8 Types of Coding Jobs (+ Tips to Get Hired)

Coding ranks among the most in-demand job skills. If you know how to code, you could find success in a range of jobs both in and out of the tech industry.

In this article, we'll go over several types of coding jobs to consider and offer tips on what coding languages to learn to get the job you want. Consider the below languages as your starting point. You'll likely want to learn additional languages as you continue growing throughout your career in coding.

Murtadha Al-Tameemi, a Meta software engineer with a decade of experience, remembers a time when he frequently chose the comfort of frameworks he already knew over trying something different.

"I learned that was holding me back from growing and learning," he says. "Now I try to go out of my way to keep up with new technologies in my field and adopt the newest stuff even if it comes at the expense of slowing me down while I have to learn."

8 coding jobs + what languages to learn

The prevalence of technology means that familiarity with coding can help across many jobs and industries. Here are a few coding jobs to consider. Average median salary information comes from the latest statistics from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook as of March 2024.

1. Web developer

Web developers write code to create and maintain websites. Depending on the type of developer, you may specialize in front-end development (the parts of a site a user interacts with), back-end development (the behind-the-scenes part), or full-stack development (front and back end) development.

Median US salary: $78,580 [1]

Best coding language(s) to learn: HTML, PHP, or JavaScript for front-end; Python, Java, or Ruby for back-end

2. Software engineer/software developer

Software engineers build software applications such as computer games, web or mobile applications, and network control systems. You might specialize in systems development, application development, or quality assurance testing within this field.

Median US salary: $127,260 [2]

Best coding language(s) to learn: Python, Java, C++

Read more: Being a Python Developer: What They Can Do, Earn, and More

3. IT technician

While knowing how to code is only sometimes required to get a job in IT, basic coding skills can certainly help. IT technicians write code to automate solutions to common IT problems and administrative tasks.

Median US salary: $59,660 [3]

Best coding language(s) to learn: Python

4. Data scientist

Data scientists are in demand across a range of industries for their skills in leveraging data to help drive business decisions. In this role, you'll use programming languages to identify patterns and trends in data, build algorithms and models, and visualize data to communicate your findings better.

Median US salary: $103,500 [4]

Best coding language(s) to learn: SQL, Python, R

Read more: Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should I Learn?

5. Systems administrator

Systems administrators, sometimes called sysadmins, ensure a company's computer systems are functional and efficient. This typically involves configuring, upgrading, and troubleshooting servers and networks and monitoring security. 

Median US salary: $90,520 [5]

Best coding language(s) to learn: Python, Perl, Bash, PowerShell

6. Product manager

Product managers oversee the vision, business strategy, and development of specific products. As a product manager developing digital products, you may find that coding experience can help facilitate better team communication and help you troubleshoot technical issues as they arise.

Median US salary: $164,070 [6]

Best coding language(s) to learn: JavaScript, Python, SQL

7. Cybersecurity analyst

As a cybersecurity analyst, it's your job to protect your company's networks from unauthorized access and respond to security breaches when they do happen. A foundational understanding of programming empowers security analysts to automate some everyday security tasks.

Median US salary: $112,000 [7]

Best coding language(s) to learn: JavaScript, Python, C, C++

8. User experience (UX) designer

UX designers help ensure that digital products are usable, accessible, and enjoyable by designing with the end user in mind. While you don't have to know how to code to be a UX designer, having this skill may make you a better collaborative partner with the engineers you work with.

Median US salary: $83,240 [1]

Best coding language(s) to learn: HTML, CSS, JavaScript

5 coding languages for beginners

If you're new to coding, start with one of these programming languages:

1. Swift: This language is used to create many Apple products, including iOS, tvOS, and macOS applications. It was built to be easy and efficient, with a simple syntax that you'll be able to understand even without any coding experience.

2. JavaScript: This is another prevalent language used to create content on the internet, and front-end developers are particularly fond of it. It's easy to learn because it's so widespread with a helpful community, and it's made with non-programmers in mind, making it a good starter language.

3. C: This general-purpose coding language is a good foundation, and it's commonly used to build applications ranging from Unix to Windows to Photoshop. It has a simple 32-word syntax with easily understood data structures.

4. Python: Data scientists, AI/machine learning professionals, web developers, and embedded application developers often prefer using Python. It's got plenty of white space and numerous libraries that help make this high-level, general-purpose language easy to learn.

5. Java: This general-purpose, object-oriented language is popular with back-end developers and anyone creating security applications. It has a concise, intuitive syntax and structure that makes learning easy.

Tips for getting a coding job

As you start looking for your next coding job, keep these tips in mind: 

You can gain experience through freelancing. 

Many organizations need computer programmers and coders to solve their problems, and they're sometimes willing to hire someone with less experience. 

Freelancers often take jobs that don't require full-time employees but still are necessary to have done. These temporary positions can be an effective way to build your portfolio and resume. 

Examples of businesses that might hire you as a freelance coder include entrepreneurs, small businesses, and individuals who need some help with coding.

Build a programming portfolio. 

For coders, portfolios are everything. The old adage for writers, "Show, don't tell," also applies to coders. Having a well-rounded portfolio can be a real asset when looking for coding jobs. 

To create one, you'll need some projects to showcase. If you went through bootcamp or completed certifications, you should have some projects to use. Go through your projects and make sure your code is efficient and readable, and add comments to explain different parts of it.

Enhance your resume.

The portfolio is essential, but you still need a strong resume. We've got a few tips to help get you started with creating it:

• Include all programming languages you're proficient in and your level.

• List relevant workplace skills, including the ability to think analytically.

• Tailor your resume to the coding job you're applying for by matching your experience with the job description.

• Demonstrate the impact you made in past roles using metrics when possible.

Prepare for a technical interview.

You may be asked to complete a technical interview during the interview process for many coding jobs. These interviews often include questions about your technical skills and a live coding test. Ask the recruiter what you should expect from the interview process, and if that consists of a technical interview, spend some time going over common technical interview questions.

Can you get a coding job without a degree? 

It's entirely possible to get a coding job without a degree. With the proper support and training, you can launch a career in coding, and coding-related jobs are increasingly in demand. BLS projects that the IT field will grow by around 25 percent between 2021 and 2031, much faster than average for other occupations [8]. Additionally, basic coding is an in-demand skill, even for non-tech jobs, according to HR Forecast [9].

Although you can get a degree if you want to, you don’t need one to break into this field. Many jobs ask potential candidates to pass technical assessments before hiring them. You can master the skills you’ll need in various ways, including online courses, certifications, and bootcamps.

Build in-demand coding skills on Coursera 

You can sharpen your coding skills at your own pace with a beginner-friendly online course from a top university.

In the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization, you'll learn fundamental programming concepts, including data structures, networked application program interfaces, and databases, along with how to use the Python programming language. In the University of Michigan's Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization, meanwhile, learn how to build a responsive and accessible web portfolio using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.