Everything comes down to code. The sheer complexity and capability of mobile applications and intricate computer programs often stem from lines of code, a concept that has likely sparked your interest.
How can a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, meticulously arranged, power an entire software ecosystem?
This very curiosity might have driven you to leverage your technical acumen, delve into coding, and perhaps even teach yourself fundamental programming languages, experimenting with the art of coding.
Leveraging Your Coding Prowess
Now, you might be contemplating expanding these self-taught coding skills and pursuing a formal career as a computer programmer, software developer, or exploring other roles deeply rooted in coding.
If this resonates with you, you’re in a favorable position.
The tech industry and computer science domain offer a plethora of programming and coding-centric jobs where you can effectively utilize your technical abilities. These roles range from computer support specialists and systems analysts to systems administrators, software developers, software engineers, and data scientists.
Whether your aspiration is to dedicate your workdays to writing code or to apply your programming expertise to influence broader business strategies, continue reading to discover a spectrum of Career Paths In Programming across software development, engineering, data science, mobile applications, and related sectors.
9 Prominent Career Paths in Programming to Consider
What programming job types are available? What are the typical responsibilities? And what salary expectations should you have in a computer coding job? We aim to address these questions and more.
We utilized advanced job market analysis tools to examine over 1.8 million job postings that highlighted programming skills as a desired qualification. This extensive data analysis has enabled us to pinpoint nine prevalent career paths in programming for your consideration. Delve into the details of these roles to identify which coding jobs might align with your interests and aspirations.
1. Software Application Developer
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 25% (Significantly faster than average)
Software and mobile application developers are the architects behind the applications we use daily on smartphones, tablets, and various mobile devices. They are tasked with creating new applications and enhancing existing ones.
This career path in programming is ideally suited for individuals who possess a holistic perspective and enjoy collaborative environments to transform ideas into tangible realities. A foundational understanding of coding principles and a natural aptitude for mathematics are crucial assets in this role.
Common Programming Languages for Software Application Developers:
- Java®
- JavaScript®
- Python®
Explore the intricacies of a software developer.
2. Web Developer
- Required Education: Associate’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 23% (Significantly faster than average)
The visual appeal and functionality of websites are directly shaped by the work of web developers. While all career paths in programming demand patience, this one offers quicker visible results compared to many others.
Web developers excel at understanding client requirements and employing problem-solving skills to deliver optimal websites tailored to business needs. This involves selecting appropriate programming languages and leveraging information technology infrastructure, potentially integrating new software solutions into their web development projects.
A key advantage in this career is the ability to showcase a portfolio of completed websites, demonstrating practical skills and a strong grasp of coding languages.
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 Job Growth (2021-2031): 4% (Around average)
Computer network architects are responsible for managing a company’s entire data communication network. Their role encompasses planning, presenting network designs to company leadership, and overseeing the implementation and optimization of both hardware and software components.
Their work may involve local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. Networks can vary from small setups, such as connecting two offices, to expansive cloud infrastructures, as highlighted by the BLS.
Common Programming Languages for Computer Network Architects:
- PERL®
- Tcl
- Python
4. Database Administrator
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 9% (Faster than average)
Database administrators are entrusted with the critical task of securing, organizing, and maintaining data storage for large volumes of online information for businesses. They also play a crucial role in troubleshooting database issues.
If you are drawn to analyzing and recovering information, coupled with a knack for rapid problem-solving, a career as a database administrator could be an excellent fit within the career paths in programming.
Common Programming Languages for Database Administrators:
- Python
- Java
- Oracle® PL/SQL
Discover more about the role of a database administrator.
5. Computer Systems Analyst
- Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 9% (Faster than average)
Computer systems analysts operate as strategic thinkers, bridging the gap between a company’s business objectives and its information technology (IT) infrastructure.
They are responsible for evaluating a company’s computer and network systems and recommending upgrades or modifications to align with evolving business demands. Success in this programming career path requires a robust understanding of computer coding principles as well as business operations.
Common Programming Languages for Computer Systems Analysts:
- JavaScript
- Python
Learn more about the role of a computer systems analyst.
6. Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 25% (Significantly faster than average)
Software QA engineers are integral to the initial stages of software development. Their responsibilities include meticulously documenting defects, designing comprehensive test plans and scenarios, and developing user manuals for new software.
They also conduct thorough reviews of existing software designs to identify potential functionality issues and areas for improvement. This role is crucial in ensuring the reliability and quality of software products.
Common Programming Languages for Software QA Engineers:
- Java
- Python
Explore the responsibilities of a software QA engineer.
7. Business Intelligence Analyst
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 11% (Faster than average)
While programming skills are advantageous, they are not always a primary requirement for business intelligence analysts. This role is more focused on the analytical and strategic aspects of business.
Business intelligence analysts operate behind the scenes, gathering and interpreting data on software products and market trends. Their analysis helps determine which software solutions can effectively address business challenges and drive strategic initiatives. If you appreciate the fundamentals of coding but prefer not to center your entire career around it, this could be a suitable career path in programming for you.
Common Programming Languages for Business Intelligence Analysts:
- R
- Java
Gain a deeper understanding of the world of a business intelligence analyst.
8. Computer Programmer
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): -10% (Slower than average)
Computer programmers are the meticulous coders who write and refine programs, debugging and rewriting code until it functions flawlessly.
They utilize workflow charts and coding formulas to achieve desired outputs. Attention to detail and persistence are key traits that will distinguish you in this career path in programming.
Common Programming Languages for Computer Programmers:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Microsoft C#®
Explore what computer programming entails.
9. Network System Administrator
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 3% (Slower than average)
Network system administrators are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of computing environments within networks. A crucial aspect of their role is disaster prevention through regular data backups and robust security measures.
Key responsibilities include ensuring network security, preventing virus intrusions, maintaining code integrity, and safeguarding both the network and hardware components of an organization’s computer infrastructure.
Common Programming Languages for Network Administrators:
- Python
- PERL®
- Java
Get a closer look at the role of a network administrator.
Which Programming Career Paths Spark Your Interest?
Now that you have gained insight into the diverse avenues to leverage your coding skills, it’s an opportune moment to build upon your foundational knowledge.
While many of these career paths in programming typically require a Bachelor’s degree, even an Associate’s degree combined with a well-crafted portfolio can pave the way to entry-level positions in computer systems design or coding-related jobs.
Related Articles:
1Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 1,800,750 jobs that require programming skills, June 01, 2019 – May 31, 2020).
2Bureau 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.
