Are you captivated by the magic behind every app, website, and software program? It’s truly fascinating how lines of code, seemingly simple combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols, can power complex and innovative digital experiences. Perhaps this fascination has already led you to explore coding yourself, maybe even learning some basic programming languages. Now, you’re wondering if these self-taught skills could be the foundation for a fulfilling and dynamic career.
If this sounds like you, the answer is a resounding yes! The tech world is brimming with opportunities for individuals with a passion for programming. A Career In Programming offers diverse paths, from crafting intricate software to leveraging data for strategic business decisions.
Whether you envision yourself immersed in writing code daily or utilizing your programming expertise to drive broader business strategies, numerous exciting career avenues await. Keep reading to discover a range of programming careers across software development, engineering, data science, and beyond.
9 Exciting Programming Careers to Explore
What kind of programming jobs are available? What do these roles entail? And what salary can you expect in a computer coding career? Let’s delve into these questions and more.
We’ve analyzed data from over 1.8 million job postings that emphasize programming skills to identify nine common and promising programming careers. Explore these roles and see which one sparks your interest.
1. Software Application Developer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 25% (Much faster than average)
Software application developers are the architects behind the apps we use every day on our smartphones, tablets, and computers. They are responsible for designing, creating, and refining applications for various devices and platforms.
This career path is perfect for individuals who enjoy big-picture thinking and thrive in collaborative environments. If you have a knack for problem-solving and enjoy turning ideas into tangible digital products, software application development could be your ideal career in programming. A solid foundation in coding fundamentals and a natural aptitude for mathematics are also beneficial.
Top Programming Languages for Software Application Developers:
- 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 bring websites to life. They are responsible for the look, functionality, and user experience of websites. While all programming careers require patience, web development offers a unique sense of immediate accomplishment.
Web developers work closely with clients to understand their needs and translate them into functional and visually appealing websites. They possess strong problem-solving skills and utilize various programming languages and IT infrastructure to deliver optimal web solutions. A portfolio showcasing your web development projects and a strong grasp of coding languages are key assets in this career.
Top Programming Languages for Web Developers:
- 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 master planners of a company’s data communication infrastructure. They design, implement, and manage the complex networks that enable seamless data flow within and outside organizations.
These professionals create network blueprints, present them to company leadership, and oversee the implementation and optimization of both hardware and software components. Their work spans local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets, ranging from small office setups to massive cloud infrastructures.
Top 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 vast amounts of data stored online.
If you have a passion for data analysis, information retrieval, and rapid problem-solving, a career as a database administrator could be a perfect fit within the programming landscape. This role demands meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to data security and management.
Top 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% (Faster than average)
Computer systems analysts act as strategic bridges between business objectives and technology solutions. They analyze a company’s existing computer systems and IT infrastructure and recommend upgrades and improvements to align with business goals.
Success in this programming career requires a strong understanding of both computer coding principles and business operations. They need to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and translate business needs into technical requirements.
Top 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% (Much faster than average)
Software QA engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of software products. They are involved from the early stages of software development, meticulously documenting defects, designing test plans and scenarios, and creating user manuals for new software.
They also rigorously review existing software designs to identify potential functionality issues and areas for improvement. Their work is essential for delivering robust and user-friendly software applications.
Top Programming Languages for Software QA Engineers:
- Java
- Python
7. Business Intelligence Analyst
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Employment Growth (2021-2031): 11% (Faster than average)
For those who appreciate the fundamentals of coding but prefer a career path that isn’t solely focused on programming, business intelligence (BI) analysis offers an appealing option. Programming skills are a valuable asset but not the primary focus.
BI analysts work behind the scenes, gathering and analyzing data related to software products, market trends, and business performance. They identify actionable insights that help businesses make data-driven decisions and optimize their software strategies.
Top Programming Languages for Business Intelligence Analysts:
- 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 programs, meticulously refining code until it performs flawlessly.
They utilize workflow charts and coding formulas to achieve desired software outcomes. Attention to detail, persistence, and a passion for crafting clean and efficient code are essential qualities for success in this classic programming career.
Top Programming Languages for Computer Programmers:
- 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 responsible for maintaining the smooth operation and security of an organization’s computer networks and systems. They ensure computing environments are stable, secure, and protected from data loss and cyber threats.
Their primary tasks include network security implementation, virus prevention, data backup, and ensuring code integrity. They safeguard both the network infrastructure and hardware components of an organization’s IT systems.
Top Programming Languages for Network Administrators:
- Python
- PERL®
- Java
Ready to Code Your Future?
Now that you have a clearer picture of the diverse landscape of programming careers, it’s time to take the next step in your journey. Building upon your existing coding knowledge is key to unlocking these exciting opportunities.
While a Bachelor’s degree is often preferred for many computer programming careers, an Associate’s degree and a strong portfolio of projects can also be a valuable entry point into the field. Explore your options, refine your skills, and embark on a rewarding career in programming!
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 been updated to include information relevant to 2023.
