Custom Computer Programming Services — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 49% of custom computer programming services businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 13.3%.
Is Custom Computer Programming a Good Business to Start?
With a 49% five-year survival rate, custom computer programming services is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.
The annual exit rate of 13.3% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+1.1 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is losing jobs faster than creating them — which may indicate automation, consolidation, or declining demand. Total employment: 2,138,055 workers across 106,280 firms.
Want to know how much custom computer programming services businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Custom Computer Programming Services →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of custom computer programming services businesses fail?
- Approximately 51% of custom computer programming services businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 13.3%, with 12,731 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the custom computer programming services industry growing or shrinking?
- The custom computer programming services industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of -0.0% per year. New businesses are entering at 14.4% while 13.3% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.