Programming Careers: A Guide to Finding Top-Paying Tech Jobs

Programming careers have become the cornerstone of innovation and technological advancement worldwide. With a variety of specializations and industries to choose from, aspiring programmers often find themselves navigating many opportunities. 

The programming industry spans various domains, offering unique opportunities and challenges and catering to different interests and skill sets. Among the top-paying and specialized programming jobs include:

• Database engineers

• Cloud engineers

• Software engineers

• Machine learning engineers

The federal government projects that job openings for software developers will grow by 17 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average for all jobs in the US [1]. 

Explore the following four programming careers, including educational requirements, job duties, and salary expectations. Also, discover the paths you can take to learn programming.

1. Database engineer

Average annual US salary: $119,243 [2]

Programming languages to know: Python, Java, SQL, and Java

Requirements: A database engine typically requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information science, or a related field.

Database engineers are responsible for developing, maintaining, and organizing data processing systems—called databases—ensuring accessibility and efficiency to other data professionals on their team. They also perform root cause analysis on external and internal processes and data to identify opportunities for improvement and answer questions.

Do I need certifications to become a data engineer?

Pursuing certifications like Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer can enhance employability. Any certification in programming languages and certifications that show expertise in database systems, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Oracle Database Certifications, is advantageous and commonly required by employers. 

Read more: 5 Data Engineer Certifications: Which One Is Right For You?

2. Cloud engineer

Average annual US salary: $148,000 [3]

Programming languages to know: Ruby, Java, PHP, Python, and JavaScript

Requirements: You can choose cloud platforms to specialize in, such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services, or you can work in multiple platforms. A bachelor's degree is not necessarily required, but most employers require it, and it can open up more opportunities with employers that require one. Most importantly, you should develop your skills in programming, cloud security, databases, and cloud service providers and gain the relevant certifications that prove your skills.

Cloud engineers specialize in creating and maintaining applications and databases that work in the cloud. This includes maintaining the new cloud infrastructure, ensuring data security, troubleshooting problems, and optimizing efficiencies. 

3. Software engineer

Average annual US salary: $115,850 [4]

Programming languages to know: Java, Python, JavaScript, C++, and SQL

Requirements: Employers generally require a bachelor's degree in software engineering, information technology, or computer programming. However, you could also gain the skills you need through coding boot camps. As with many programming positions, seek relevant certifications, such as CompTIA A+ or Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer, to boost career prospects.

A software engineer designs and develops software programs, mobile applications, and communication channels tailored to the needs of organizations. You'll test and evaluate the software systems you work with, optimize the software, and write code.

Read more: What Does a Software Engineer Do?

4. Machine learning engineer

Average annual US salary: $120,516 [5]

Programming languages to know: C++, Python, Java, R, Prolong, SQL, and Scala

Requirements: Earn a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering, mathematics, or electrical engineering, to begin as a machine learning engineer. Some positions may require a master's degree. Expertise in mathematics, problem-solving, data management, and programming skills is crucial.

As a machine learning engineer, you leverage artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to automate tasks and optimize efficiency, replicating human learning. Your duties and responsibilities revolve around artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, you'll use algorithms to program systems to replicate human learning so tasks can be more efficient and automated. You'll work with a team that includes data scientists, who will provide the data you'll use to design AI software, product teams, other machine learning engineers, and C-suite executives, who you'll design for and report to.

Read more: Machine Learning Skills: Your Guide to Getting Started

Paths to learning programming

These high-paying technology careers start with learning programming languages. While a college degree is not always mandatory, it’s a common requirement for high-paying tech jobs. Aspiring programmers can acquire skills through formal education, coding boot camps, certifications, online courses, or experience. 

Depending on the needs of the place where you want to work and the path you wish to take, you may need to develop additional expertise in hardware, project management, enterprise architecture frameworks, and management skills. Many software developers who move into advanced roles have graduate degrees in business or computer science. 

You may be able to teach yourself basic programming languages with a book and hands-on experience. Alternatively, you might seek more formal training through a college degree in software engineering or computer science, a coding boot camp, a certification program, or online courses. Still, you could take both paths. 

Getting started in a programming career with Coursera

Programming careers offer many opportunities for those passionate about technology and innovation. The key to success lies in continuous learning, skill development, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

On Coursera, you can find courses for many languages and programming applications, including Python, Java, and C++. Programmers who combine knowledge of coding and languages with business expertise and strategic thinking are projected to stay in demand. Get ready to build a career in programming with courses on Coursera, like IBM's Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate. This program covers software engineering, cloud computing, data science, and more. Upon completion, gain exclusive access to career resources like resume review, interview prep, and career support.