
Pack your backs because we’re heading to the 25 best states for computer programmers:
25. Ohio
Number of programmers: 5,400
Average salary: $69,000
Ohio might not be the most ideal (unless you already live there, in which case I’m sorry), but the salary is pretty healthy if you’re just starting out.
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24. Tennessee
Number of programmers: 3,700
Average salary: $70,850
Tennessee offers a great work environment and plenty have already found their dream job here.
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23. South Carolina
Number of programmers: 3,900
Average salary: $72,250
South Carolina is a great option for computer programmers, as the salary is a healthy $72,250.
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22. Michigan
Number of programmers: 4,900
Average salary: $73,400
In Michigan you’ll have all the latest technology and a great working environment. Just ask the 4,900 already working there!
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21. Wisconsin
Number of programmers: 6,700
Average salary: $73,800
You may not have considered Wisconsin, but the cheese here is superb. Also, you’ll probably find a good job, which is the main point.
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20. Nebraska
Number of programmers: 3,100
Average salary: $74,100
I’m afraid of the midwest, but I have a friend in Omaha so I guess this place isn’t too bad. More than 3,100 computer programmers call this state home.
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19. Florida
Number of programmers: 12,000
Average salary: $76,000
Florida is the home of retirees, alligators, and nice beaches. This is a great place to live and work if you love warm weather.
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18. Utah
Number of programmers: 3,700
Average salary: $76,200
Utah will allow you to expand your knowledge and make a healthy salary at the same time.
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17. Illinois
Number of programmers: 16,200
Average salary: $77,400
There are tons of computer programmers working in Illinois, probably mostly in Chicago. It offers a great paycheck and the option of a great city.
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16. Pennsylvania
Number of programmers: 14,700
Average salary: $78,800
My birth state comes in at number 16 on our list of the 25 best states for computer programmers. There are a lot of job positions here and it’s a great place to live as well.
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15. Missouri
Number of programmers: 7,700
Average salary: $78,830
You should consider Missouri if the idea of a $78,830 salary appeals to you.
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14. Connecticut
Number of programmers: 5,000
Average salary: $80,700
Connecticut is a beautiful small state that offers a lot of job opportunity and a great pay range for computer programmers.
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13. Minnesota
Number of programmers: 7,700
Average salary: $81,500
Minnesota employs more than 7,700 programmers, meaning there are lots of companies looking for people like you and willing to pay a good amount.
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12. Arizona
Number of programmers: 4,900
Average salary: $82,400
If you don’t mind the desert, you’ll enjoy Arizona and its plethora of job opportunities. They earn a lot of money, too.
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11. North Carolina
Number of programmers: 7,000
Average salary: $82,400
More than 7,000 computer programmers are living and working in North Carolina. Here, you can find a job among those and earn a lot of money doing it.
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10. Alabama
Number of programmers: 5,900
Average salary: $83,200
Alabama has a lot of options for jobs and a great salary opportunity.
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9. Georgia
Number of programmers: 10,100
Average salary: $83,600
Georgia has a healthy amount of programmers just like you living and working there where they make a healthy salary.
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8. Texas
Number of programmers: 21,650
Average salary: $86,700
Texas might be somewhere confusing on this list of best states for computer programmers (I’ve lived here and I feel that confusion), but there are a lot working here actually. Texas is willing to pay you a lot for your skills.
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7. New York
Number of programmers: 19,700
Average salary: $88,010
New York is home to almost 20,000 computer programmers and the pay is really great. It’s a more expensive state to live in, but it’s totally worth it to be closer to the big city.
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6. Maryland
Number of programmers: 5,600
Average salary: $91,000
Next in line on our list of best states for computer programmers is Maryland that is a beautiful state that’s willing to pay you a lot of money for your hard work.
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5. New Jersey
Number of programmers: 15,100
Average salary: $91,300
Next on our list of best states for computer programmers is New Jersey that is in a great place near some big cities, and it’s perfect for a computer programmer like you. They earn over $90,000 a year.
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4. Virginia
Number of programmers: 8,300
Average salary: $92,000
Maybe Virginia wasn’t the first state to come to your mind when you thought “computer programming job,” but the pay is healthy and there are actually a bunch of them living here already.
3. California
Number of programmers: 38,650
Average salary: $92,200
I’m shocked California isn’t number one on this list of best states for computer programmers, but it’s definitely number one in quantity. This state will pay you at least $92,200 to offset the higher cost of living.
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2. Massachusetts
Number of programmers: 7,100
Average salary: $95,300
Massachusetts found its place on the second spot on our list of best states for computer programmers because of its high salary, not to mention there are a lot of programmers living here already, so there are lots of opportunities.
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1. Washington
Number of programmers: 13,300
Average salary: $119,000
Washington managed to secure the number one spot on our list because look at that salary! If you’re interested in lots of money, pretty scenery, and some rain, pack your bags.
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That concludes our list of the 25 best states for computer programmers. Did you find your new home?
