Programming is a field of study that involves the creation of computer programs, websites, and applications. This field consists of various specialized paths, including cybersecurity, mobile development, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. Both beginners and experienced programmers seek jobs in fields like machine learning, big data, AI, and data science.
In this article, we’ll see some of the best programming jobs, the responsibilities that come with them, and their average salary.
Programming Careers
Computer programmers are highly qualified professionals who write and test code to ensure that computer systems operate correctly. These employees must be fluent in a variety of programming languages and possess high creative and analytical skills.
Programming career paths require a knowledge of technology, science, and math. Writing and testing code is a complex and often stressful process, so patience and problem-solving skills are necessary.
Types of coding jobs
The differences in types of programming languages and what job they’re used for make programmers very diverse. Every program uses a variety of code and phrases to accomplish computer applications and software. Depending on the project, the language used, and the job at hand, we can say types of programmers include:
- Web Programmers
- System Programmers
- Application Programmers
- Game Programmers
Computer Programming Jobs
When it comes to programming, a lot depends on the individual and their particular skill set to know which type of work suits them best. Let’s take a look at some of the most in-demand and lucrative jobs.
Salary data are taken on reports from Glassdoor.
1. Applications architect
Application architects supervise the design and construction of software applications. These professionals have experience with relevant development tools, specific application, and system architecture, in addition to a strong understanding of object-oriented design. They work with internal stakeholders and development teams on application design, execute and monitor application development phases, and document application development processes.
An applications architect uses programming languages such as AJAX, C#/C++, and LAMP.
Responsibilities
An applications architect performs some of the following tasks:
- Creating major aspects of an application’s architecture, such as the user interface, middleware, and infrastructure.
- Providing technical training to the application development team.
- Performing design and code reviews.
- Ensuring that uniform enterprise-wide application design requirements are applied.
- Collaborating with other stakeholders to guarantee that the architecture is in line with business needs.
- Integrating trends in application architecture into application development projects.
Salary
The national average salary for an applications architect is $113,757.
2. Data Scientist
A data scientist’s job entails a mix of computer science, statistics, and math. They analyze, process, and model data then interpret the results to create actionable strategies for businesses and other organizations. To engineer solutions, data scientists must be comfortable writing code in several languages. They usually write computer programs and analyze large datasets to uncover answers to complex problems.
A data scientist may use programming languages such as Java, R, Python, and SQL.
Responsibilities
Some typical responsibilities for a data scientist include:
- Acquiring, processing, and cleaning the data.
- Integrating and storing data.
- Measuring and improving results.
- Sourcing missing data.
- Creating visualizations of data.
- Presenting the final result to stakeholders.
- Analyzing data for trends and patterns.
- Making adjustments based on feedback.
- Setting up data infrastructure.
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining databases.
- Conducting investigation and exploratory data analysis.
Salary
The national average salary for a data scientist is $113,309.
3. Cloud Developer
A cloud developer does everything that computer programmers and web designers do. However, they build computer applications and software, the resources of which are taken from a cloud-based platform. These experts are primarily in charge of integrating and managing their organizations’ cloud infrastructure. Their key responsibility is to design, build, analyze, and manage the company’s cloud systems. The developer job description depends on the career path one chooses. They can fill the positions of:
- Cloud architect
- Cloud consultant
- Cloud engineer
- Cloud software developer
A cloud developer uses programming languages such as Java, PHP, and .NET.
Responsibilities
A cloud developer’s daily duties include:
- Designing, implementing and managing the strategies that the company will adopt with regards to the cloud.
- Aligning corporate cloud strategies with the company’s overall goals and visions.
- Ensuring that the data processing solutions are functional and that accesses and data are correctly processed.
- Ensuring the best practices are followed.
- Keeping costs down and maintaining solutions secure.
- Creating and developing cloud-based web services.
- Automating cloud-based platforms throughout the company.
- Staying current with industry trends and making recommendations as needed.
Salary
The national average salary for a Cloud Developer is $103,780.
4. Mobile applications developer
Mobile application developers usually specialize in a particular development field, such as mobile phone apps, graphics software, accounting software, or office suites. These professionals learn the programming languages and software development environment for their chosen platform. Several versions are made of the same basic application that can be read by different devices, such as phones, tablets, and personal computers.
A mobile applications developer uses programming languages such as C#, Java, Objective-C.
Responsibilities
A mobile applications developer’s duties include:
- Creating, testing, and programming apps for mobile phones and tablets.
- Consulting with colleagues about the client’s requirements and the suggested solutions.
- Developing application programming interfaces (APIs) to support mobile functionality.
- Staying updated with the latest terms, principles, and best practices for mobile coding applications.
- Adapting and repurposing current web apps for mobile use.
- Collaborating with colleagues to regularly innovate app functionality and design.
- Ensuring coherence between the functional and the technical side.
Salary
The national average salary for a Mobile Applications Developer is $96,016.
5. ERP developer
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Management, the process of gathering and organizing business data through an integrated software suite. ERP developers create and maintain ERP software. These professionals need strong analytical and critical thinking skills and prior experience working with business database systems. ERP programmers also have to integrate software into the company’s ERP system and keep technical documentation for the same.
An ERP developer uses programming languages such as Java, PHP, and SQL.
Responsibilities
An ERP developer’s key responsibilities include:
- Creating reports based on employee data.
- Altering the ERP software’s user interface and usability.
- Updating the best practices guidelines.
- Repairing software defects.
- Bringing out testing ideas for different units.
- Checking software, interfaces, and schemes.
- Customizing elements of the ERP software system.
Salary
The national average salary for an ERP developer is $84,325.
6. Software developer
Software developers are professionals who build software that runs across different types of computers. They write code from scratch to create programs for desktop and mobile platforms. Some software developers build applications that enable users to perform specific tasks on a computer or mobile device, while others focus on the networks’ inner systems. Many also serve as information technology specialists in addition to their software development roles within a company. A software developer uses programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python.
Responsibilities
Duties of a software developer consist of:
- Reviewing the current working system of the client.
- Reviewing requirement documents in case of a new system.
- Improving current systems or requirements, including cost proposal.
- Identifying weaknesses in existing programs, operating systems, or applications.
- Working closely with a business analyst, client employees, and designer.
- Preparing training manuals to be used by application users.
- Attending meetings with clients, computer programmers, and other staff.
- Developing a well-thought-out plan to produce a program that meets the needs of a client.
- Testing the entire program to ensure it works according to a design created in the requirement phase.
Salary
The average salary for a software developer is $76,526.
7. Database Developer
Database developers are professionals who design database systems from scratch. They are generally responsible for the performance, integrity, and security of databases. They are also involved in the planning, developing, and troubleshooting of databases. A database developer needs to be proactive at dealing with issues while adhering to company standards.
A database developer uses programming languages such as SQL, Python, Java.
Responsibilities
Typical duties of a database developer are:
- Providing guidance and support to Application Developers.
- Assisting with schema design and code review.
- Making recommendations for system improvements proactively and regularly.
- Collating, preparing, and presenting statistical information for internal and external use.
- Preparing and maintaining reports of the entire back-end development life cycle.
- Working with the front-end development team and helping in integrating the modules.
Salary
The national average salary for a Database Developer is $73,506.
8. Web developer
A web developer is an IT professional who codes and maintains the appearance of a website or web application. These professionals are also in charge of the site’s technical aspects, like its performance and capacity. Some web developers work on all aspects of a website’s creation, while others specialize in a specific area of it. Types of specialized web developers are back-end, front-end, and full-stack developers.
A web developer uses programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Responsibilities
A web developer’s duties include:
- Designing and creating websites.
- Testing and evaluating a site to make sure it meets quality standards before it is launched.
- Monitoring the site’s continued performance.
- Troubleshooting any technical problems that might arise.
- Ensuring their websites and programs meet current security standards.
- Creating the internal structure of the website to make it functional.
- Simplifying the process of transferring data between the browser and server.
- Taking care of the framework, server-side functions, API integration, and business logic of any website.
Salary
The average annual salary for a web developer is $68,524.
So, there you have it. Did any of these positions sound like something you want to do? If you’re interested in starting a career in programming, having a fundamental understanding of technology principles is a must. Start your journey by enrolling in our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program.
