Everything comes down to code. It’s fascinating how mobile apps and complex software programs are built from lines of code.
Have you ever wondered how letters, numbers, and symbols, when arranged perfectly, can power entire software systems?
This curiosity might have led you to explore coding, perhaps even teaching yourself basic programming languages and experimenting with the art of coding.
Leveraging Self-Taught Skills into a Programming Career
Now, you might be considering expanding those self-taught coding skills into a real career as a computer programmer, software developer, or another role in the coding field.
If this sounds like you, you’re in a great position!
The tech world offers numerous programming and coding jobs where you can use your technical abilities. These roles span across computer support, systems analysis, administration, software development, engineering, and data science.
Whether you envision yourself writing code all day or using your programming knowledge to influence business strategies, keep reading to discover the wide range of programming careers available in software development, engineering, data science, mobile applications, and related sectors.
9 Exciting Computer Coding and Programming Careers to Explore
What types of programming jobs are available? What do these jobs entail? And what can you expect in terms of salary in a computer coding career? Let’s delve into these questions and more.
We’ve analyzed data from real-time job analysis software, examining over 1.8 million job postings that emphasize programming skills. This analysis helped us identify nine common and promising programming careers for you to consider. Explore these roles and see which coding job aligns with your interests and skills.
1. Software Application Developer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 25% (Much faster than average)
Software and mobile application developers are the creative minds behind the applications we use daily on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They are responsible for creating, testing, and improving applications.
This is an excellent programming career path for individuals who enjoy seeing the “big picture” and collaborating to bring ideas to life. A solid understanding of coding fundamentals and a knack for mathematics are essential for this role.
Most Common Programming Languages for Software Application Developers:
- Java®
- JavaScript®
- Python®
Explore the role of a Software Developer in more detail.
2. Web Developer
- Required Education: Associate’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 23% (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 demand patience, web development offers quicker visible results.
Web developers are skilled listeners who understand client needs and use problem-solving skills to create optimal websites for businesses. They utilize appropriate programming languages and IT infrastructure, and may integrate new software as part of the development process.
A key advantage of web development is having a tangible, functional website to showcase your work upon project completion. A strong portfolio and in-depth knowledge of coding languages are crucial for success in this field.
Most Common Programming Languages for Web Developers:
- JavaScript
- Java
- HTML5
Learn more about becoming a Web Developer.
3. Computer Network Architect
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 4% (About average)
Computer network architects are the planners and builders of a company’s data communication networks. They design network blueprints, present proposals to company leadership, and manage hardware and software implementation and optimization.
Their work can involve Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and intranets, ranging from small office setups to large-scale 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% (Faster than average)
Database administrators are the guardians of an organization’s digital information. They are responsible for securing, organizing, and maintaining data storage systems for large volumes of online information.
If you enjoy analyzing and recovering data, and excel at rapid problem-solving, a career as a database administrator could be a great fit for your coding skills.
Most Common Programming Languages for Database Administrators:
- Python
- Java
- Oracle® PL/SQL
Discover more about the role of a Database Administrator.
5. Computer Systems Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 9% (Faster than average)
Computer systems analysts act as strategic bridges between business needs and technology solutions. They evaluate a company’s computer systems and propose upgrades and modifications to align with business objectives.
Success in this programming career requires a strong understanding of both computer coding and business operations.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Systems Analysts:
- JavaScript
- Python
Get a closer look at the role of a Computer Systems Analyst.
6. Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 25% (Much faster than average)
Software QA engineers are essential to the software development lifecycle. They are involved from the initial stages, identifying and documenting defects, designing test plans and scenarios, and creating user manuals for new software.
They also rigorously review existing software designs to ensure functionality and identify potential issues before they impact users.
Most Common Programming Languages for Software QA Engineers:
- Java
- Python
Explore the responsibilities of a Software QA Engineer.
7. Business Intelligence Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 11% (Faster than average)
While programming is beneficial, it’s not always the primary focus for business intelligence analysts.
This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working behind the scenes in marketing and data analysis. They gather and interpret data on software products and market trends to recommend software solutions that support business goals.
If you appreciate the fundamentals of coding but prefer not to center your entire career around it, this could be a suitable programming-related job.
Most Common Programming Languages for Business Intelligence Analysts:
- R
- Java
Gain a better understanding of the world of a Business Intelligence Analyst.
8. Computer Programmer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): -10% (Slower than average)
Computer programmers are the meticulous coders who write and debug programs. They translate workflow charts and coding formulas into functional code to produce desired outputs.
Attention to detail and patience are key attributes for success in this coding career.
Most Common Programming Languages for Computer Programmers:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Microsoft C#®
Understand more about what Computer Programming entails.
9. Network System Administrator
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 3% (Slower than average)
Network system administrators are the guardians of an organization’s network infrastructure. They maintain computing environments, prevent data loss through backups, and ensure network security.
Key responsibilities include safeguarding against viruses, ensuring code accuracy, and protecting both the network and hardware of the organization’s computer systems.
Most Common Programming Languages for Network Administrators:
- Python
- PERL®
- Java
Take a closer look at the role of a Network Administrator.
Which Computer Coding Jobs Spark Your Interest?
Now that you have a clearer picture of the diverse ways you can leverage your coding skills, it’s time to build upon your existing knowledge.
While many of these computer programming careers typically require a Bachelor’s degree, an Associate’s degree combined with portfolio development can open doors to entry-level positions in computer systems design and coding.
Related Articles:
1 Burning-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.
