Is computer programming a good job?

I'm having trouble deciding what I want to do with my life and what major to choose. I've been thinking about computer programming, but I don't know a lot about it. Also, I've been hearing from people around me that the demand is decreasing for programmers? I live in Colorado, is this a good (lucrative) field? What kind of jobs are available, are there a lot? My adviser at school was no help in answering my questions!

Is computer programming a good job?
I know in the DC Metro area the demand for software developers is still in fairly high demand although I don't know how this looks from the entry level range. I think if you can get past the first 2 years of on the job training you'll find plenty of positions if you have a good skill set.





Take a look at the online jobs/classified/careers link for your local newspapers and the major job search engines (Monster, Career Builder, Dice, etc...) and see how many positions are currently available for computer programmers. This won't necessarily reflect the job market at the time you get your degree but it should be a fair indicator.





As for pay scale, this can vary a lot depending on the company you work at and the importance of IT to that company. My company does a lot of software development so software engineers are paid well. My brother on the other hand changed from a mechanical engineer to a programmer/administrator. Even with a couple of years in his new role, he wasn't getting paid all that much because the companies he worked for looked at IT as overhead and tried to minimize their expense. Good paying jobs are out there if you are motivated to develop the skills required for them and have the drive to locate them.





What are your other career choices? Can you do a combined career mixing computer programming and X? My degree is in Geography but I was able to combine programming, database designs, and algorithms with it.





Does your school have a program where the alumni are accessible for questions in a particular field? I am part of my university's program to connect undergraduates with alumni for career help, maybe you can find something similar with your school.





** Edit **


Mordsith's comments should be considered. You definitely don't have to worry as much about sunlight and can find yourself working long hours in temperature controlled computer labs. Most professional positions though aren't all that much different in that you can get stuck in a cubical or some windowless office. I've had my lack of sunlight but I've also had some great opportunities to do international travel too. Unless you let IT control your entire life, you shouldn't worry about a sudden urge to speak Klingon though. Just remember to have a life outside of the workplace. Many of my coworkers play amatuer sports. I've been coaching youth sports so I get my sunlight in other ways.





** Edit #2 **


Roger C - Why did you do a straight copy and post of my original comment?
Reply:YES, Computer Programming such as C++, JAVA, .NET, VISUAL BASIC....field is good for a good job anywhere in world. You know world's many companies urgent requirement of Skilled Programmers. It's fast growing field today.
Reply:Of course! Computer programmers are always high in demand. If you like logic, reasoning, problem-solving, puzzles, etc., then you should be a programmer. Just choose your programming languages carefully. If you know Java or C++, then it will be more useful than something like Visual Basic. New languages will always be appearing, so you have to be able to learn as you go along. I am sure that programming is a necessary skill.
Reply:It is awsome and amazing when you get it. You get proud of yourself a lot. Good Luck!
Reply:Yes it is really a great job, I make 1000 dollars a month here in jordan, which very good here. I think in the us they make 100,000 dollars in a year.





But you have to be good.


Good luck
Reply:No. Just look round any software engineering offices. They are all barking, stark-staring mad. It's never seeing daylight and speaking in Klingon that does it.





They actually turn to dust if you open the blinds. Honest.





Leave it alone and do something where there are people who don't believe that the most important thing in anyone's life is the screen in front of them - like a Lumberjack, or something!!
Reply:There will always be a need for programmers, the problem is SO many people are heading into the field that it will become harder to find a job in the field as years pass. If you really enjoy programming, try and find a programme that focuses on computer security. Security experts are always in demand.
Reply:It can be a good living. There is no decrease in demand, maybe a decrease in openings due to outsourcing to india and that crap.





You have to have an aptitude for it. The difference between the good programmers i've worked with, and the total idiots was mostly aptitude and passion.





You can only learn so much of it from school. Do you like problem solving? Do you like logic? Math? Puzzles? Brain teasers?





I would say try it out on your own, as a hobby, and see if you like it or not.
Reply:I know in the DC Metro area the demand for software developers is still in fairly high demand although I don't know how this looks from the entry level range. I think if you can get past the first 2 years of on the job training you'll find plenty of positions if you have a good skill set.





Take a look at the online jobs/classified/careers link for your local newspapers and the major job search engines (Monster, Career Builder, Dice, etc...) and see how many positions are currently available for computer programmers. This won't necessarily reflect the job market at the time you get your degree but it should be a fair indicator.





As for pay scale, this can vary a lot depending on the company you work at and the importance of IT to that company. My company does a lot of software development so software engineers are paid well. My brother on the other hand changed from a mechanical engineer to a programmer/administrator. Even with a couple of years in his new role, he wasn't getting paid all that much because the companies he worked for looked at IT as overhead and tried to minimize their expense. Good paying jobs are out there if you are motivated to develop the skills required for them and have the drive to locate them.





What are your other career choices? Can you do a combined career mixing computer programming and X? My degree is in Geography but I was able to combine programming, database designs, and algorithms with it.





Does your school have a program where the alumni are accessible for questions in a particular field? I am part of my university's program to connect undergraduates with alumni for career help, maybe you can find something similar with your school.