Computer Programming Services

The 62,773 Computer programming services firms in the US develop custom computer programs designed for clients’ specific needs. Services include developing application software, software analysis and design, software support, and web page design.

Off-shore Outsourcing

Clients attempting to reduce costs often look to foreign providers of programming services.

Highly Skilled Labor

Because of the complexity of IT systems and computer programming, firms rely on a staff of highly-skilled, educated professionals, including computer programmers, software engineers, and project managers.

Aug 4, 2026 - Outsourcing Cost Drives In-house Software Development

• A third of small business owners have built their own software to solve operational challenges, according to AI software platform firm Emergent's Age of Custom Software Index 2026. Software is often built in house due to the cost of outsourcing, according to Emergent. Operators who asked a development agency what a basic custom build would cost reported a median quote of $20,000, with some quoted $100,000 and timelines running beyond a year.
• Many growing businesses are turning to custom software to gain a competitive edge, according to Issue Wire. While Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms once offered speed and convenience, flexibility, control, and long-term value are outweighing the short-term convenience of off-the-shelf tools. SaaS products are designed for the masses, according to Issue Wire. They offer standardized features meant to serve a wide range of industries. For startups and small teams, this can be enough. Operations at growing companies become more complex, however. Unique workflows, advanced data requirements, and specialized customer experiences demand solutions that generic platforms simply cannot provide.
• Developers are no longer the sole gatekeepers of custom software, according to Design Rush. Business users now have access to powerful low-code and no-code platforms that allow users with minimal coding knowledge to build applications using visual interfaces. These platforms are increasingly powered by AI, enabling non-developers to create and deploy software faster, though the trade-off can be a lack of customization and scalability. Computer programming services once built everything from scratch but clients often show up with tools already in place now. The real value provided by computer programming services lies in guidance, strategy, and making sure the tools are solving the right problem in the first place, according to Design Rush.
• Computer programming industry employment decreased slightly and average wages for nonsupervisory employees increased slightly during the first five months of 2026, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Computer programming service industry revenue increased 5.8% year over year and 0.5% quarter over quarter in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the US Census Bureau. Computer programming service industry sales are forecast to grow at a 4.27% compounded annual rate from 2026 to 2030, comparable to the growth of the overall economy, according to Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc.

Industry size & Structure

A typical computer programming services firm operates out of a single location, employs 17 workers, and generates about $4.9 million annually.

• The computer programming services industry consists of about 62,773 companies that employ over 1.1 million workers and generate about $305 billion annually.
• Many individual programmers provide contracted services and operate as non-employer firms (these firms are not included in industry revenue data).
• Large companies include Cognizant Technology Solutions and Perficient. Major companies based outside of the US include Infosys Technologies and Tata Consultancy Services, both located in India.