Everything comes down to code. It’s fascinating how a mobile app or a complex software program is essentially built from lines of code.
Have you ever wondered how letters, numbers, and symbols, when arranged perfectly, can power an entire software system? This curiosity might have sparked your interest in learning to code and exploring basic programming languages. Perhaps you’ve even taught yourself some coding skills and dabbled in the world of programming.
Leveraging Your Self-Taught Coding Skills
Now, you might be considering expanding those self-taught coding skills and pursuing a real career as a computer programmer, software developer, or another coding-related job. If this sounds like you, you’re in a great position!
The tech industry offers numerous programming and coding jobs where you can utilize your technical skills. These roles span across computer support, systems analysis, system administration, software development, software engineering, and data science.
Whether you envision yourself spending your days writing intricate code or using your programming knowledge to influence crucial business decisions, exploring the diverse range of coding careers available is a smart move. Let’s delve into some exciting Programming Career Paths within software development, engineering, data science, mobile applications, and more.
9 Lucrative Computer Coding and Programming Jobs to Consider
What types of programming jobs are available? What are the typical responsibilities? And what kind of salary can you expect from a computer coding job? We’ve got the answers to these questions and more.
By analyzing real-time job market data, we examined over 1.8 million job postings that listed programming skills as a desired qualification. This in-depth analysis helped us identify nine prominent programming careers worth exploring. Let’s learn more about these roles and discover which coding job might be the perfect fit for you.
1. Software Application Developer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 25 percent (much faster than average)
Software and mobile application developers are the creative minds behind the applications we use on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They are responsible for designing, building, and improving these applications.
This programming career path is ideal for individuals who think strategically and enjoy collaborating with others to turn ideas into reality. A solid grasp of coding fundamentals and a knack for mathematics are essential for success in this role.
Most Common Programming Languages for Software Application Developers:
- Java®
- JavaScript®
- Python®
2. Web Developer
- Required Education: Associate’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 23 percent (much faster than average)
The visual appeal and functionality of websites are the direct result of a web developer’s expertise. While all programming careers require patience, web development offers a quicker sense of accomplishment.
Web developers are excellent listeners who understand their clients’ needs and use problem-solving skills to create optimal websites for businesses. They leverage suitable programming languages and IT infrastructure, and may integrate new software during the development process.
A key advantage of web development is the tangible outcome: a functional, accessible website that showcases your skills. A strong portfolio and a comprehensive understanding of coding languages are crucial for web developers.
Most Common Programming Languages for Web Developers:
- JavaScript
- Java
- HTML5
3. Computer Network Architect
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 4 percent (about average)
Computer network architects are responsible for managing a company’s data communication network requirements. They develop network plans, present them to company leadership, and oversee the implementation and optimization of both hardware and software components.
A computer network architect’s role can encompass local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. Networks can range from small setups connecting two offices to massive cloud infrastructures.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Network Architects:
- PERL®
- Tcl
- Python
4. Database Administrator
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 9 percent (faster than average)
Database administrators are tasked with the critical responsibility of securing, organizing, and maintaining storage for vast amounts of online company information.
If you enjoy analyzing and recovering data, along with rapid problem-solving, a career as a database administrator might be an excellent programming career path for you.
Most Common Programming Languages for Database Administrators:
- Python
- Java
- Oracle® PL/SQL
5. Computer Systems Analyst
- Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 9 percent (faster than average)
Computer systems analysts are strategic thinkers who bridge the gap between a company’s business objectives and its information technology (IT) infrastructure.
They evaluate a company’s computer systems and network systems and recommend upgrades and improvements to align with business needs. Success in this programming career requires a strong understanding of computer coding and business principles.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Systems Analysts:
- JavaScript
- Python
6. Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 25 percent (much faster than average)
Software QA engineers play a vital role in the software development lifecycle. They are involved from the beginning, documenting defects, designing test plans and scenarios, and creating user manuals for new software.
They also rigorously review existing software designs to identify potential functionality issues and problems.
Most Common Programming Languages for Software QA Engineers:
- Java
- Python
7. Business Intelligence Analyst
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 11 percent (faster than average)
While programming skills are beneficial, they are not as crucial for business intelligence analysts.
This role is for analytical professionals who work behind the scenes, gathering and interpreting data on software products and industry trends to determine the most effective software solutions for business challenges.
If you appreciate the fundamentals of coding but don’t necessarily want to make it the central focus of your career, a business intelligence analyst position could be a good programming-adjacent job for you.
Most Common Programming Languages for Business Intelligence Analysts:
- R
- Java
8. Computer Programmer
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): -10 percent (slower than average)
Computer programmers are dedicated to writing and refining program code, debugging and rewriting until the software functions flawlessly.
They utilize workflow charts and coding formulas to achieve the desired data output. Attention to detail and patience are key attributes for success in this programming career.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Programmers:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Microsoft C#®
9. Network System Administrator
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 3 percent (slower than average)
Network system administrators are responsible for maintaining the computing infrastructure within their networks and implementing disaster recovery measures by backing up critical data.
Key responsibilities include ensuring network security, preventing virus intrusions, and verifying code integrity to protect both the network and hardware of an organization’s computer systems.
Most Common Programming Languages for Network Administrators:
- Python
- PERL®
- Java
Which Programming Career Path Sparks Your Interest?
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the diverse opportunities available to leverage your coding skills, it’s time to build upon your existing foundational knowledge.
While many of these computer programming careers typically require a Bachelor’s degree, even an Associate’s degree, combined with a strong portfolio, can open doors to exciting roles in computer systems design and coding. Exploring different programming career paths can lead you to a fulfilling and in-demand profession in the tech world.
Related Articles:
1Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 1,800,750 jobs that require programming skills, June 01, 2019 – May 31, 2020).
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed May 2023]. Salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.
This data does not represent starting salaries, and employment conditions in your area may vary.
Oracle, Java and JavaScript are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.Python is a registered trademark of the Python Software Foundation. PERL is a registered trademark of The PERL Foundation
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in December 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2023.
