Graphics Programmers
Overview
Introduction
Graphics programmers write the code that produces two- and three-dimensional illustrations with color, lighting, shading, morphing, animation, and special effects. They create new programs for animation and graphics for computer and video games and Web sites; medical imaging devices; geological research; virtual testing systems for aircrafts, cars, and spacecraft; and special effects and animation for Hollywood productions. The Department of Labor reports that there are about 139,400 computer programmers, including graphics programm...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median annual earnings of computer programmers were $99,700 in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $58,950; the highest 10 percent earned more than $167,230.
Programmers who work as independent consultants earn high salaries, but their earnings may not be regular. Overall, those who work for private industry earn the most. These...
Work Environment
Most programmers work with state-of-the-art technology. They usually put in eight to 12 hours a day and work 40 hours a week, although some work 50 hours or more. To meet deadlines or finish rush projects, they may work evenings and weekends. Programmers work alone or as part of a team and often consult with the end users of the graphics program, as well as engineers, user experience and interf...
Outlook
Employment of computer programmers is projected to decline by 10 percent through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Technological developments have made it easier to write basic code, eliminating some of the need for programmers to do this work. More sophisticated software has allowed more and more end users to design, write, and implement more of their own programs. As a re...
