Everything in our digital world, from the apps on your phone to the complex systems powering global businesses, relies on code. This intricate dance of letters, numbers, and symbols, carefully arranged, forms the backbone of every software, website, and digital tool we use daily. If you’ve ever been captivated by this digital magic and wondered, “What Is Programming Career?”, you’re in the right place.
Perhaps you’ve already dabbled in coding, teaching yourself the basics of languages and experiencing the satisfaction of creating something functional from scratch. Maybe you’re now considering turning this fascination and self-taught expertise into a full-fledged profession. The tech world is vast and brimming with opportunities for individuals with coding skills, extending far beyond the traditional image of a lone coder in a dark room.
The possibilities are diverse, ranging from roles deeply immersed in writing code to positions where programming knowledge serves as a powerful tool for broader business strategies. Whether you envision yourself crafting elegant code all day long or leveraging your technical understanding to drive critical business decisions, understanding the landscape of programming careers is your first step.
Let’s delve into the world of coding careers and explore the variety of paths available. We’ll uncover the typical responsibilities, essential skills, and potential earnings associated with different programming roles, helping you determine which career path might best align with your interests and aspirations.
9 Exciting Computer Coding and Programming Jobs to Consider
What kind of programming jobs are actually out there? What does a typical day look like, and what can you realistically expect in terms of compensation? We’ve analyzed data from over 1.8 million job postings that highlight programming skills as a key requirement to bring you answers to these important questions and more. This analysis reveals nine common and promising programming career paths worth considering. Explore these roles and see which coding job sparks your interest.
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 architects behind the apps we use daily on our smartphones, tablets, and computers. They are responsible for the entire lifecycle of an application, from initial concept and design to development, testing, and deployment. This role demands a blend of creativity and technical prowess, transforming ideas into functional and user-friendly software. Software application developers often work collaboratively, brainstorming with designers, product managers, and other developers to bring innovative solutions to life. A strong foundation in coding fundamentals, coupled with a knack for problem-solving and a collaborative spirit, are crucial for success in this dynamic field.
Key responsibilities of a Software Application Developer often include:
- Designing and developing new software applications based on user needs and specifications.
- Maintaining and improving existing applications, addressing bugs and enhancing performance.
- Writing clean, efficient, and well-documented code.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features.
- Conducting testing and ensuring software quality.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- Java®
- JavaScript®
- Python®
2. Web Developer
- Required Education: Associate’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 23% (Much faster than average)
Web developers are the artists and engineers who shape our online experiences. They are responsible for building and maintaining websites, ensuring they are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. This career path offers a tangible sense of accomplishment, as you can immediately see the results of your work in a live website. Web developers work closely with clients or internal teams to understand their needs and translate them into effective online platforms. They need to be proficient in a variety of coding languages and possess strong problem-solving skills to create websites that are both engaging and technically sound. A portfolio showcasing diverse web projects is highly valuable for web developers seeking to demonstrate their skills and attract clients or employers.
Key responsibilities of a Web Developer often include:
- Designing and developing website layouts and user interfaces.
- Writing code for website functionality and interactivity.
- Ensuring website responsiveness and mobile-friendliness.
- Optimizing websites for speed and performance.
- Troubleshooting website issues and implementing updates.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Java
- HTML5
3. Computer Network Architect
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 4% (About average)
Computer network architects are the strategic planners behind an organization’s data communication infrastructure. They design, implement, and manage network systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and data flow. These professionals must possess a deep understanding of networking hardware and software, as well as the ability to anticipate future network needs and scalability. They play a critical role in ensuring data security and network efficiency, often working on complex projects involving local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud infrastructure. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for network architects to effectively manage and optimize intricate network systems.
Key responsibilities of a Computer Network Architect often include:
- Designing and implementing computer networks.
- Developing network infrastructure plans and blueprints.
- Selecting and configuring network hardware and software.
- Ensuring network security and performance.
- Troubleshooting network issues and managing upgrades.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- PERL®
- Tcl
- Python
4. Database Administrator
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 9% (Faster than average)
Database administrators (DBAs) are the guardians of an organization’s valuable data. They are responsible for the secure storage, organization, and accessibility of large volumes of information. DBAs ensure data integrity, performance, and availability, implementing backup and recovery procedures to prevent data loss. They also play a crucial role in optimizing database performance and troubleshooting database issues. For those who enjoy data analysis, problem-solving, and ensuring the smooth operation of critical systems, a career as a DBA can be highly rewarding.
Key responsibilities of a Database Administrator often include:
- Designing and implementing databases.
- Ensuring database security and data integrity.
- Monitoring database performance and troubleshooting issues.
- Performing database backups and recovery.
- Managing database access and permissions.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- Python
- Java
- Oracle® PL/SQL
5. Computer Systems Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 9% (Faster than average)
Computer systems analysts bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions. They analyze an organization’s computer systems and processes, identifying areas for improvement and recommending technological solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. These professionals need a strong understanding of both computer systems and business operations, enabling them to translate business requirements into technical specifications. They often act as consultants, working with various departments to implement new systems and optimize existing ones. Strong communication and analytical skills are vital for computer systems analysts to effectively gather requirements, propose solutions, and ensure successful system implementations.
Key responsibilities of a Computer Systems Analyst often include:
- Analyzing computer systems and business processes.
- Identifying areas for system improvements.
- Recommending and designing technology solutions.
- Developing system specifications and requirements.
- Collaborating with IT teams to implement new systems.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- Python
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 the critical gatekeepers of software quality. They are responsible for ensuring that software applications are reliable, functional, and meet user expectations. QA engineers design and execute test plans, identify and document software defects, and work closely with developers to resolve issues. They play a vital role throughout the software development lifecycle, from reviewing initial designs to conducting final testing before release. Attention to detail, a systematic approach to testing, and strong communication skills are essential for QA engineers to maintain high software quality standards.
Key responsibilities of a Software QA Engineer often include:
- Developing and executing test plans and test cases.
- Identifying and documenting software defects.
- Performing various types of testing, including functional, performance, and regression testing.
- Collaborating with developers to resolve bugs.
- Ensuring software meets quality standards and user requirements.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- Java
- Python
7. Business Intelligence Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 11% (Faster than average)
Business intelligence (BI) analysts are data detectives who uncover insights to drive business decisions. They collect, analyze, and interpret data related to market trends, software performance, and customer behavior. While not always heavily focused on coding, programming skills can be a significant asset for BI analysts, enabling them to manipulate and analyze large datasets more effectively. They use data visualization tools and reporting techniques to communicate their findings to stakeholders, helping organizations make informed strategic choices. For individuals who are passionate about data and its potential to impact business outcomes, a career in business intelligence can be a compelling option.
Key responsibilities of a Business Intelligence Analyst often include:
- Collecting and analyzing business data.
- Identifying trends and patterns in data.
- Creating data visualizations and reports.
- Presenting findings to stakeholders.
- Providing data-driven insights to support business decisions.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- R
- Java
8. Computer Programmer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): -10% (Slower than average)
Computer programmers are the core coders who translate software designs into functional code. They write, test, and debug code in various programming languages, following detailed instructions and specifications. While the projected growth for this role is slower compared to others, skilled programmers remain in demand across numerous industries. Computer programmers require meticulous attention to detail, patience, and strong problem-solving abilities to write error-free code and ensure programs function as intended. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy the intricacies of coding and the satisfaction of building software from the ground up.
Key responsibilities of a Computer Programmer often include:
- Writing and testing code in various programming languages.
- Debugging and resolving code errors.
- Following workflow charts and specifications.
- Maintaining and updating existing programs.
- Collaborating with developers and other team members.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Microsoft C#®
9. Network System Administrator
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 3% (Slower than average)
Network system administrators are the IT professionals who maintain the day-to-day operations of an organization’s computer networks. They ensure network stability, security, and performance, managing servers, network devices, and software. System administrators are responsible for preventing network outages, implementing security measures, and providing technical support to users. While system administration involves less direct coding compared to other roles, programming skills, particularly in scripting languages, can be highly valuable for automation and system management tasks. Reliability, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to network maintenance are crucial for success in this role.
Key responsibilities of a Network System Administrator often include:
- Maintaining computer networks and systems.
- Ensuring network security and preventing cyber threats.
- Troubleshooting network issues and providing technical support.
- Managing servers and network devices.
- Implementing data backups and disaster recovery plans.
Most Common Programming Languages:
- Python
- PERL®
- Java
Which Computer Coding Jobs Spark Your Interest?
As you now see, a “programming career” is far from a monolithic concept. It encompasses a diverse range of roles, each with its unique focus and responsibilities. From crafting innovative mobile apps to securing critical data infrastructure, your coding skills can pave the way for a fulfilling and impactful career in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Building upon your foundational coding knowledge is the next logical step. While many of these programming careers often require a Bachelor’s degree, even an Associate’s degree combined with a strong portfolio can open doors to exciting opportunities in computer systems design and coding. The key is to identify your interests, explore the different paths available, and take proactive steps to acquire the necessary skills and education to launch your programming career journey.
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.
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.
