Coding

Coding lets us create software, apps and websites using code, a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. Like the instructions that come with a new video game, code is often written in multiple languages, called programming languages. If you love figuring out how things work, try coding!

What is Coding?

Companies rely on coders to build their products and websites. Coding is a highly specialized skill that tends to pay high wages. The typical coder with a bachelor’s degree and two or more years of experience makes about $89,233 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

A college degree is encouraged but not required. You might hear coders referred to as developers, programmers, or engineers. The term used depends on the job. Coders might work as front-end developers: building and editing the parts of apps and websites that users interact with. Or they might specialize in back-end development: managing how a database communicates with a browser, and making updates to improve a site’s performance. Some coders are full-stack developers, meaning they handle both front and back-end development.

 

To be successful, coders need to understand multiple programming languages. They also need to be able to switch between noticing tiny details and thinking about the big picture. Some jobs in coding require a very logical, orderly approach, while others call for creativity and a lot of imagination.

 

See below for different kinds of coding jobs you could pursue.

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Example Careers

Full-Stack Web Developers

Education Requirements
A bachelor's degree or code school certification is typically required for these jobs.

Average Salary
$83K


Full stack web developers develop visually appealing front end website architecture, including translating designer mock-ups and wireframes into front-end code. They also design user interactions on web pages, and develop functional databases, applications, and servers to support websites on the back end. Although it is possible to become a web developer with an associate's degree in a relevant subject, such as computer programming, many employers require full stack developers to have a bachelor's degree.

Front End Developers

Education Requirements
A minimum of a bachelor's degree

Average Salary
$54K


A front-end developer is generally expected to develop functional and appealing web and mobile based applications based on usability, provide website maintenance and enhancements, use a combination of markup languages to write web pages, and write functional requirement documents and specifications. Front-end developers need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.

Database Administrator

Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree or Master's degree

Average Salary
$82K


Your responsibility as a database administrator (DBA) will be the performance, integrity and security of a database. You'll be involved in the planning and development of the database, as well as in troubleshooting any issues on behalf of the users. Database administrators need at least a bachelor's degree in information science or computer science for most entry-level positions. Depending on the size and complexity of their company or governing body, these professionals may need a master's degree in database administration or information technology.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Education Requirements
Minimum of a bachelor's degree is required

Average Salary
$85K


A business intelligence analyst is responsible for managing data retrieval and analysis within an organization. their duties include organizing data points, communicating between upper management and the IT department and analyzing data to determine a corporation's needs. Business intelligence analysts need at minimum a bachelor's degree in statistics, computer science, business administration or a related field.

Software Developer

Education Requirements
Minimum of Bachelor's degree or masters.

Average Salary
$78K


A software developer is responsible for using their knowledge of programming languages to design software programs. Their duties include meeting with clients to determine their software needs, coding and testing software to ensure functionality and updating software programs to refine components like cybersecurity measures, and data storage capacities. Software developers typically need a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science or a similar field. Some of the senior-level roles may necessitate a master's degree.

Medical Coding Instructor

Education Requirements
Associates degree in medical billing and coding certification

Average Salary
$53K


As a medical coding instructor, you teach students on the proper application of coding and billing medical records within healthcare industry standards. Your duties are to prepare curricula, plan assignments, grade tests, evaluate student progress, provide course materials, and answer questions. To become a medical coding as well as certification, including passing the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Help Desk Analyst

Education Requirements
Formal education is not required for all help desk analyst positions, but many employers look for applicants with an associate's or bachelor's degree

Average Salary
$45K


Help desk analysts are on the frontline of customer support. They are focused on helping to resolve technical issues end users encounter, or connecting those users with more intensive IT support, when needed. This includes receiving, prioritizing, documenting, and actively resolving end user help requests. Although formal education is not required for all help desk analyst positions, many employers look for applicants with an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems.

Career salary data provided by: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook handbook and O*NET OnLine.

If coding is not your thing, there are more areas of tech!

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