by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
As websites, applications, and similar technologies become a core part of modern business processes, there comes a need for professionals who can develop and maintain them. These include workers with a deep understanding of programming languages and computer network systems, as well as a strong background in computer science. In fact, in 2022, the projected net tech employment in the United States was 8.9 million, with the median tech occupation wage at 125% higher than the median national wage (CompTIA, 2022).
However, with the various types of computer coding jobs today, we think it can be difficult to find out which ones are in high demand, which ones pay well, and which ones can further your career. To sort out this problem, the Research.com team has analyzed the different roles one can pursue in the industry and compiled a list of the best computer coding jobs. Among the information that we have compiled for are each role are their job outlook and median salary.
Computer coding offers excellent career options, not to mention the above-average pay that it bestows on successful candidates. In the United States, the average computer coding job salary in 2021 was $95,879, with 44% receiving more than $100,000 per month. The highest-paying coding jobs include machine learning engineer, mobile app development, and cyber security engineering.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
For those who wish to pursue this career, among the top in-demand skills for 2022 that recruiters wish to hire for are web development (58%), DevOps (38%), and AI/machine learning (30%). Developers, on the other hand, are most interested in AI/machine learning (41%), web development (37%), and game development (31%).
To stay relevant in the field of computer coding, we believe one must continually learn new programming languages and at the same time develop solid expertise in emerging technologies. Within the tech industry, almost 60% of coders learned to write code from online resources, 54% from school, and 41% from online courses or certifications (Stack Overflow, 2021).
As computing technologies advance, coding jobs also evolve. DevSecOps is an entirely new movement among coders that aim to improve cyber defenses by developing secure software and apps that have built-in security. Recognizing the need for more sophisticated software, computer coding jobs are now adopting more secure coding practices. While the roles of those who write code are expanding, in 2022 only 14% listed application security as a top priority, with 19% citing code quality and application performance as a higher priority.
Source: StackOverflow 2022 Developer Survey
From software engineering to front-end development, computer coding jobs can be a flexible career that offers many specialization options. Our team of researchers have selected the best computer coding jobs on this list based on job growth projections as well as the latest technology industry trends shaping the IT landscape.
To help you get a better idea of what each job offers, we have also included information on their annual median salary and job outlook based on the information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics database.
Annual Median Salary: $78,300
Job Outlook Through 2031: 23%
Web development is typically separated into three distinct fields, which include front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development. Front-end developers write and implement the code that forms the head, style, and body elements of a website. The back-end developer facilitates fast web speeds and secures the site by conforming the databases, server, and hosting credentials. The full-stack developer performs both front-end and back-end responsibilities.
To become a web developer, you must be certified in several programming languages. This highly specialized coding job requires an in-depth understanding of programming, including complex coding to be able to build specific web platforms. An undergraduate degree in software development, computer science, or cloud computing is a good preparation for this career.
Annual Median Salary: $80,600 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 3%
Ensuring that all data and storage networks perform seamlessly is the primary task of network and computer systems administrators. They manage the organization’s servers, workstations, and mobile equipment, ensuring that all computers are connected to the central computer network. On most days, network and computer systems administrators collaborate with network architects in designing and analyzing network models.
When it comes to upgrading existing networks, network and computer systems administrators are the primary decision-makers. These professionals in coding have a bachelor’s degree that is focused on information technology, computer network, and system administration. Since the job also involves computer hardware and equipment, those with electrical and computer engineering degrees may also qualify for this role.
Annual Median Salary: $93,000
Job Outlook Through 2031: 11%
Business intelligence analysts gather and analyze data to identify trends and patterns from which they make recommendations for business actions. Modern-day business intelligence analysts have evolved. Since enterprises today have access to huge amounts of data, exceptional business intelligence analysts use coding skills in building more complex data analyses and visualizations.
To cite an example, business intelligence analysts can use Python in Power BI to automate a data manipulation step on a commonly used dataset. For business intelligence analysts, a bachelor’s degree in business, social science, or engineering, is a typical entry-level requirement. Some employers prefer candidates who hold a master’s degree in business administration.
Annual Median Salary: $93,000 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: -10%
Ensuring that software and applications run smoothly and seamlessly is the main role of computer programmers. They are responsible for the design of software systems, making sure that all mobile applications, websites, and video games run as intended. Computer programmers create code libraries as they work on various platforms, including OS X, Windows, and software-as-a-service (SaaS).
Tasked to manage the back-end of apps and websites, computer programmers are able to make the most complex designs appear simple, seamless, and functional to users. To take on this role, one must have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, mathematics, or any related degree. Some employers look for computer programmers that have experience in specific programming languages. The 10% decline in job projection for computer programmers (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022) is the result of the ability of AI to write and optimize, and even test code. However, even a full-fledged AI tool cannot replace programmers. Rather, it will help programmers as reliable coding partners.
Annual Median Salary: $99,270 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 9%
Also called systems architects, computer systems analysts help in improving efficiency by assessing the current computer systems and procedures of organizations and proposing design improvements. They specialize in specific computer systems based on organization types such as financial computer systems and engineering computer systems. They also provide inputs to the management on how to maximize the functionalities of computer systems to benefit the organization.
Using data modeling, computer systems analysts design processes and data flow from which they create a computer system design. They also perform in-depth evaluations of data trends to improve overall system efficiency. This coding job requires a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as mathematics. Taking business or management courses can be helpful because computer systems analysts are also involved in the business side of the organization.
Annual Median Salary: $100,338
Job Outlook Through 2031: 23%
While a user interface (UI)/user experience (UX) designer is often classified under web developers, their role is more focused on user experience. They are responsible for the design and implementation of all the experiences a user has when interacting with a digital tool. Working closely with the marketing team, the UI/UX designer creates a seamless web and mobile design by taking into account UI/UX best practices and principles across all digital platforms.
To gain specialized skills in the field of UI and UX design, graduates of computer science and programming degrees take additional courses on UI and UX design as offered by universities, which typically take two years to complete. UI/UX designers possess good communication skills, and can effectively listen to clients with empathy, understand what they need, and develop solutions that will address client needs.
Annual Median Salary: $100,910 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 36%
Data scientists use powerful technologies to dig into big data. They look for specific information and insights from raw data sets to provide companies with the right information for specific needs. Data scientists also look into historical data to make projections and solve complex problems. This job requires a continuing education as 47% of data scientists have an advanced degree, with 34% holding a master’s and 13% holding a Ph.D.
Equipped with technical, analytical, and communication skills, data scientists have a degree in computer science, mathematics, or science-based courses. They extract, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data by using data mining, AI, machine learning, and statistical tools. This is one of the most highly-paid coding jobs as they provide expertise for various business sectors.
Annual Median Salary: $101,000 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 9%
Organizing huge amounts of data is the main task of database administrators. They ensure that data analysts, as well as other users who will access the database, will be able to find the information that they need. Database administrators see to it that the database provides a seamless experience to all users. Part of their job is the monitoring of database systems and providing support as needed.
Since databases keep private information that needs to be secured at all times, database administrators also design security measures to ensure that all important information is kept secure from possible data breaches. Database administrators often have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, or a related field such as computer engineering. Some also study business to deepen their understanding of corporate systems.
Annual Median Salary: $102,600 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 35%
The information security analyst ensures protection from cybercriminals by using the best security software and encryption programs. As cyber-attacks evolve and become more sophisticated, information security analysts see to it that company data is protected at all times. Information security analysts also provide training on proper online protocols so as to avoid compromising confidential company data. The demand for jobs related to cybersecurity through 2031 has a projected growth rate of 253% over the national growth rate for overall employment (CompTIA, 2022).
Aside from keeping private networks safe, the information security analyst monitors computer networks and identifies possible vulnerabilities to keep security breaches at bay. Cyberattack simulation is regularly conducted on the organization’s IT system to keep everyone informed of possible security issues. As technologies employed by cybercriminals continue to evolve, so must the knowledge and skills of the information security analyst. This coding job typically starts with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or cloud computing and requires a solid foundation in IT.
Source: CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2022
Annual Median Salary: $109,020 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 25%
Software developers are the creators of software programs. They also take on the role of quality assurance analysts and testers when checking the software they have created. Software developers work closely with programmers who write the computer code for their programs. They listen to the requirements of the client, determine the core functionality required of the application, and develop the software.
Software developers also fix software errors by modifying code. Their work includes adapting the program to new hardware, improving software performance, and upgrading interfaces. Software developers direct system testing and validation and facilitate maintenance. This role typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics, plus, extensive knowledge of programming languages and the software development life-cycle.
Annual Median Salary: $113,111
Job Outlook Through 2031: 25%
Game development is a coding job that involves all the stages of video game production. From the initial concept to the final app testing, game developers translate ideas and game mechanics, and objectives into code. In many cases, they also contribute to creating the game storyline, building character profiles, designing the base engine, programming specific role-play mechanics, conceptualizing the audio and graphic design, identifying game specs, and testing the app prior to release.
Typically, game developers hold a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Experience in completing a full video game life-cycle is a must, as well as proficiency in C++ and other programming languages. Game developers are artistic, and have a sound working knowledge of coding software.
Annual Median Salary: $120,520 per year
Job Outlook Through 2031: 4%
Cloud solutions architects are computer network architects that design cloud-based applications for improving business operations. To meet the changing needs of businesses and enterprises, these professionals use their knowledge of cloud computing in designing specific cloud-based applications.
This coding job requires a strong background in computer operating systems, networking, programming languages, and security. Cloud solutions architects have a solid experience in computing with relevant certifications to be considered an expert in the field. They are knowledgeable in designing, integrating, and optimizing cloud-based applications.
Annual Median Salary: $121,065
Job Outlook Through 2031: 35%
While the role of a cyber security engineer is often confused with information security analysts, the role of the former incorporates electrical engineering and computer science skills to develop security solutions. They have an excellent understanding of technology infrastructures using VPN, data loss prevention, web proxy, IDS/IPS, and security audits.
Cybersecurity engineering is under the umbrella of software engineers. In 2021, the top software engineering roles include full stack engineer and backend engineer, which both gained 33% of interview requests. They protect businesses from potential cyber-attacks by creating new ways to safeguard sensitive databases. Cybersecurity engineers have a detailed understanding of cybersecurity methodologies and meticulous attention to detail. They are typically holders of bachelor’s degrees in computer science or systems engineering and are experts in various programming languages.
Median Annual Salary: $122,094
Job Outlook Through 2031: 25%
A mobile app developer is a very similar coding job to that of a software developer except that the former is focused on developing applications for smartphones and tablets. They have an excellent working knowledge of various platforms, such as Windows and Mac, and are adept at the use of computers running under various operating systems. They are known as cross-platform developers who can develop apps for both Android and iOS.
With their expertise in IT programming, mobile app developers use their in-depth knowledge of programming languages such as C++, HTML, Java, Objective-C, MySQL, and PHP. They collaborate with engineers and computer analysts in creating and developing mobile apps. Mobile app developers typically have an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related degree.
Median Annual Salary: $131,490
Job Outlook Through 2031: 21%
Machine learning engineers are computer research scientists that leverage their skills in coding and network management to create solutions based on the specific needs of clients. They develop AI software that can run on its own while automating predictive models for recommended searches, translation apps, virtual assistants, driverless cars, and chatbots. Machine learning engineers come up with accurate predictions by applying algorithms. They design machine learning systems and resolve data set problems.
Machine learning engineers have solid data science knowledge from years of experience in designing computing technology. Since they have solid knowledge of every stack of web technology, they are also considered full-stack machine learning developers. Among developers, 46.82% perform full-stack development (Stack Overflow, 2021). They have a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, mathematics, or a related field, plus, a graduate degree in computational linguistics, data analytics, and advanced proficiency in Python, Java, and R code writing.
Source: StackOverflow 2022 Developer Survey
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the IT field is projected to grow by around 25% through 2031. While there is a decreasing trend in the demand for computer programmers, this can be attributed to the rise of AI and machine learning, which will create more specialized roles.
We believe that this ongoing transition means more opportunities for those considering coding jobs. The industry is advancing. As technologies evolve, the types of jobs in technology will also evolve. Computer coding jobs salary is among the highest in the industry, and those who are quick to adapt and re-skill will get the most promising opportunities.
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by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
