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Computer Programmers

SOC 15-1251.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers professional software development contexts ranging from entry-level coding tasks on structured projects to principal-level technical leadership and organizational strategy in enterprise and commercial computing environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Basic program logic and workflow diagrams — construct and interpret under direct supervision using standard charting conventions in a structured development environment.
  2. Simple coded instructions — write and trace through using a designated programming language while following team coding standards on an assigned project.
  3. Known syntax errors and runtime exceptions — identify and correct by reviewing compiler output under the guidance of a senior programmer.
  4. Trial runs of small software modules — execute and document results in a controlled test environment to confirm that outputs match expected specifications.
  5. Existing program documentation and inline comments — read and apply to understand code intent before making minor updates to a maintained codebase.
  6. Basic database queries and data retrieval operations — write and test using standard SQL syntax within an established database management system.
  7. Version control procedures — follow consistently when committing, branching, and merging code changes in a team repository environment.
  8. Program requirements and task assignments — receive, interpret, and clarify with a supervisor before beginning development work on a software module.
  9. Standard development environment tools including editors, debuggers, and compilers — set up and operate under guidance on a departmental workstation.
  10. Initial program documentation drafts — prepare by recording development steps and inserting explanatory comments in coded instructions as directed by a lead programmer.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Workflow charts and logical diagrams — develop independently to describe input, output, and processing steps before converting them into coded instructions for routine business applications.
  2. Existing programs requiring efficiency improvements or new functionality — revise and expand with limited oversight, applying knowledge of system capabilities and symbolic logic.
  3. Recurring defects and logic errors — diagnose and resolve by making targeted code changes and re-running validation tests across familiar application components.
  4. Software packages supporting specific operational tasks such as inventory tracking or data retrieval — write, update, and maintain in alignment with defined user requirements.
  5. Trial runs of updated programs and software applications — conduct systematically and document findings to verify correct outputs before releasing changes to a staging environment.
  6. Stakeholder clarifications on program intent and functional requirements — gather through structured consultations with technical and managerial personnel and incorporate into revised specifications.
  7. Object-oriented and component-based design patterns — apply routinely when developing modular code within an established application architecture.
  8. Web platform development tools and related frameworks — use to build and maintain web-based application features according to project standards and timelines.
  9. Comprehensive program revision histories and technical documentation — compile and maintain so that teammates can understand design decisions and subsequent code changes.
  10. Time and task estimates for assigned development work — produce and manage independently, adjusting priorities in response to shifting project requirements within a development team.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex, non-routine programs spanning multiple subsystems — design, write, and optimize autonomously by applying advanced symbolic logic and deep knowledge of computer capabilities across the full software development lifecycle.
  2. Cross-functional requirements from engineering, operations, and management stakeholders — analyze, reconcile, and translate into precise program specifications and architectural decisions without supervisory direction.
  3. Systemic performance bottlenecks and logic failures in large, production codebases — isolate, repair, and validate through rigorous testing and analysis of system-wide behavior.
  4. Existing legacy programs — evaluate for operational efficiency, lead refactoring efforts, and adapt them to new technical or business requirements while preserving data integrity.
  5. End-to-end test plans for critical software applications — design and execute to ensure reliability, correctness, and compliance with quality standards before production deployment.
  6. Detailed workflow models for complex data processing pipelines — author and convert into scalable, maintainable code using appropriate languages and cloud-based or storage networking tools.
  7. Database architecture and management system configurations — assess, optimize, and maintain to support high-volume data storage and retrieval demands in enterprise environments.
  8. Technical documentation and code commentary for sophisticated modules — produce at a level of depth and clarity sufficient for onboarding new team members and supporting long-term maintenance.
  9. Emerging programming languages, frameworks, and development tools — evaluate critically and integrate selectively into the team's technology stack based on sound systems analysis.
  10. Quality control analyses of software outputs and system behavior — conduct independently and present findings with recommended corrective actions to technical leadership.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organization-wide programming standards, coding conventions, and software development methodologies — establish and champion to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability across all development teams.
  2. Strategic technical direction for large-scale software initiatives — set by synthesizing business objectives, engineering constraints, and emerging technology trends at the executive or principal level.
  3. Junior and mid-level programmers — mentor and develop through structured code reviews, pair programming sessions, and individualized feedback within a professional development framework.
  4. Enterprise software architecture decisions — lead by evaluating system-level trade-offs, directing feasibility analyses, and aligning technology choices with long-term organizational goals.
  5. Cross-departmental technology consultations involving senior management and engineering leadership — facilitate to define program intent, surface systemic problems, and drive adoption of high-impact solutions.
  6. Policies for documentation, version control, and program lifecycle management — author and enforce across the department to sustain institutional knowledge and reduce technical debt at scale.
  7. Critical system failures and high-severity production incidents — direct diagnosis and resolution efforts, coordinating multiple programming teams under pressure and communicating status to executive stakeholders.
  8. Innovation roadmaps for tooling, platforms, and development environments — define and prioritize by evaluating cloud-based, database, and web development technologies for long-range competitive advantage.
  9. Organizational risk posture related to software quality, technical debt, and security — assess through advanced systems evaluation and advise senior leadership on mitigation strategies and investment priorities.
  10. Workforce planning for programming talent including hiring criteria, onboarding curricula, and skills gap analyses — lead to build a high-performing development organization aligned to strategic business needs.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors58 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
.NET Programmer · Analyst Programmer · Application Programmer · Application Programmer Analyst · Applications Programmer · Automation Programmer · Beta Tester · Bug Bounty Hunter · Business Programmer · Certified Ethical Hacker · Client Server Programmer · Cloud Engineer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
ProgrammingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSpeakingOperations AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementMathematicsActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringCoordination
Knowledge domains
Computers and ElectronicsMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and Management
Abilities
Written ComprehensionNear VisionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionWritten Expression
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityInnovationCautiousnessAchievement Orientation
Technology
Development environment softwareObject or component oriented development softwareDocument management softwareWeb platform development softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareData base management system softwareData base user interface and query softwareStorage networking softwareCloud-based management software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  2. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  3. Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  4. Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  5. Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  6. Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  7. Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  8. Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
CIP education codes
11.020111.020211.020311.020411.020511.029911.070111.080311.080411.090215.120430.300130.710130.710330.719951.070952.1201

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.