What Types of Jobs Can Coders Get?
Whether you're just starting out or planning a career change, learning to code may be a smart investment in your future. Ups and downs in the number of tech jobs over the last few years may have made you wonder if coding is still a viable career path, but the answer is a resounding yes.
With so many types of business organizations using increasingly sophisticated technology, the demand for qualified coders continues to grow. Experts predict that more and more opportunities will arise for software and web developers, database administrators and data scientists, and information security analysts. Among the most desirable coding skills will be a knowledge of Java, SQL, JavaScript, and Python.
Read on to learn more about coding careers and the specific skills that will help you land a great coding job.
Discover what tech industry professionals have to say about the bootcamps they've attended and how the experience helped their careers.
What Makes a Good Coder?
If you're like many prospective bootcamp students, you may question whether coding is the right career for you. While it's relatively easy to acquire some level of proficiency in coding skills, you also need to have the right mindset and temperament to succeed in this field.
One of the most important characteristics of a good coder is a commitment to continuous learning. Technology never stops changing, and coding professionals never stop adapting to change by acquiring new skills. Even after you've completed a formal coding program, learning will be a standard part of the job.
Employers also look for coders who have a broad range of technical know-how stemming from both education and experience. Of course, you need to master a coding skill, such as working with a particular programming language. However, you'll increase your job prospects and opportunities for advancement if you acquire additional knowledge about other programming languages, development processes, and software programs.
You'll also need several key soft skills to succeed as a coder. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively, are essential. In terms of how you approach your work, it's important to be able to analyze situations, think creatively, and imagine new solutions to existing problems. Also, good coders are usually detail oriented, well organized, and proficient at managing their time.
Which coding bootcamp is best for your needs? Review our ranked listings of the best bootcamp options.
Coding Bootcamp Careers
Great coding jobs are available in virtually every industry and in for-profit and nonprofit organizations alike. Once you've completed a coding bootcamp, you'll find opportunities to put your coding skills to work in healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and more. The following are some of the most common jobs for coders based on information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Software Developers
Software developers often work with computer programmers and UI/UX designers to develop software programs, applications, and systems. They typically begin by meeting with a client to establish how users will interact with the program or app. They then diagram and model the program to show coders how it will function. Although software developers often collaborate with coders, they should also know common coding languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, CSS, and HTML.
Data Scientists
When data scientists start a new project, they usually begin by identifying data sources that will help solve a specific problem, often a business problem. They may have to "clean" the raw data they've collected before they can create algorithms and models to process and evaluate the data. Using their analytical skills, they then provide their findings and business recommendations to the client. Data scientists use a variety of languages to perform their work, including Python, JavaScript, Scala, and others.
Web Developers
Similar to software developers, web developers design websites for clients. After discussing the objectives and purpose of a new site, web developers write the code that's used to create the site's look and functionality. They often need to create prototypes and mockups of their designs to get the client's approval before completing a project. Some developers, called back-end developers, specialize in the technical construction of the website, while front-end developers usually specialize in designing the website's customer-facing visual presentation. Full-stack developers have the skills to perform both front-end and back-end work. Among the many languages commonly used in web development are Javascript, HTML, CSS, PHP, Java, Python, and Ruby.
Database Administrators
Database administrators design, build, and maintain databases containing data used by data analysts and others to solve problems. Because databases often include sensitive information, database administrators also need to take security measures to protect the data. This is another occupation that requires meeting with clients to determine their needs and confirm that the project is on track as development progresses. Database administrators also employ many programming languages to perform their work, including C#, HTML, Java, Python, SQL, JavaScript, and more.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Network and computer systems administrators oversee an organization's networks and systems. They determine the organization's needs, acquire and install the appropriate hardware and software, maintain security, and train users to operate the system and its software. Administrators also need to understand and resolve problems within a network or system, which is why it's useful for them to know C#, C++, Java, or Python.
You may also be interested in some of these additional coding job opportunities:
- Video game developers typically use C#, C++, and other programming languages to create the look and functionality of video games. They often collaborate with animators, artists, writers, and others when developing games.
- Information security analysts are responsible for protecting their organizations' security networks. They look for weaknesses, create safeguards, and implement recovery plans in the event of a security breach. Analysts often have a broad knowledge of many coding languages, including Java, JavaScript, Python, and SQL.
- Computer systems engineers use complex code to design systems for networks and applications, as well as to improve the functionality, accessibility, and integration of systems. These engineers often use diverse languages, such as C++, SysML, and Python, for different aspects of their work.
- Mobile app developers design applications for mobile devices. Often working collaboratively with graphic designers and writers, mobile app developers create apps with different purposes, including banking, shopping, and gaming. Some developers write their own code with Java, JavaScript, Swift, or similar languages, while others use simple app-building tools or work with coders.
- UX/UI designers enhance the way users interact with any type of website, app, or interactive media. They may improve the way the media looks or the way it functions. Although coding skills are not required for this role, a knowledge of programming languages like CSS and HTML may be helpful, especially when communicating with other team members.
- Computer and information systems managers are experienced professionals who coordinate all computer-related activities within an organization. In addition to coding skills, these high-level managers also need leadership abilities and business acumen.
Coding Career FAQs
How Much Do Coding Jobs Pay?
According to the BLS, jobs for coders generally feature lucrative salaries. The median annual wage for computer and information technology jobs across the nation was $100,530 as of May 2022, while the median for all occupations was $46,310. Salaries vary, however, depending on job responsibilities, location, and experience level.
Can You Get a Coding Job Without a Degree?
Yes, you can get a coding job without a degree. In the tech industry, many employers focus on your skills rather than your college education. Even some of the most prestigious tech organizations like Amazon, Facebook, and Google may be willing to hire you if you've developed top-notch coding abilities on your own or by completing a coding bootcamp instead of college courses. However, there are some employers who require a computer science bachelor's degree or something similar, especially for more advanced or specialized positions.
Are Coding Jobs in Demand?
Yes, coding jobs are in demand, and the BLS expects the number of jobs for computer and information technology professionals overall to increase by about 377,500 openings each year through 2032. To offer some specific examples, demand for software developers is projected to grow by 25%, for data scientists by 35%, and for information security analysts by 32%.
Although jobs for coders can be found all across the country, demand may be higher in metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels for computer programmers. These include New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington D.C., and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Do People Get Hired After Coding Bootcamps?
Yes, people definitely get hired after coding bootcamps. Many graduates say the effort and expense they put into completing a bootcamp were worth it because they were then able to build coding careers as software developers, web developers, data scientists, and more. Although you'll need to focus and work hard to acquire marketable skills and abilities, this type of streamlined training program can be the launching pad for a successful bootcamp career.
