Computer Programmer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Computer programmers are technical professionals. They are responsible for creating, modifying, and testing code. Code is the functional backbone for websites, software, and applications. The salary for computer programmers has steadily increased due to the demand for these professionals. While the monthly median total pay for a computer programmer is ₹51,000 [1], the specific amount will vary due to location, industry, and job title. Read on to learn more about computer programmer salaries in India and how to increase yours.

What does a computer programmer do?

Computer programmers design, create, and maintain software and applications for various technological platforms. As a computer programmer, you may perform the following tasks:

• Meeting with clients to gauge needs that can be met with software tools

• Collaborating with teams of software developers and engineers to achieve set goals 

• Writing code using computer languages like C++, Python, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Assembly, Object C, C#, and Java

• Developing new software programs

• Testing the results to make sure everything functions as envisioned 

• Ensuring projects meet security, performance, and reliability standards

• Updating and improving the functionality of existing software

• Receiving and incorporating feedback from clients for product improvement

How much do computer programmers make?

The monthly median total pay for computer programmers in India is ₹51,000 [1] including additional, which may include bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing. However, salaries for computer programmers depend on several factors. Learning about the average salary for specific fields, locations, educational levels, and levels of expertise can give you a better understanding of what you can earn as a computer programmer.

How experience level affects annual salary

The more experienced you are, the more likely you are to demand a greater computer programming salary. As you become more specialised and gain more field expertise, your pay should increase. The list below represents the median total pay for all levels of expertise (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in July 2025 [1]:

• Entry-level (0–1 year of experience) computer programmer: ₹4,68,000 per year

• Junior (1–3 years of experience) computer programmer: ₹4,20,000 per year

• Mid-level (4–6 years of experience) computer programmer: ₹7,50,000 per year

• Senior (7–9 years of experience) computer programmer: ₹11,00,000 per year

How location affects computer programmer salaries

Often, employers in cities and states with a higher cost of living pay more. Places where larger corporations are located also tend to have higher-paying employment opportunities. Take a look at the top five highest-paying cities for computer programmers [2]:

1. New Delhi, Delhi: ₹35,722 per month

2. Bengaluru, Karnataka: ₹35,593

3. Noida, Uttar Pradesh: ₹32,149 per month

4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan: ₹32,000

5. Jaipur, Rajasthan: ₹29,380

How education affects computer programmer salaries

A bachelor’s degree is typically required to become a computer programmer. However, some employers may require an advanced degree for more advanced roles. Computer programmers typically study computer science or computer programming.

According to Glassdoor, in July 2025, programmers with a master's degree earned ₹8,00,000 annually [3] on average. Employers also value alternative credentials, like hands-on experience and Professional Certificates. 

How different job titles and specialisations can affect salary

“Computer programmer” is an umbrella term that can be applied to many specialised tracks of experience and skill development. Professionals qualified as computer programmers may also work for other advertised positions. 

The list below represents the total median pay for job titles with overlapping skill sets (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in July 2025:

• Computer programmer analyst: ₹8,63,000 per year

• Java developer:  ₹5,90,000 per year

• React developer: ₹5,50,000 per year

• Web applications developer: ₹5,45,000 per year 

• Web programmer:  ₹1,80,000 per year

• Software developer: ₹6,65,000 per year

• Software architect: ₹33,00,000 per year

• Cybersecurity analyst: ₹5,60,000 per year

How to increase your computer programmer salary

Several ways to increase your salary as a computer programmer exist. If you currently work in an entry-level role, consider pursuing a specialisation through online courses or certifications to increase your skill set. If you want to obtain a senior-level or management role, you may earn a degree to qualify for more advanced positions.

Computer programming courses and certifications

Below are a few options offered by industry leaders and accredited universities to get you started:

For entry-level or beginner programmers:

• Python for Everybody Specialisation by the University of Michigan

• Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming by the University of Edinburgh

• Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate by Google

For mid-level or intermediate programmers:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers by John Hopkins University 

• Advanced Programming in Kotlin by Meta

• Secure Coding Practices Specialisation by the University of California Davis

For senior-level or advanced programmers:

• Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot by the University of Colorado Boulder

• Genome Assembly Programming Challenge by the University of California San Diego

• Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms by the University of Colorado Boulder

Degrees and graduate certificates

A second option to become a computer programmer is to earn a graduate certificate or an advanced degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Through this formalised process, you will gain experience writing code, fixing errors, and testing programs. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the languages that prepare you for a career in programming. However, you'll likely need to take continuing education courses to stay up to date with the most modern tools. Consider the convenience of these online degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London

• Master of Computer and Information Technology from the University of Pennsylvania

Increase your computer programming skills with Coursera

Computer programmers have the opportunity to make high salaries across a wide range of roles and industries. Specialising in specific skill sets can set you apart from the competition in the job market. An online course can also help you determine what you'd like to specialise in if you're unsure where to focus your efforts. For those new to the field, consider enrolling in an introductory course like Learn to Program: The Fundamentals from the University of Toronto.