Best Types of Coding and Programming Jobs

Computer Programmer

Computer programs and applications function because computer programmers write, test, and maintain code. These workers collaborate with software developers and engineers.

They may write code according to diagrams written by software developers. It takes keen problem-solving and analytical skills to become a computer programmer, an occupation projected to see a decline in new openings.

• Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$93,000
• Common Education Requirements:Bachelor's degree in computer science or mathematics or coding bootcamp certificate
• Common Skills and Languages:Proficient in Java and Python with basic math and coding skills, plus knowledgeable of data types

Full-Stack Web Developer

Full-stack web developers work on client-side and server-side software projects. They create scalable front-end and back-end architecture. The front end includes anything that the user interacts with, while the back end involves what they don't see.

Aside from designing and creating software, full-stack web developers also test and debug software and applications. They write code and develop application programming interfaces. They also often work with graphic designers to create applications.

• Average Annual Salary (November 2022):$80,230
• Common Education Requirements:Employers may prefer a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering.
• Common Skills and Languages:Experience in CSS, HTML, Java, Python, Ruby, and SQL, plus web architecture and basic design skills

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile application developers design and implement products for different platforms —including Android, Apple, and Windows devices. It takes a mastery of coding and design to become a mobile app developer.

These professionals debug, test, and manage applications throughout their life cycles. Mobile app developers design, develop, and deploy applications. They also continue to provide maintenance and support for apps. Programming languages such as Java help mobile app developers build Android apps, or they use Swift for iOS devices.

• Average Annual Salary (November 2022):$76,170
• Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in computer science or software development training through a coding bootcamp
• Common Skills and Languages:Experience in Java, Python, Kotlin, Swift, and React Native.

Software Developer

Responsibilities for software developers vary by project. Software developers, often called software engineers, too, oversee the entire software development lifecycle. They often work with UX designers to create interface mock-ups and develop design docs with other software engineers. Then, software developers run tests. As they deploy products, users report problems that software engineers fix.

The role also requires optimizing code to save companies money on server costs. The job may require writing algorithms or using algorithms designed by other software engineers. Many software engineers specialize in C# or DevOps.

• Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$120,730
• Common Education Requirements:Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or hands-on work experience
• Common Skills and Languages: Experience with C and C#, Java, and Python, plus a strong grasp of algorithms and data structures

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts help design and manage the security network infrastructure and security technology solutions. On a daily basis, information security analysts protect a company's information by performing SOX compliance, audits, and risk assessments.

They also recommend security enhancements to business and technology stakeholders. In addition, many companies want information security analysts who can implement cloud security.

• Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$102,600
• Common Education Requirements:High school education, a bachelor's in computer science or engineering, and work experience in information technology risk management
• Common Skills and Languages:Experience in Java, Javascript, Python, and SQL, plus an understanding of intrusion detection and prevention

Data Scientist

Data scientists solve business problems. To fix business issues, data scientists extract data and use different techniques and theories to provide solutions. Much of the job requires cleaning data, but data scientists also run algorithms and extract meaning. They do data analysis and apply appropriate machine learning models. Data scientists translate their findings and make recommendations that they deliver to business stakeholders.

• Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$100,910
• Common Education Requirements:Many data scientists have a bachelor's in computer science or statistics. Employers may seek out candidates with a master's degree.
• Common Skills and Languages:You need hands-on experience in Java, Python, SQL, or R. You also need to know Amazon Web Services, cloud-based technologies, machine learning models, and statistical algorithms.

Network Administrator

Nearly every company relies on network administrators to do essential repairs to computer server problems. Network administrators make updates to networks and perform routine tasks, such as giving network access to new employees.

In addition, any hardware or software upgrades go through the network administrator, who may also double as tech support for the staff.

• Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$80,600
• Common Education Requirements:An associate degree or certificate from a coding bootcamp may suffice, but some employers prefer a bachelor's in computer science.
• Common Skills and Languages:System administration requires knowledge of C# and Java, while hands-on experience in Python helps with networking projects.

Computer Systems Engineer

These workers configure, program, and oversee the daily technical and business operations of an organization's networks and infrastructure. This field requires an understanding of engineering principles and project management to ensure successful deployment.

Exact responsibilities depend on the company, with many computer systems engineers working at Homeland Security, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

• Average Annual Salary (November 2022):$82,000
• Common Education Requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering and sometimes a master's degree
• Common Skills and Languages:Experience using C++ and project management skills

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists, sometimes called help-desk technicians or IT technicians, may provide network help or user support. Companies need computer support specialists to test and troubleshoot issues with networks or help customers by email, web chat, or phone. The job also may require onboarding new employees and helping with infrastructure expansion projects.

Having technical knowledge helps computer support specialists work with customers and network with computer systems administrators, who often serve as their supervisors. Depending on the company, computer support specialists may need diverse technical knowledge of company-specific programs.

• Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$57,910
• Common Education Requirements:A high school diploma; a certificate or an associate degree for more technical positions
• Common Skills and Languages:Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence analysts look for trends and patterns in data and make predictions that inform a management's decisions. To make data-informed decisions, these workers build dashboards and reports used to measure a company's effectiveness. Companies use these forecasts to improve processes and identify potential risks.

• Average Annual Salary (November 2022):$71,620
• Common Education Requirements:On-the-job work experience and/or a bachelor's degree in business administration, computer science, or statistics
• Common Skills and Languages: Proficiency in SQL and Python, plus strong interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team