THE 2007 JOB MARKET OUTLOOK FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS

The job market for computer programmers has virtually exploded in the last ten years, and appears set for strong growth for the foreseeable future. I would like to show you what is driving up the demand for computer programmers, especially in 2007.

Inspite of outsourced Information Technology jobs, there is a net positive increase in staffing for computer programming jobs, because the fundamental demand for hi-tech skills based on the US economy is quite strong.

Expectations for the 2007 job market
A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that:

• 40% of companies are expecting to add to their programming and IT staffs over the course of 2007
• Another 45% expect to maintain their staffing levels
• 81% of companies surveyed plan to increase the salaries of their computer programmers in 2007

When you add the new hires and the staffing for employees who naturally leave a company over the course of the year, a rosy picture emerges.

The biggest reason why hiring and compensation is on the increase for computer programmers is that employers cannot find enough qualified or skilled workers to for their software projects.

According to David, an IT manager with a fortune 500 defense contractor, “It’s been this way for a while now. We have to constantly modify our objectives for the coming year, because we can’t find enough people to implement the solutions to achieve our objectives.”

Broader Skills Are In Demand
According to a recent survey conducted by Computerworld magazine of 250 CIO’s and technology managers, computer programming and application development skills are 2 of the most in-demand hi-tech skill-sets for 2007.

Also, most of those same CIO’s noted that knowledge of more than one technology or technical platform is essential. Most employers, according to the study, are seeking what they term as ‘deep generalists’, meaning programmers with knowledge of several platforms, deep expertise in a couple, and awareness of the larger enterprise framework in which their applications reside. The key for most applicants is a deep base of knowledge, from which a greater, more generalized knowledge can be grown.

Entry-Level Prospects For Beginner Programmers
While the core high-paying jobs will go to those with the right skills, experience and contacts, the prospects for entry-level programmers continue to rise. According to recent surveys, employers are looking to add 17.4% more entry-level computer programmer employees in 2007.

Who’s Hiring for Computer Programming Positions?
In a recent survey of 1,500 CIO’s around the country, the following industries plan to hire computer programmers:
• Transportation – 25%
• Manufacturing – 19%
• Finance/Real Estate – 17%
• Professional Services – 17%
• Retail – 13%

The Fight for Programming Skills and Talent
The current high demand for computer programmers is expected to increase in 2008 and beyond. As companies continue growing their information technology capability, and as new regulatory requirements or legislation such as Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPAA are created, the need for skilled, talented and experienced computer programmers or application developers will continue to increase.

Finally, as the need for qualified programmers increases, the competition for scarce computer programming skills will intensify. According to industry sources, the salaries of computer programmers which has been rising 4 -5% each year for the last few years, will increase to 8-10% within a few years. So the outlook of the computer programmer job market in 2007 and beyond is very good. 

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