Top 10 Fastest-Growing Coding Jobs
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- Data science is the fastest-growing job where coding skills are useful.
- Coding jobs often require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.
- Many coding jobs offer higher-than-average job salaries.
If job growth was a race to the finish, then coding jobs are toward the front of the pack, if not leading the way.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the computer and information technology industry, which includes coding jobs, to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022-2032.
An increase in demand for tech-related goods and services is fueling that growth. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation reports that information technology (IT) helps improve quality and efficiency across all industries. Coding is one of the many services making a significant contribution.
A coding job is any role where coding skills are useful. Professionals in these positions might write code to create more structured data or automate tasks with popular programming languages like Python. Coders can include software engineers, data scientists, web developers, and more.
BLS data shows that many growing coding roles earned a median of more than $80,000 per year in 2022. The Bureau projects positions for data scientists, who are increasingly encouraged to focus on coding skills, will grow 35% between 2022 and 2032.
Which other coding-related jobs are growing? Here are the 10 fastest-growing coding jobs in the U.S., according to BLS projections between 2022 and 2032.
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Fastest-Growing Jobs with Coding Skills
1. Data Scientist
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 35%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $103,500
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science
A data scientist uses mathematical and statistical techniques to transform raw data into meaningful information. Data scientists help businesses make data-driven decisions and interact with code in various ways. They use coding to visualize data, build deep learning models that can make predictions about data, and perform efficient statistical analysis.
2. Information Security Analyst
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 32%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $112,000
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science
Information security analysts help protect an organization’s information and mitigate security threats. Coding is not always a requirement for information security analysts, but it can help them stand out. For example, they can recommend specific programming for security controls, understand automated vulnerability assessments, or write code for specific security measures.
3. Software Developer
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 25%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $124,200
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology
Software developers (often called software engineers) design, develop, test, and maintain software applications or systems. A software developer works extensively with code, including using programming languages to create instructions for computer programs, analyzing code to troubleshoot problems, and writing code to test the functionality of a program.
4. Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 23%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $136,620
- Typical Education: Master’s degree in computer science
Computer and information research scientists (also known as computer scientists) conduct research and develop innovations in the field of computer science. Computer scientists use code to analyze and model large datasets, create models of complex systems, and develop software tools to support their research. Computer and information systems managers may need a master’s degree and five years or more of related work experience.
5. Web Developer
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 16%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $80,730
- Typical Education: Varies (high school diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and/or work experience)
Web developers build and maintain websites. A web developer works with code daily. They write in various programming languages (such as CSS, Javascript, and HTML) to structure the content of webpages. They inspect code to identify and debug errors in websites. They also utilize code to ensure websites function properly, are visually appealing, and are user-friendly.
6. Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 15%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $164,070
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer or information science
Computer and information systems managers oversee and manage computer-related activities. A computer and information systems manager has high-level interactions with code. They review, make decisions, and oversee coding-related projects, optimization efforts, and more. Computer and information systems managers may need five years or more of related work experience.
7. Computer Systems Analyst
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 10%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $102,240
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in information systems or computer science
Computer systems analysts identify and design improvements for an organization’s computer systems. A computer systems analyst reviews code to understand a system’s strengths and weaknesses. They may translate code-related information for non-technical stakeholders. They may also work with code during system upgrades or maintenance activities.
8. Database Administrator
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 8%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $112,120
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in database management
Database administrators manage and maintain databases within organizations. A database administrator analyzes code written by software developers or data analysts to ensure they are efficient and perform well. They use programming languages to write and maintain stored procedures. They also work with code to control access and security within the database.
9. Computer Support Specialist
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 5%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $59,660
- Typical Education: Varies (high school diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and/or work experience)
A computer support specialist helps users with technical issues related to computer hardware, software, networks, and other technology systems. Computer support specialists sometimes work with code. They may need to identify issues with code and find solutions to fix them. They may also use code scripting to streamline their workflows.
10. Computer Network Architect
- Projected 10-Year Growth: 4%
- Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $126,900
- Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field
Computer network architects design and build communication networks for organizations. A computer network architect sometimes encounters code. They may use code or scripting languages to watch and analyze network traffic. Some roles require familiarity with coding-like syntaxes and structures to design and install networks.
How Much Do Coding Jobs Pay?
The highest-paying jobs involving coding are computer and information systems managers. According to the BLS, computer and information systems managers earned a median of $164,070 annually in 2022. However, professionals often must have a master’s degree to pursue this role.
Other high-paying coding-related roles include computer and information research scientists ($136,620), computer network architects ($126,900), and software developers ($124,200), BLS data shows.
According to Payscale data, the average salary for a computer science bachelor’s degree-holder is $72,000 (as of October 2023) for roles like software engineer, network engineer, and security analyst. An associate degree in computer science pays $61,000 on average.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coding Jobs
Can a coding bootcamp get you a job?
A coding bootcamp can get you a job working in tech. Amazon Web Services, Google, Facebook, and other top tech companies hire bootcamp grads for web developer, cybersecurity analyst, and technical support engineer roles. Average salaries for bootcamp alums may range from $70,000-$91,000, according to BestColleges research.
Coding bootcamps provide career-focused training and can lead to coding jobs in less than a year. Traditionally, employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a coding-related field. However, a 2021 study by Switchup reports bootcamp alums had similar average employment at major tech companies as computer science graduates.
Does coding require math?
Yes, but basic math. In fact, most people already have the essential math skills to learn basic coding. Coding jobs often require a foundation in basic arithmetic, Boolean algebra, binary math, and introductory statistics. More advanced tech roles like data scientist and engineer require advanced math skills.
Is coding easy or hard?
Generally, coding is not difficult to learn if you have the time and passion for learning. But it depends on the person. Not everyone can easily learn to code. For that reason, coding bootcamps often require tech assessments and introductory courses to get all students on the same level. Ultimately, the level of complexity depends on your career end goal.
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