Best Job Roles for Programmers in 2024

What is Programming?

Programming is designing a step-by-step plan to make a computer do what you want. It is a form of communication. People use programming to control a machine's behavior, express ideas, or create art.

There are many programming languages, each with syntax or rules. Some programming languages are designed for specific tasks, while others are more general purpose. The most popular programming language for general purposes is C++.

Programming is an iterative process, meaning it is done in small steps or cycles. Each cycle consists of four phases: planning, coding, testing, and debugging. The programmer repeats these steps until the code produces the desired results.

What Do Programmers Do?

Programmers are responsible for writing and testing code that will create software applications. They work closely with developers and computer professionals to develop effective and efficient code. In addition to writing code, programmers often debug software applications and provide customer support.

How to Become a Programmer?

If you want to become a programmer, there are a few things you need to do. 

• First, you need to learn how to code. You can do this by taking a coding class or teaching yourself how to code. 
• Once you know how to code, you need to find a job that will allow you to put your coding skills to use. 
• Finally, once you have a job, you need to keep learning new coding languages and frameworks to keep up with the latest trends in programming.

Top Coding Languages for Beginners 

There are many coding languages to choose from when starting as a programmer. However, some languages are more beginner-friendly than others. Here are four of the best coding languages for beginners, based on ease of learning and popularity:

• Python: Python is a widely used, versatile, and easy-to-learn coding language. It is an excellent choice for beginners, as it is relatively simple and concise. Python is also popular in the programming community, so many resources are available to help you learn.
• Java: Java is another popular and widely used coding language. It is known for being robust and scalable, making it a good choice for developing large applications. Java can be more complex than Python, but it is still an excellent choice for beginners.
•  C++: C++ is a powerful and versatile language used in many applications. However, it can be more challenging to learn than Python or Java. Nevertheless, if you are serious about becoming a programmer, C++ is an excellent language to learn.
• HTML: HTML is not technically a coding language, but it is still an essential skill for programmers to learn. HTML is used to create the structure and content of web pages. So if you want to learn how to develop websites, HTML is an excellent place to start.

Programmer Analyst

Programmer analysts play a crucial role in any organization. They are responsible for evaluating business application needs for diverse functional areas, including human resources, finance, manufacturing, and marketing. The programmer/developer analyst scripts code, tests and debugs software applications, trains new users, recommends system improvements, and documents software specifications.

Proficient programmer analysts conceptualize and understand software applications from both end-user and technical perspectives, ensuring that systems of an organization meet the requirements from both points of view. The skills that a programmer analyst must have include:

• Knowledge of common frameworks and programming languages such as Microsoft.NET, C++, AJAX, and Java Enterprise Edition.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills

The average salary of a programmer analyst in the United States is $75,519/year.

In the United Kingdom, a programmer analyst receives £42,033/year.

In India, a programmer analyst's average salary is ₹416,740/year.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Technical Developer

One of the best job roles for programmers in 2021, the CRM technical developer, is in charge of supervising the implementation, operation, and design of enterprise Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

CRM technical developers interact with system users across an organization to identify system requirements. They create technical support documents that describe system capabilities, and they also assign roles, workflows, and processes under the CRM system.

CRM technical developers should have the following skills:

• Deep understanding of multiple CRM systems, including Microsoft Dynamics 365, Hubspot, NetSuite, Oracle, and Salesforce
• Command of C#, JavaScript, and SQL

In the United States, the average salary of a CRM technical developer is $70,000/year.

A CRM technical developer's average salary in the United Kingdom is £34,000/year.

In India, CRM technical developer salary is ₹763,024/year.

Cloud Computing Analyst

The role of a cloud computing analyst involves engineering and overseeing the cloud computing environment of an organization, including the cloud infrastructure, cloud migration, hardware, software, and applications.

Since it is a relatively new field, many employers are struggling to find quality candidates with desired skill sets. The shortage of supply and the rising demand is making the cloud analyst job one of the best job roles for programmers in 2021.

The key skills of a cloud computing analyst are:

• Familiarity with programming languages related to cloud computing, such as Ruby, Python, ASP.NET, PHP, and Java
• UNIX/LINUX administration skills
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) skills
• Virtualization skills
• Training and troubleshooting skills

The salary of a cloud computing analyst in the US ranges between $76,100/year and $103,200/year.

The average cloud computing analyst salary in the United Kingdom is £62,500/year.

A cloud computing analyst in India earns ₹622000/year.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Developer

Enterprise Resource Planning projects are among the most time-consuming, expensive, and major projects that organizations undertake. The success and effectiveness of ERP projects rely heavily on ERP developers, who play a vital role in customizing and implementing ERP packages.

Mandatory skills of an ERP developer include:

• Extensive knowledge of common programming languages, such as C# and Java
• Fluency in Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Proficiency in working with databases
• In-depth understanding of core ERP systems, including SAP and Oracle Enterprise One

In India, the average salary of ERP developers is ₹405,880/year.

An ERP developer in the United States makes between $48000/year to $114000/year.

The average salary of an ERP developer in the United Kingdom is £40,000/year. The salary for entry-level ERP developer positions starts from £30,000/year, while experienced ERP developers earn up to £68,000/year.

Application Architect

Application architects are responsible for planning technical implementations of software projects. With business applications becoming more complex and critical to developing, the need for application architects is increasing dramatically.

One of the best job roles for programmers, application architects require the following skill sets:

• A clear understanding of programming language theory
• Expertise in domain-specific languages (DSL)
• Acquaintance with third-party service integrations
• Superb communication skills for coordinating with non-technical stakeholders

In the United Kingdom, the average salary of application architects ranges between £43000/year to £75000/year.

Application architects in the United States make between $87000/year and $145000/year.

In India, the average salary of application architects is ₹18,65,932/year.

Mobile Applications Developer

One of the best job roles for programmers in 2021, mobile application developers are among the highest-paid professionals in the world today. The primary role of a mobile application developer includes coding software for hand-held devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They are also responsible for testing, debugging, documenting, and monitoring mobile applications.

Mobile application developers must be adept in these skills:

• High-level knowledge of Objective C and Java for iOS and Android, respectively
• Graphic design skills
• Familiarization with UI (User Interface) design
• Understanding of RESTful Web services, or the REST architecture style, for cloud integration

In the United States, the average salary of mobile application developers is $73,953/year. Depending on experience and skills, salaries for mobile application developers range between $50000/year and $115000/year.

Mobile application developers in the United Kingdom make between £23000/year and £59000/year. The average salary is £30,001/year.

Mobile application developer's average salary in India is ₹418,625/year. The salary range is between ₹165000/year and ₹1000000/year.

Tips for Getting a Coding Job

If you're hoping to snag a coding job, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

• First, brush up on your technical skills. Be prepared to answer questions about your coding experience and abilities during the interview process.
• Secondly, bone up on your soft skills. Many employers value coding job candidates who can communicate well and work well in a team. 
• Finally, be sure to dress the part. While you may be doing most of your work from home, showing that you're professional and taking the role seriously is essential.

How To Earn More as a Programmer?

You can do a few key things to earn more as a programmer. 

• Firstly, keep up to date with the latest technology and trends. 
• Secondly, continually improve your skills and knowledge. 
• Thirdly, be prepared to work hard and put in the extra hours when required. 
• And finally, be proactive in networking and marketing yourself to potential employers. 

By following these simple tips, you will be well on earning more as a programmer.

How to Land the Best Programming Job?

Ideally, programmers should have a bachelor's degree, but nowadays, many leading organizations place less emphasis on a 4-year bachelor's degree. Instead, they prefer to recruit candidates who have obtained an industry-recognized certification from a world-class institution such as Simplilearn. You can check out the Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development to get a hands-on experience in a Full Stack Programming bootcamp-like pedagogy.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Simplilearn's broad range of online programming courses, from Python to C++ and R, will make you ready to go in no time.