Child, Family, and School Social Workers vs Computer Programmers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $40,100 more per year than Child, Family, and School Social Workers professionals — that's 68.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Child, Family, and School Social Workers earns $94,030 compared to $162,090 for Computer Programmers.
Salary Range Comparison
Child, Family, and School Social Workers$40,580 – $94,030
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
$40,580$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Computer Programmers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,580 | $52,190 | $-11,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,480 | $71,860 | $-24,380 |
| Median (50th) | $58,570 | $98,670 | $-40,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,060 | $128,960 | $-54,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,030 | $162,090 | $-68,060 |
| Mean (Average) | $62,920 | $103,640 | $-40,720 |
Employment Numbers
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
382,960
employed nationwide
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Child, Family, and School Social Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $80,280 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,700 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $76,600 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $75,780 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $74,530 |
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Child, Family, and School Social Workers or Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $40,100 (68.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers salaries range from $40,580 (10th percentile) to $94,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $58,570.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
How many Child, Family, and School Social Workers and Computer Programmers jobs are there?
There are approximately 382,960 Child, Family, and School Social Workers positions and 109,870 Computer Programmers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Programmers to Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Child, Family, and School Social Workers has a median salary of $58,570 while Computer Programmers earns $98,670. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS