Programming Salaries and Career Expectations for Developers in 2022

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Written By Aneesha Kochar

A tech-related career is often promising. The world is constantly evolving, thanks to new technologies like apps that make everyone’s life easier and artificial intelligence that helps many industries do their work faster.

However, that’s not all; the world of technology is very vast, and there’s room for every kind of tech enthusiast. Obviously, coding is the backbone of everything, which is why software programmers, web developers, and app developers make more than the average salary in tech-related fields.

If you’re a coding enthusiast and would like to take programming as your profession, then the first thing you should do is get an idea of what coding salary you can expect. In this article, I will give you a complete guide on coding salary so that you’re well-prepared for your coding career in 2022.

How Much Do Coders Earn?

According to Indeed.com, the national average salary for a coder is $58,888 a year. However, you can earn much higher than this figure if you’re specialized in a certain coding field. Your annual earnings are also dependent on where your company is located, where you’re located, and your overall work experience.

While beginners might need to start on a lower wage, well-experienced programmers can expect to be awarded a much higher salary package.

Which States Pay Coders the Highest Salaries?

According to the latest data from Indeed.com, here are the highest-paying states for coders in the United States of America, with the average annual salaries a coder can expect:

So, with this in mind, the important question is: What skills do you need to become a coder? Let’s find out.

Skills You Need to Become a Coder

While you can take online courses to learn the basics of coding and get more knowledge about the subject, some skills can’t be learned. You need to have the right mindset and attitude to become a high-earning successful programmer. With the following skills, you have better chances of getting a higher salary in the long run.

Problem Solving

All websites, software, and apps are created to solve problems. They help businesses and individuals to reach out to their potential customers faster and more efficiently. Businesses thrive only when they can solve problems for their consumers.

Similarly, to create software, you need to be a problem solver. There will be times when the website or the software doesn’t function properly, and you will need to keep a constant eye on it to keep fixing problems and updating the software as and when needed. This will help the software run smoothly and provide a good customer experience.

Patience

Patience is required for most jobs, but a coder needs to be extra patient. As I mentioned above, there will be multiple errors you will need to fix, and problems can occur in real-time too. Be prepared to do one thing repeatedly until you reach a satisfying outcome.

It can be frustrating trying to find the right solution amidst all the chaos and small details, particularly when everyone from other teams is looking at you for an answer. Patience is a must-have quality to thrive under constant pressure and find the right solution.

Good Understanding of Mathematics

While you don’t need to be Aryabhatta and invent zero, you do need an average interest in and knowledge of math to become an efficient coder. The two are not the same, but they are still related as most programming languages might require you to think mathematically.

If you’re excellent at math, congratulations! You can look forward to faster growth and a fatter paycheck sooner than others.

Good Communication Skills

Coders can work independently—as well as from anywhere globally—and still deliver world-class, state-of-the-art software that can earn a business millions. However, a collaborative environment can deliver results much faster when it comes to development.

If you’re good at communication, you’ll have no trouble getting in touch with the tester to quick-fix a bug while at the same time reaching out to the marketing manager asking for customer experience data.

Coding isn’t only about creating the perfect software and keeping it going. For all the feedback and updates, fixing bugs, testing, etc., you’ll need to communicate effectively with the team. So, brush up on those communication skills for a successful coding career.

A Desire For Constant Learning

If you get bored of whatever you’re doing quickly or lack natural curiosity, think again before taking up coding. To move forward, coders and programmers must constantly keep themselves up-to-date with the latest technology, coding languages, frameworks, consumer needs, etc.

Technology changes rapidly in today’s world, and if a coder is not up-to-date with everything, they will be left behind. No business wants their software to be built on obsolete technology that nobody will use. If you don’t have the ability to learn, unlearn, and regularly relearn, drop the idea of coding.

Important Tech Skills

In addition to the skills I mentioned above, also consider some of the technical skills and languages listed below, as they will be very important in 2022 and beyond.

  • Algorithmic coding means writing coding scripts to instruct the computer on what to do. Algorithmic skills are useful to grow during your career, as they are crucial to handle databases and data management.
  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the most common coding language to display text and image content on a website application. You can create paragraphs, bulleted lists, and charts, fostering interactive and navigable interfaces.
  • CSS (Cascading Styles Sheets) allows developers to add fonts, colors, and text content on a website application. With HTML, developers use CSS to create interactive interfaces.
  • SQL (Structured Query Language) is one of the most common databases. Companies use it to organize and store information, ensuring privacy and functionality.
  • NoSQL allows storing and retrieving data between relational databases. They support SQL-like query languages and work with SQL database architecture.
  • Data structures are organizational methods for information in a database. If algorithmic code describes the process to complete the task, data structures optimize the information.
  • JavaScript allows creating an interactive and user-friendly function on a web page, like buttons, chats, and animations.
  • Embedded in HTML, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language. Developers use it to develop static and dynamic cross-platform applications improving the user experience.
  • An API (Application Programming Interface) is an intermediary software to connect two applications.
  • GIT Source Control Management. The majority of companies and freelancers use GIT as a source control management program. It allows storing different script versions of program code in one folder system. Developers use it to organize projects and track code alterations and edits.
  • Cloud computing skills (GCP, Azure, AWS). Whether in a remote or on-site team, developers work with Cloud platforms. They manage and run a company's remote database. And most companies require knowledge of coding languages and server management to configure cloud-based technologies.
  • Computer networks. To become a Senior Software Developer, it’s important to learn the core mechanisms of operating systems and computer networks. From memory usage and data exchange to blocking issues, a developer needs a clear understanding of the computational process.

Moreover, there are plenty of online courses that can help you learn any of these specific languages or skills. Also, there are some fantastic books like The Complete Software Developer’s Guide that can be very helpful in building your career as a software developer.

Three Top-Paying Coding Jobs

While coding might be assumed to be just about creating apps and websites, there are many more roles you can occupy as a programmer. Here’s a list of some popular coding jobs for 2022:

Web Developer

Average salary: $67,339 a year

If you have a passion for creating websites, then web development makes sense. As a web developer, you build and maintain websites using different coding languages.

It’s best to specialize in one kind of coding language while also knowing other languages. Boosting your knowledge and skills from time to time always gives you an edge over other programmers.

Software Developer

Average salary: $116,890 a year 

As a software developer, you’ll create software or apps after evaluating the requirements of a business or client. There are many types of software, from AI platforms and security apps to entertainment apps like Netflix and social media apps like Twitter and Instagram.

There's no shortage of demand for software developers. Furthermore, almost all businesses run on software, and many are even moving online and selling software-related products.

Database Administrator

Average salary: $87,049 a year 

If you like dealing with large amounts of data or information and would like to create storage spaces for such data, you can become a data administrator.

Every business functions on storing and analyzing customer data — which is critical to the success of such businesses. For instance, marketing, sales, and finance functions rely heavily on database information and analytics.

These are just a few of the booming coding career options in demand right now.

How Can I Boost my Salary as a Coder?

A coding career can go in many different directions, depending on your specialization. Here are some ways in which you can increase your earning potential:

  • Stack up on your skills by learning a new programming language. Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest technology and programming trends.
  • Help your friends with their websites to practice coding and receive testimonials. You can add this to your portfolio.
  • Look for internship opportunities at big companies or even startups looking to outsource coding to newbies. Besides being a good learning curve, this will be a good addition to your portfolio.
  • Spend your spare time reading about new technology and how it’s made. This could help you sharpen your problem-solving skills and innovation abilities.
  • Participate in hackathons and get ready for networking with other developers. There are plenty of online communities where you can learn, grow, and get potential clients.
  • Look for freelance opportunities on websites like Upwork and LinkedIn to earn an extra income. Freelancing gives you all the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms. However, it’s important to understand how to handle your finances as a freelance developer to grow and succeed.
  • Get certified because some companies weigh coders on the basis of their qualifications. You can look for relevant certificate or master's degree courses to take up and add to your resume.

Get the Coding Salary You Deserve

With all this information on the average salary for coding jobs, you’re better equipped to decide whether or not to take up that job. It’s always helpful to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments in coding and coding salary changes.

Staying up to date with the latest programming trends, skills, and salaries can help you grow faster in the tech industry. When you have knowledge about where you stand, what to expect, and how you can maximize your potential as a coder, you’ll be driven and motivated to succeed.

One thing is certain: The world of programming is a dynamic one, and it gives you ample opportunities to keep learning and growing. This is why a coding career is bound to give you a comfortable life with well-paid jobs. All the best!