Are you thinking about learning how to get a job in coding? You can work among app developers, coding specialists, software developers, and similar coding professionals in no time. Learning to code offers fantastic career opportunities, a generous salary, and high job security. This detailed guide can tell you everything you need to know about getting a job in coding.
Read below to see information on coding education pathways, senior-level, mid-level and entry-level jobs for coding, and the job outlook for programming jobs. If you want to learn how to get a job in coding, continue reading.
Key Takeaways
- The job outlook for software developers is growing at a rate of 22 percent.
- Education options for becoming a coder include coding bootcamps, community college programs, and four-year degrees.
- Coding certifications can enhance employability. Some of the most prestigious ones are Adobe Certified Professional, AWS Certified Developer, and Oracle Cloud Platform Digital Assistant.
- To increase your chances of getting a job in coding, work on personal coding projects, have your code reviewed by professionals, engage in pair programming with experts, complete coding challenges, and consider freelancing.
- Building connections through networking is important in the coding industry and can help you find job opportunities.
- Online job platforms like GitHub, ITJobPro, Dice, Toptal, and Upwork are good resources for finding coding job opportunities.
What Is Coding?
Coding, also known as programming, is the practice and method of communicating with computers. Professionals use programming languages like Python and Java to write code as instructions for computers. When you get a job in coding, you can create software applications and develop advanced websites.
The coding field has countless career opportunities, which include data science, software engineering, cyber security, and application development. Many of these careers don’t center specifically on coding, yet programming is pivotal to performing their duties. There is a wide variety of jobs out there for coders.
Coding Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for programmers will decline by 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. Some companies hire coders from outside of the country because they can pay lower wages, which is why the coding job outlook is on a decline.
However, the BLS also reports that the outlook for software developers is at 22 percent for the same time frame, so other coding jobs are still growing quickly. The coding job outlook is still positive if you look at the bigger picture. Learning how to get a job in coding is worth it if you keep a positive attitude.
What Education Do I Need to Become a Coder?
To become a coder, you can get an education through a bootcamp program, community college, or a four-year degree. Each one of these options can give you the experience you need. Provided you have the relevant skills, you should be eligible for most job openings. Coding bootcamps are arguably the best way to learn how to get a job in coding because of their career services.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Coding?
Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you find job placement. Coding bootcamps are popular among coding professionals and employers. You can study online, attend workshops, network with professionals in your field, and learn soft skills. Some bootcamps are challenging to get into, so check your eligibility with their entry requirements.
Common Coding Education Paths
To get a job in coding, you can choose from multiple education paths. Some coding specialists choose coding bootcamps, others prefer community college, and many go through degree programs. All these education paths will help you become a coder. Read below to learn more about how to get a job as a coder with these resources.
Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are one of the best methods to break into coding because you can learn programming skills quickly. Bootcamp graduates can progress into a wide range of developer roles while spending less money and time studying. You can attend one of the best coding bootcamps, best JavaScript bootcamps, best Python bootcamps, and more to get a job in coding.
Community College
A community college provides associate degree and certificate programs to teach you coding basics. Some community colleges offer online coding classes, and many will enhance your learning experience through career support programs. The programs at community colleges usually take between six months and two years to complete, after which you can get an entry-level coding job.
Coding Degrees
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science will provide formal training to teach you the basics and complex coding technical skills. You can complete a bachelor’s degree in four years and a master’s in two. With a college degree in coding, your job hunt will be much easier. However, having job experience is better to get a job in coding, and degree programs are expensive.
Coding Certifications
Whether you have a coding degree or not, coding certifications will maximize your employability chances so you can get a job in coding. These certifications prove you have the required skills for coding jobs, and you can find beginner and expert certifications. These are the top three coding certifications in 2022.
Adobe Certified Professional – Adobe Workfront Core Developer
If you’re a master using the Adobe Suite, consider earning this certification. You have to complete an exam to gain this certification and have hands-on training. Having this certification will verify your technical skills for Adobe and help you with managerial roles like project management.
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
If you want to learn Amazon Web Services (AWS), complete the exam and earn this certification. The exam comprises a multiple-answer section and multiple-choice questions. To obtain this certification and get a job in coding for AWS, you should understand one high-level coding language and have basic cloud application coding skills.
Oracle Cloud Platform Digital Assistant 2022 Certified Professional
This expert certification is designed for senior developers and requires you to pass one exam. It runs for 90 minutes and costs $297, and you can take a prep course from Oracle to help you study and later get a job in coding. Industry experience is ideal for this certification, and you should have mastered app development with Oracle APEX.
How to Get a Job in Coding
To get a job in coding, consider working on a personal project and having your code reviewed by a professional. Pair programming and coding tests will help you master your skills, and you should also research the hiring company to make sure it meets your values and median salary expectations. Learn how to get a job in coding with these expert tips.
Develop a Coding Project
To start a programming career, work on a side project to practice your coding skills and demonstrate your expertise. This side project can be a website, an app, or similar software. Most coding specialists have worked on several personal projects to showcase their various strengths in a portfolio, which can help you get a coding job.
Have Your Code Reviewed
Network with fellow programmers and ask them to review your code. Although you can also use tools for this, finding other programmers in your industry offers a wider range of benefits. Having your code reviewed helps identify your weaknesses to improve before applying for a job in coding. You can also talk to peers about how to get a job as a coder with your portfolio.
Do Pair Programming With an Expert
If you’ve found an expert programmer from networking, engage in some pair programming. Pair programming consists of working with another programmer at a workstation and completing a coding project together. The expert can mentor you and help you avoid common mistakes. Once you get a job in coding, you can put these collaboration skills into practice.
Complete Coding Challenges
Coding specialists often complete programming challenges to hone their skills and expand their expertise. There are many coding challenges for beginners where you can practice beforehand and ramp up the difficulty level as you progress. Coding challenges and competitions can also help you meet fellow programmers and learn how to get a job coding.
Start With Freelancing and the ‘Gig’!
Many coders start freelancing because it helps them get a sense of different work environments. Freelancing can be difficult, and it can be hard to get coding gigs, especially if you have no experience. Once you build your coding portfolio, you can create a profile on a website like Upwork or Toptal and start looking at jobs for software developers.
Use your coding bootcamp experience and your different coding projects to show prospective employers what you can do. You can also speak to peers and contacts from your bootcamp and advertise that you’re open to work and that you want to get a coding job. Remember that most businesses need coders, so you should put yourself out there to find your first coding gig.
Pros and Cons of Freelancing
Many people glamorize the freelancing world. Although working remotely and on your own time is attractive, it is difficult. You have to motivate yourself and work hard to find good coding gigs, which can be exhausting. Sometimes, becoming a salaried employee is an easier path. If you want to learn how to get a job in coding, though, freelancing can be a good place to start.
Build Connections and Credibility
Networking in the industry is one of the best ways to learn how to get a job in coding. Making connections in school, from your coding bootcamp, or with peers online can help you build your credibility and access more opportunities. If you’re unsure of where to start, try reaching out to experienced coders on LinkedIn.
Getting a job in coding is difficult if you don’t know anyone in the industry. Once you start networking, you can learn about job opportunities and use your connections as references. This can make it a lot easier to get a coding job.
Research the Hiring Company
Knowing the details about the company you’re applying to is fundamental. By understanding the business, you can personalize an engaging cover letter for the hiring manager to prove you’re interested in the company. Doing this will also help you get better prepared for potential answers to the organization’s interview questions. This is an important step when learning how to get a job as a coder.
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Prepare for the Technical Interview
You will need to prepare for your coding interview by practicing your skills and gaining a solid understanding of typical interview questions. Once you prepare your answers, you can feel more confident when speaking to the hiring manager. Below are some common coding interview questions that you might encounter while you research how to prepare for coding interviews.
Coding Interview Questions
- When using Java, how do you reverse an array in place?
- What are some personal projects you’ve developed? Were there any challenges in each project, and how did you solve this?
- Using Stack, how do you determine the sum of two linked lists?
- How do we print all leaves of a binary tree? Why do we do this?
Keep Learning
Even after you get a job in tech, you should keep honing your craft. Coding standards are always changing, which means the needs of the industry are changing, too. If you want to get a coding job, you should try your best to stay up-to-date with new advances in the programming world. Read coding blogs, stay active on social media, and communicate with fellow coders.
Key Coding Skills to List on Your Resume
When putting together a resume for a coding job, you need to include programming language skills. You should also add vital soft skills like analytical thinking and patience. Below are the top three skills that you should include on a coding resume. You will also see how to build coding skills, resume tips, and other resources.
Programming Languages
To apply for coding positions, you need to add programming languages to your resume. Software developers, app developers, and even senior developers always include the coding languages they’ve mastered in their resumes. If you haven’t already, you should learn Python, JavaScript, Ruby, CSS, C++, or HTML. These are the most important coding skills on your resume.
Analytical Thinking
For whichever developer job you choose, you must know how to think analytically. Coding specialists work with complex programming tools to solve challenging problems. You must know how to apply analytical thinking to any coding job, so this is a vital coding skill for your resume. If your lack of experience prevents you from thinking analytically, consider working on this before starting a career in tech.
Patience
When you begin your career in programming, you’ll notice how much patience you need. Your employer will want to know how you approach stressful situations and work under tight deadlines. Starting with manageable tasks in entry-level coding jobs will help you gain the patience you need to get a job in coding.
Where to Find Coding Jobs
You can find coding jobs on job boards like GitHub, ITJobPro, and Dice. All these job boards are great resources for programmers to land a career quickly and see how to get a job in coding. Read below to learn more about the top three resources to find a coding job and see coding job opportunities.
GitHub
GitHub is a valuable resource to find senior and entry-level coding jobs. The best way to approach this is to create a profile and upload your development projects to your profile. Doing this allows potential employers to browse your work and evaluate your skills before reaching out to you. Anyone who wants to get a coding job should have a GitHub profile.
ITJobPro
ITJobPro is one of the most popular websites for jobs in full stack web development, software development, front end development, and more. You can find job openings at companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Netflix. When going about your job search process, you can filter listings according to locations and keywords to find the best coding job opportunities.
Dice
Using Dice, you can find a job at your dream company using various filters. For example, you can filter job listings according to location, employment type, remote options, data published, employer type, and keywords. There are openings to become a Python developer, a software engineer, or almost anything in the coding field with Dice.
Toptal
If you want to know where to find coding jobs, this site is a good place to go. Toptal is a freelancing site where many prospective employers post tech jobs. Toptal boasts that it hosts only the best freelancers, so it is a good choice if you already have a strong coding portfolio. It can also help you get coding jobs online so you can work remotely from anywhere. There are hundreds of coding job opportunities on this website.
Upwork
According to Statista, American freelancers on Upwork earned around $75 million in 2021, and this number is only growing. Getting a job in coding is easy with so many new job postings on this site. Upwork is a very popular freelancing platform, and many new programmers learn how to get a coding job through this site.
The Five Highest-Paying Coding Jobs
| Coding Job | Average Salary | Projected Growth |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,010 | 11% |
| Data Scientist | $131,490 | 22% |
| Computer Network Architect | $120,520 | 5% |
| Software Developer | $110,140 | 22% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 | 7% |
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Salary: $159,010
This senior-level developer job is perfect for professionals who have more than five years of industry experience. It is one of the highest-paying coding jobs out there. You will work full-time and coordinate all computer-related operations while leading the development teams. These managers must have strong multitasking skills to work under strict deadlines.
Data Scientist
Salary: $131,490
Data scientists work with statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help companies make data-driven decisions. Professionals in this career have complex skillsets and work in stressful environments. As a result, it often takes years of experience and learning to become a data scientist, but it is worth it to get one of the best computer coding jobs.
Computer Network Architect
Salary: $120,520
A computer network architect must develop the entire infrastructure for a company’s communication network, including Intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wide area networks (WAN). Most professionals in this programming job work full-time, and they should know how to code to troubleshoot network issues, which makes this one of the top jobs in coding.
Software Developer
Salary: $110,140
Software developers are known to have some of the highest-paying coding jobs. They should have a background in coding to design, develop, and implement software solutions. You will understand a company’s requirements and create software accordingly. For this career, learn JavaScript, Python, and PHP, among other programming languages.
Computer Systems Analyst
Salary: $99,270
Massive businesses employ computer systems analysts to evaluate their current computer systems and optimize these systems. Coding specialists in this job in coding often work full-time. Additionally, you will need to stay ahead of industry trends to implement the most efficient solutions.
Coding Career Path
The coding bootcamp employment rate is impressive. There are ample employment opportunities in a coding career path, whether you have a degree in coding or not. Most coding jobs pay a comfortable average salary and offer job security. Below are the entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level positions in a coding career path, which prospective programmers can use to plan their careers in coding.
Entry-Level Coding Jobs
- Junior Software Engineer – Junior software engineers work with programming tools to write new software programs according to a company’s requirements. You will work among a team of developers and engineers and assist senior software engineers.
- Web Developer – Before becoming senior developers, many tech professionals start with web development. You will design and develop website components to deliver a smooth and functional performance.
- UX Designer – UX designers work with design principles to ensure software, websites, or applications engage users. You will use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to apply visual graphics, interactive designs, and other elements. This is one of the best coding careers for beginners.
Mid-Level Coding Jobs
- Graphic Designer – Like UX designers, graphic designers work with visual elements to create animations and illustrations for companies. A typical project for graphic designers includes logo design or projects for print and digital media.
- Computer Programmer – Computer programmers handle all the programming responsibilities for computers. You can expect to implement the latest technologies, evaluate software, and debug code. This is one of the top careers in coding that can help you earn a high salary.
- Data Analyst – These analysts use programming languages like SQL to organize and interpret data. You will conduct data analysis to find patterns and relationships within data and work with data engineers and scientists.
Senior-Level Coding Jobs
- Enterprise Architect – Enterprise architects spend years gaining experience to design technology infrastructure for giant enterprises. These infrastructures house all a company’s technology processes, so you must have expert skills to qualify for this job.
- Cloud Engineer – If you love working with cloud platforms, consider becoming a cloud engineer for one of the best careers in coding. You will have to design, develop, and maintain a business’s cloud-based systems. Professionals work with Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure.
- PHP Specialist – As the title entails, PHP specialists are experts in the coding language PHP. Years of experience working with PHP are essential for this job, so this is not a good coding career for beginners.
Should You Get a Job in Coding in 2022?
Yes, you should get a job in coding in 2022. Learning how to get a job in coding is one of the best things you can do for your career. There are various career routes you can pick from, and many of these jobs have generous salaries.
Coding is also easy to learn, and you can gain programming skills through flexible methods. If you want a high-paying career in tech, you should get a job in coding. You could become a senior web developer, analytics manager, medical records tech expert, and more.
Coding FAQ
It should take around six months to one year to get a job in coding. If you’re learning to code from scratch, it can take between seven to 12 months to study and get a coding job. There are many resources available if you want to learn to code quickly and learn coding to get a job. For example, you can also learn to code for free with online courses, although these are less favored by employers.
Can I get a coding job without a degree?
Yes, you can get a coding job without a degree. Many coding job interviews require technical assessments, so as long as you can pass those, you can get a job as a coder. One of the best coding bootcamps can help you learn similar skills in a more affordable and efficient program than a degree. Many coding specialists have learned to code through self-studying, bootcamp programs, or online courses to get coding jobs without a degree.
Is it hard to get into coding?
It’s not hard to get into coding, as long as you prepare. You just need patience and perseverance while learning to code, as it can become tedious. Ultimately, it’s not very difficult to get into coding since you can learn through various education pathways. Getting a coding job is not as hard as it looks.
What jobs can you get if you’re skilled at coding?
If you are skilled at coding, you can become a data scientist, a computer programmer, a computer systems analyst, a software engineer, and more. Coding has a wide range of career opportunities, and many of these jobs have high salaries. The jobs that require coding have high annual salary numbers, and some don’t even require formal education.
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