10 Coding Careers [Find Your Ideal Job]

• Sep 17

In less than a decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that coding careers will increase by around 25% nationally. Essentially, that means approximately 400,000 new jobs in a field that’s becoming more and more popular.

In fact, you might be surprised to know programming has even become a common pursuit for children. Books such as Baby Loves Coding! introduce STEM topics as a way to begin fostering skills necessary for such pursuits.

Furthermore, with the accessibility of programming education through different online bootcamps, it’s a great time to dive into the topic. However, there’s a common misconception that most coding careers end up being synonymous with each other. In reality, there exists a wide range of options for those interested in making programming their main pursuit. So, if that’s you, and you’re wondering what options you might find, keep reading to learn more.

Different Coding Careers You Can Pursue

1. Computer Programmer

First and foremost, it pays to understand the language of coding. Typically, “programming” means designing specific sets of steps for computers to take. Then, various other tasks fall under that larger heading, such as coding, analysis, and development.

In the context of coding careers, programming refers to the process of writing code and ensuring software runs without error. Of course, other jobs in the field will often include similar tasks, and you can expect a fair amount of overlap. For example, software developers also write code for programs, even though they manage projects, define goals, and focus on a variety of other tasks.

At the end of the day, computer programmers focus specifically on writing.

If you decide to take this career path, you’ll want to invest in a computer science degree and learn several coding languages. These might include:

• Python
• JavaScript
• HTML/CSS
• C#
  
  

However, there are plenty of other languages you could and should recognize.

Average Salary: $68,620

2. Web Developer

Unlike software developers and programmers, web developers focus specifically on websites. They’re largely responsible both for front-end and back-end aspects of these projects, including user experience and site functions. However, different members of a full team might focus on front, back or full stack development.

Web developers must see each phase of the project through, from concept to finished and operable product. So, they naturally have the responsibility to test and monitor continued performance. As such, any bugs that occur after releasing the site fall back on them to handle.

Furthermore, they need to have planning and design skills to meet the specific wants of the customer. That includes everything from site admin functions to specific layouts and aesthetics.

Those who choose this career path must learn current security standards and privacy laws. Otherwise, site owners could find themselves penalized legally and owe fines.

Often, web development is a great option for those who want a concrete output to showcase to others. Because at the end of a project, they can show off a full website, accessible to most individuals.

Average Salary: $80,460

3. Front-End Developer

Again, it’s important to note the overlap between various coding careers. Front-end development is a task specifically geared toward the user-facing aspects of an application or site. So, it largely deals with layouts and user experience. These developers have a wide range of opportunities, due simply to the fact that many companies of all sizes need user-friendly software.

For example, any application or site you regularly use requires front-end development. So, it’s not difficult to see why these professionals remain in such high demand.

Of course, the job requires knowledge of coding languages, but it also takes a unique understanding of design. Because you want the application layout to follow natural inclinations and lead users to the places you want them to go. So, while front-end development is in many senses a “hard” science of code, it’s also an artistic and insightful career option.

Average Salary: $108,888

4. Software/App Developer

While software and app development aren’t necessarily synonymous, they do include many of the same functions, and have been included together. Of course, many people think of apps purely as mobile-specific programs. Because, after all, that’s what they use on their phones. However, applications, like software, have significance for desktop computers as well.

After all, many of the same applications you might use for your phone run on desktop as well. Think of examples like:

• Slack
• Discord
• Photoshop
• Microsoft Office
  
  

Essentially, software and app developers carry the responsibility for creating these programs. Their tasks might range from writing code for these systems to testing and performing quality checks. So, in that sense, they’re responsible for seeing projects through from start to finish.

Furthermore, because of the proliferation of apps needed in today’s world, this is among the most in-demand of coding careers.

Average Salary: $104,160

5. IT Technician

If you’ve worked in any sort of large corporation, you’re probably already familiar with the basic functions of IT staff. They ensure the systems, networks, and devices the company uses are secure and operating correctly. They often diagnose problems and help individual employees with problems.

However, their functions go beyond managing hardware and software alone. Depending on the organization, they might also find themselves responsible for writing code solutions to myriad problems and automating various processes.

Average Salary: $48,211

6. Network Systems Administrator

Network systems administrators are primarily responsible for upkeep of an organization’s computer systems. This includes both hardware and software necessary to ensure smooth operations between different devices. But it also deals largely with overall security measures to prevent bad actors from taking advantage of individuals or weak points.

Those who choose this career path need to have an in-depth understanding of the physical aspects of devices, including setup, management, and repair. But they must also do the same for virtual components of programs, applications, and other software.

While hard coding might not require as much priority for network systems administrators as for other programming careers, it still makes sense to have a working knowledge of basics.

Average Salary: $83,055

7. Cybersecurity Analyst

Ultimately, the role of a cybersecurity analyst is ensuring the protection of an organization’s systems by identifying and protecting against potential threats. In order to accomplish this, they must monitor networks, develop key security policies, and manage core security protection systems. Naturally, these tasks develop into others, such as writing report and conducting vulnerability assessments. However, every aspects works toward the goal of protecting the company from bad actors.

Cyber threats constantly change and develop toward more nefarious and unidentifiable ends. So, it’s also vital that these analysts keep up to date on trends and necessary safety measures.

If you’re thinking about moving into this field, make sure you check out our courses on cybersecurity. That way, you construct a strong foundation of safety principles to build upon as you move forward.

Average Salary: ~$100,000

8. Data Scientist

Initially, becoming a data scientist might not sound like other coding careers. After all, it relies on analysis and interpretation of data to help companies make core decisions. However, because it relies heavily on the use of various algorithmic techniques through written code to help study that data, it does fall into the realm of programming.

Furthermore, data scientists must understand not only how to interpret information but communicate effectively. So, interpersonal and other soft skills stand pivotally at the threshold of success for those hoping to perform well in this role. The ability to take extremely technical data and translate it into lay-speak is one hallmark characteristic of this position.

Average Salary: $122,738

9. Database Administrator

Typically a high-security position, database administrators work within organizations to implement and maintain storage systems for information. This typically revolves around securing and organizing data into accessible formats necessary for business operations. And this task, in itself, requires coding knowledge for various aspects such as troubleshooting, creating databases, and protecting information.

While some companies hire in-house database administrators, particularly for larger organizations, many third-party options exist as well. So, you don’t necessarily have to approach a specific, single company to find work in this way.

Average Salary: ~$99,500

10. Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers are more necessary now than at any other point, because so many storage systems and data relies on this sort of computing. These professionals build, implement, and maintain cloud solutions for businesses and other organizations.

Some of the primary tasks for this career path include understanding and designing security measures, coding for the cloud network, and help manage transitions from one system to another.

These individuals often work with IT specialists and other programmers to ensure the solutions they devise work across the entire system for an organization.

Average Salary: ~$130,000

Starting Down Your Career Path

We’ve already mentioned the importance of coding bootcamps and other methods for boosting your skillset. Especially if you’re wanting to move into one of these coding careers but have no previous experience.

However, there are plenty of other ways to gain the necessary skills you’ll need to successfully establish a programming career. You’ll want to make sure you study everything from cybersecurity to different coding languages, and even brush up your soft skills. After all, knowing how to communicate effectively is often just as important for developers as understanding how to code.

So, make sure you devise an effective plan to start down the path to your ideal career. Understand the certifications and educational avenues you need to invest in. Perhaps even find a mentor to help guide you along. Recognize your options and then determine the best way forward for you.

Naturally, the coding careers we’ve listed here are far from exhaustive. You can find many other general and specified positions to fit your needs and abilities. Sometimes, all it takes is getting out there and exploring to see what you can find.

Article written by Braden Norwood

Last updated September 17, 2024

• technology
• Career Tips