Everything boils down to code. The digital world we inhabit, from the most engaging mobile applications to the most complex software systems, is fundamentally built upon lines of code. This realization often sparks a deep curiosity: how can a sequence of letters, numbers, and symbols, arranged in a specific order, power such intricate technology?
Perhaps this very question has driven you to explore the world of programming. You’ve likely honed your technical skills, learned the basics of programming languages, and maybe even dabbled in coding projects in your spare time.
Leveraging Your Self-Taught Programming Skills
Now, you might be considering taking your self-acquired coding skills to the next level and pursuing a professional career in programming. If this resonates with you, you’re in a promising position. The tech industry is brimming with opportunities for individuals with programming and coding expertise. The landscape of Career Paths In Programming is vast and varied, encompassing roles like computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, computer systems administrators, software developers, software engineers, and data scientists.
Whether your ambition is to immerse yourself in writing code daily or to apply your programming knowledge to influence strategic business decisions, the realm of programming offers a multitude of avenues. Continue reading to explore the diverse career paths in programming that are available across software development, engineering, data science, mobile application development, and beyond.
9 Lucrative Career Paths in Programming to Consider
What specific programming jobs are available? What are the typical responsibilities associated with these roles? And what salary expectations can you have in a computer coding job? We have compiled answers to these crucial questions and more to guide you on your journey through career paths in programming.
To provide data-driven insights, we utilized real-time job market analysis software to analyze over 1.8 million job postings that emphasized programming skills as a key requirement. This extensive data analysis helped us pinpoint nine prevalent career paths in programming that are worth exploring. Delve into the details of these roles to identify which of these coding careers aligns best with your interests and aspirations.
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 architects behind the applications we use daily on our smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They are tasked with the creation, testing, and refinement of these applications.
This career path in programming is ideally suited for individuals who possess a holistic, “big picture” perspective and thrive in collaborative environments, working alongside teams to transform innovative ideas into tangible applications. A solid foundation in coding fundamentals and a natural aptitude for mathematics are crucial assets for aspiring software application developers.
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 functional efficiency of a website are directly attributed to the expertise of web developers. While all career paths in programming demand patience, this one offers a more immediate sense of accomplishment compared to many others.
Web developers are adept at understanding client requirements and employing problem-solving skills to construct optimal websites for businesses. They achieve this by selecting the most appropriate programming languages and leveraging information technology infrastructure. Their role may also involve integrating new software to enhance website functionality. A compelling portfolio showcasing their web development projects and a robust understanding of coding languages are vital for success in this career path in programming.
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 the strategists responsible for managing a company’s entire data communication network. They begin by formulating a comprehensive network plan, presenting it to company leadership for approval, and subsequently overseeing and optimizing both the hardware and software components of the network.
Their responsibilities may encompass local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. As highlighted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), networks can vary significantly in scale, ranging from small setups facilitating communication between two offices to expansive cloud infrastructures. This career path in programming requires a strong understanding of network infrastructure and security.
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 the guardians of a company’s digital information. They are entrusted with the critical tasks of securing, organizing, and troubleshooting the storage and retrieval of vast amounts of data for online operations.
If you are passionate about data analysis, information recovery, and enjoy the challenge of rapid problem-solving, then a career path in programming as a database administrator might be an excellent fit for you. This role demands meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to data management.
Most Common Programming Languages for Database Administrators:
- Python
- Java
- Oracle® PL/SQL
5. Computer Systems Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 9 percent (faster than average)
Computer systems analysts function as strategic intermediaries, bridging the gap between a company’s business objectives and its information technology (IT) infrastructure. They are responsible for evaluating a company’s existing computer systems and network systems and recommending upgrades and improvements to align with evolving business needs.
Success in this career path in programming necessitates a comprehensive understanding of both computer coding principles and business operations. Computer systems analysts must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Systems Analysts:
- JavaScript
- Python
6. Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 25 percent (much faster than average)
Software QA engineers play a crucial role at the initial stages of software development. Their responsibilities encompass meticulous documentation of software defects, designing comprehensive test plans and scenarios, and creating user manuals for newly developed software.
Furthermore, they conduct thorough reviews of existing software designs to assess functionality and identify potential issues. This career path in programming is essential for ensuring the reliability and user-friendliness of software applications.
Most Common Programming Languages for Software QA Engineers:
- Java
- Python
7. Business Intelligence Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 11 percent (faster than average)
While programming skills are beneficial, they are not the primary focus for business intelligence analysts. This role is geared towards professionals who are interested in the strategic, data-driven aspects of software products and market trends. Business intelligence analysts gather and analyze data related to software products and industry trends to provide insights that inform business strategies.
If you appreciate the foundational principles of coding but don’t aspire to build your entire career solely around programming, this career path in programming could be a compelling option. It allows you to leverage your technical understanding in a business context.
Most Common Programming Languages for Business Intelligence Analysts:
- R
- Java
8. Computer Programmer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): -10 percent (slower than average)
Computer programmers are the core coders who write and refine programs to ensure they function flawlessly. They meticulously translate workflow charts and coding formulas into functional code that produces the desired outputs.
Attention to detail and unwavering patience are paramount qualities for success in this career path in programming. While the projected growth is slower than average, skilled computer programmers remain in demand across various industries.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Programmers:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Microsoft C#®
9. Network System Administrator
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 3 percent (slower than average)
Network system administrators are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and stability of computing environments within an organization’s network. A crucial aspect of their role is disaster prevention, which they achieve through regular data backups and robust security measures.
Ensuring network security, protecting against viruses, and maintaining error-free code are primary tasks, along with safeguarding both the network infrastructure and hardware components of the organization’s computer systems. This career path in programming is critical for maintaining operational efficiency and data integrity.
Most Common Programming Languages for Network Administrators:
- Python
- PERL®
- Java
Which Career Paths in Programming Spark Your Interest?
Now that you have gained insights into the diverse career paths in programming and the various ways you can utilize your coding skills, it’s time to build upon the foundational knowledge you have already acquired.
While a Bachelor’s degree is typically required for most of these computer programming careers, even an Associate’s degree, coupled with a strong portfolio of projects, can be a valuable stepping stone to entering the field of computer systems design or other coding-related jobs. Exploring different career paths in programming is the first step towards a rewarding and dynamic tech career.
Related Articles:
1Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 1,800,750 jobs that require programming skills, June 01, 2019 – May 31, 2020).
2Bureau 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.
