9 Computer Coding Careers

Everything boils down to code. You've always been fascinated by the fact that an entertaining mobile application or sophisticated computer program all boils down to a string of code.

How does a bunch of letters, numbers and symbols assembled in the perfect order power an entire software system?

This curiosity is what led you utilize your technical knowledge to write code and teach yourself some of the  basic programming languages and dabble in the art of coding.

Use your self-taught skills

Now you're starting to think you could expand on those self-taught coding skills and pursue an actual career as a computer programmer, software developer, or another coding job.

If the scenario above describes you, you're in luck!

There are plenty of programming and coding jobs for you to use your technical skills to pursue in the world of technology and computer science including computer support specialists, computer systems analysts, computer systems administrators, software developers, software engineers and data scientists.

So whether you'd like to spend your entire days writing code or you'd like to use your programming knowledge to help drive overall business decisions, keep reading to familiarize yourself with some of the many coding careers out there in the software development, engineering, data science, data sharing, mobile applications and other fields.

9 Computer coding and programming jobs to consider

What kinds of programming jobs are out there? What job duties are involved? And what can you expect from a computer coding job salary? We've got answers to these questions and more.

We used real-time job analysis software to examine more than 1.8 million job postings that list programming skills as a preference.¹

The data helped us identify nine common programming careers to consider. Learn a little bit about these roles and see which of these coding jobs might appeal to you.

1. Software application developer

• Required education: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 25 percent (much faster than average)²

Software and mobile app developers are responsible for creating and enhancing applications for cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.

This is an ideal programming career for someone who has a “big picture” mentality and likes to collaborate with others to bring ideas to life. Knowing basic coding basics and having an aptitude for math are also important.

Most common programming languages for software application developers:¹

• Java^®
• JavaScript^®
• Python^®
  

Get a closer look at the role of a software developer.

2. Web developer

• Required education: Associate's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 23 percent (much faster than average)²
  

How a website looks and functions is the direct result of a web developer's work. All programming careers take patience, but this one provides more instant gratification than most.

Web developers listen well to their clients' needs and problem-solve to give them the best website possible for their business using the most appropriate programming language and information technology infrastructure. They may introduce new software as part of their web development.

At the end of a project, you have a working, accessible website to show off your hard work. Web developers do well when they can show a portfolio of their work and have a deep understanding of the coding languages.

Most common programming languages for web developers:¹

• JavaScript
• Java
• HTML5

Get a closer look at the role of a web developer.

3. Computer network architect

• Required education: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 4 percent (about average)²

Computer network architects handle a company’s data communication network needs. They create a plan, present it to the leadership of their company and oversee and optimize both hardware and software.

Local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets might all be part of a computer network architect’s job. The BLS notes that networks can be small (such as communication between two offices) or massive, just think of cloud infrastructure.

Most common programming languages for computer network architects:¹

• PERL^®
• Tcl
• Python

4. Database administrator

• Required education: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 9 percent (faster than average)²

Database administrators are tasked with securing, organizing and troubleshooting storage for large amounts of information for companies online.

If you love analyzing and recovering information, as well as fast problem-solving, this could be the coding career for you.

Most common programming languages for database administrator:¹

• Python
• Java
• Oracle^® PL/SQL

Get a closer look at the role of a database administrator.

5. Computer systems analyst

• Education required: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 9 percent (faster than average)²

Computer systems analysts are the strategists who are responsible for merging a company's business and information technology (IT) initiatives.

They evaluate a company's computer systems and network systems and propose upgrades to meet business needs. You'll need to have a solid understanding of computer coding as well as the business side to succeed in this programming career.

Most common programming languages for computer systems analyst:¹

• JavaScript
• Python

Get a closer look at the role of a computer systems analyst.

6. Software quality assurance (QA) engineer

• Education requirements: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 25 percent (much faster than average)²

Software QA engineers are at the beginning of software, documenting defects, designing tests and scenarios, and creating manuals for new software.

They also review existing software designs for functionality and potential problems.

Most common programming languages for software QA engineers:¹

• Java
• Python

Get a closer look at the role of a software QA engineer.

7. Business intelligence analyst

• Education requirements: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 11 percent (faster than average)²

Programming is a bonus, but not as much of a necessity for business intelligence analysts.

This position is for the behind-the-scenes marketer who gathers all the cold facts about software products and trends to determine which software can help solve business initiatives.

If you appreciate the basics of coding, but don't necessarily want to build an entire career around it, this might be a good programming job for you.

Most common programming languages for business intelligence analyst:¹

• R
• Java

Get a better understanding of the world of a business intelligence analyst.

8. Computer programmer

• Education requirements: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): -10 percent (slower than average)²

Computer programmers write programs and rewrite programs until they are free of errors.

They use a workflow chart and coding formulas until the desired information is produced. Attention to detail and patience will set you apart in this coding career.

Most common programming languages for computer programmers:¹

• Java
• JavaScript
• Microsoft C#^®

Get a better understanding of what computer programming entails.

9. Network system administrator

• Education requirements: Bachelor's degree²
• Projected employment growth (2021-2031): 3 percent (slower than average)²

Network system administrators maintain computing environments in their networks and prevent disasters by backing up data.

Providing network security and avoiding viruses are the major tasks, along with making sure codes are free of errors and protecting both the network and hardware of the organization's computer network and computers.

Most common programming languages for network administrators:¹

• Python
• PERL^®
• Java

Get a closer look at the role of a network administrator.

Which computer coding jobs catch your eye?

Now that you're aware of the various ways you can capitalize on your coding skills, it's time to start building on that foundational knowledge you've already acquired.

Although most of these computer programming careers require a Bachelor's degree, even an Associate's degree and some portfolio building can get your foot in the door of one of these computer systems design or coding jobs.

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.

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.