For their computer career coding to be successful, programmers require a wide range of talents. Learn about coding positions in web development and computer programming.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that computer and information technology employment will increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030, above the average predicted growth rate for all professions (8%), indicating a need for coding positions. Even more rapid growth is anticipated in certain specialized areas of coding, such as software development, which the BLS forecasts will expand by 22% over the same period.
To succeed in their computer coding careers, programmers require diverse abilities, including command of front-end and back-end languages, tools, and frameworks. Jobs in entry-level coding may also be found developing mobile applications or merely working on the front-end or back-end of a website. Regardless of their technological expertise, all programmers need excellent analytical, patience, problem-solving, teamwork abilities, and the capacity to communicate properly.
Coding is utilized for more than simply creating websites and mobile applications; software engineers, database and systems administrators, data analysts and data scientists, and data scientists all code. Continue reading to learn about typical computer coding positions, including entry-level and remote positions.
How Much Do Coding Jobs Pay?
The number of software developers has reportedly surpassed 24.5 million globally, according to the 2020 Worldwide Developer Population and Demographic Study, released twice a year. Researchers believe the pre-pandemic rate will eventually reappear, despite the pandemic slowing trends down.
Although pay varies depending on the profession, earnings for coding positions are typically high. According to the BLS, the median compensation for computer programmers in 2020 was $89,190. Software engineers made an average of $110,140 per year, while web developers made a median of $77,200.
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science may be necessary for certain positions requiring computer coding, an associate degree, Bootcamp experience, a certification, and work experience may sometimes be accepted in its stead.
10 Jobs Coders Can Get
Computer Programmer
The flawless operation of programs and software is ensured by computer programmers, who also develop new software, websites, and other applications. In addition to creating new code, programmers frequently spend effort upgrading and improving already created programs. A typical entry-level coding position is computer programming, which is often remote.
Computer programming job requirements often overlap with those of web designers and software developers, both of which are predicted to expand substantially faster than average between 2020 and 2030, despite the BLS’s prediction that demand for this profession would fall between 2020 and 2030.
Median Annual Salary: $89,190 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, coding Bootcamp, or certification
Common Programming Languages for Computer Programmers: Java, Python, C, C++, C#
Web Developer
Websites are built and maintained by web developers using computer programming. Professionals in this coding position often write code, work with a customer or team to define the scope, and test new apps and website components. Web developers may focus on front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, working on both at once.
The BLS predicts that between 2020 and 2030, the number of coding positions for web developers will increase by 13%, outpacing the 8% predicted growth rate for other professions. Web developers may be able to acquire entry-level coding jobs in the computer industry. Also highly conducive to remote work is this position.
Median Annual Salary: $77,200 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Associate degree, coding Bootcamp, or certification
Common Programming Languages for Web Developers: JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP
Front-End Developer
The area of a website that users view and interact with is the area that front-end web developers concentrate on constructing. These experts use web design ideas to guarantee that the website works properly and displays well on various devices. Additionally, they keep tabs on website speed, check for usability problems, and fix coding faults. Front-end developers often collaborate with user experience designers, web designers, and back-end developers.
Average Annual Salary: $76,090 (as of December 2021, according to Payscale)
Common Education Requirements: Associate degree, coding Bootcamp, or certification
Common Programming Languages for Front-End Developers: JavaScript, CSS, HTML
Back-End Developer
Working on the portion of a website that runs in the background is what back-end web developers do. Performance and server-side functionality are the responsibility of professionals working in this coding field. Back-end developers write code for new websites and make sure that older websites can manage, store, and retrieve data, expand to larger audiences, and run quickly.
Average Annual Salary: $86,240 (as of December 2021, according to Payscale)
Common Education Requirements: Associate degree, coding Bootcamp, or certification
Common Programming Languages for Back-End Developers: Java, C, C++, Python
Full-Stack Developer
A website’s front and back end is the responsibility of a full-stack web developer. Full-stack developers often collaborate with user experience and user interface designers, who assist create the site’s appearance, feel, and functionality.
Median Annual Salary: $77,200 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Associate degree, coding Bootcamp, or certification
Common Programming Languages for Full-Stack Developers: Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, SQL
Software Application Developer
The construction of software applications is often under the direction of software developers. Programs created specifically for a job or those included in operating systems are software examples. To fulfill the demands of varied consumers, software application developers create, test, and debug software. The BLS predicts that employment for software engineers will expand by 22% between 2020 and 2030, which is substantially greater than average job growth.
Median Annual Salary: $110,140 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, coding Bootcamp, or certification
Common Programming Languages for Software Application Developers: Python, Java, Ruby C
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts evaluate the computer and information technology systems in use at a company and give suggestions on how to improve their efficiency. They often set up system operations, assess new hardware or software for prospective introduction into a firm, and create remedies for systems problems and inefficiencies. These IT specialists need a background in both business and information technology.
Positions for computer systems analysts are expected to increase between 2020 and 2030 at a rate that is around average (7%) growth.
Median Annual Salary: $93,730 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Common Programming Languages for Computer Systems Analysts: Python, C, Java, SQL
Computer Systems Engineer
Computer systems engineers collaborate with software developers and other engineers to maintain, upgrade, and enhance company computer systems. In addition to participating in system creation, professionals with this coding position provide technical help for managing an organization’s computer systems.
Average Annual Salary: $80,800 (as of December 2021, according to Payscale)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Common Programming Languages for Computer Systems Engineers: Java, C, C++
Network Systems Administrator
An organization’s servers, computer hardware, local networks, and intranet are all managed by a network systems administrator. These specialists ensure that the computer network utilized by a business runs smoothly by maintaining both the hardware and software.
Network and computer systems administrators’ employment is expected to increase by 5% between 2020 and 2030, slightly less than the average growth for all professions.
Median Annual Salary: $84,810 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Common Programming Languages for Network Systems Administrators: Python, Bash, Powershell
Database Administrator
After administrators assess the organization’s information management and storage requirements, a database is built to contain the information. They also combine new and outdated datasets and ensure that present databases are safe and secure. According to the BLS, employment in database administration is expected to increase by 8% between 2020 and 2030.
Median Annual Salary: $98,860 (as of May 2020, according to the BLS)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Common Programming Languages for Database Administrators: SQL, Python, R, PHP
Featured Coding Bootcamps
Is Bootcamps a Good Alternative to Traditional College?
According to our 2021 Bootcamps Trends Report, “Bootcamps will play a crucial role in satisfying future workforce training demands, according to almost half (48%) of all business executives questioned, and 56% of those from tech businesses and organizations that employ for tech positions.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Coding Jobs
Is coding a good career?
Yes! For many people, coding may be a high-paying job. Coders often earn high salaries, have flexible work schedules (including the option of finding a remote coding job), and have access to a wide range of employment options. Additionally, computer programmers have above-average upward mobility, with more prospects for growth and greater earnings, according to U.S. News & World Report.
What are the best coding jobs?
The finest coding jobs rely on your skills, interests, and specialty. Computer systems engineering might be a good match if you like analyzing complicated difficulties since these experts spot and fix network and system faults. Alternately, software quality assurance engineers examine software for errors and inconsistencies; if you’re detail-oriented, this job may be a good match.
What coding jobs pay the most?
The top earners in the BLS’s category of jobs for computer and information technology are software developers, computer network architects, and computer and information research scientists.
The hiring company Robert Half discovered that the top-paying programming positions were enterprise resource development technical developers, mobile applications developers, applications architects, and lead applications developers.
