With the astronomical advancements in technological applications, coders continue to enjoy good remuneration for their contributions to humanity’s development. Thus, it is safe to say that many of the best-paid jobs in the world involve coding.
As a coder, you can land gigs with jaw-dropping payment offers across several industries, including automotive, finance, research and development, and healthcare. As such, there are several lucrative tech jobs to select from that you may have a hard time choosing. In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of the highest-paying coding jobs today and what they entail. Let’s jump in.
1. Data Scientist
Data scientists extract and analyze data to provide helpful information and insights. This is especially important in the current technological climate, seeing that data is the lifeblood of an organization. Today, the world runs on data; hence, you can work in several industries as a data scientist, like government, education, finance, health, research and development, and retail, amongst others.
Here’s why: Businesses need data scientists to collect, analyze, and interpret data to give feedback that helps them gain insights for business growth. As data generation continues to increase, so will the demand for skilled data scientists. Therefore, a data scientist must have an excellent database skillset and be familiar with tools like SQL while having analytical thinking and good communication skills.
According to Glassdoor, a data scientist earns an average of US $152,130 yearly, with bonuses and other perks included. The average figure for data scientists can be traced to the need for their services across all sectors.
2. Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer is a programmer who uses data to design, build, and operate software that automates recurrent models. In simple terms, they develop software that “learn” from previous activities and input data to automate tasks— hence, the name “Machine Learning” engineer. These professionals develop software for smart devices, tech tools, and artificial intelligence applications.
Recent advances in AI software (with ChatGPT as a common example) result from machine learning engineers’ input. Furthermore, AI applications across industries are expected to advance exponentially, with investments in AI startups and newer AI companies totalling 5 billion dollars from 2020 to 2022, according to Statista.
Glassdoor reports that a machine learning engineer’s average annual base salary is US$122,602. This figure further illustrates the demand for and lucrative financial rewards offered to machine learning engineers.
3. Software Engineer
A software engineer develops computer programs, operating systems, and applications that solve real-world needs. This professional also designs, tests, and maintains software applications. Today, virtually all industries hire software engineers to develop computer applications that perform a particular function(s), making work easier and more efficient.
Companies need software engineers to create programs and tech tools that serve various functions and enhance their productivity. These include solving problems with computer programs and managing a company’s systems and applications software. Hence, you must have a good command of coding, software testing, and data structures to become a software engineer.
Glassdoor estimates the average salary of a software engineer to be as high as $109,990 per annum. The career path also has tremendous growth prospects; thus, more people are opting to learn and become professionals in software engineering.
4. Network Security Engineer
A network security engineer is an IT professional that designs, configures, and oversees the administration of computer networks and related hardware and software. Also, they are involved in securing the network system from unwanted activities. Network security engineers typically work in information and communications technology and other industries that utilize computer networks.
Today, many organizations have vast networks of computer systems that require management, maintenance, and security. Consequently, they employ network security engineers to maintain their systems network infrastructure.
Network security engineers also receive generous salaries, with an average annual salary of $107,838, per Glassdoor figures.
5. Cybersecurity Engineer
Also called an information security or network security engineer, a cybersecurity engineer develops system software to protect data and prevent cyber crimes. The importance of securing personal and organizational data and staying safe on the Internet cannot be overemphasized; thus, this engineer is needed across all industries that work with data.
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, the demand for cybersecurity experts to curtail such threats and build impenetrable defense systems rises significantly. Hence, information security engineers must stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the digital space, like using top AI security tools while they upgrade their coding, software testing, and computer networking skills, amongst other important skills.
Safeguarding the data of individuals and organizations is no small task. As such, network security engineers are among the best-paid coding professionals, earning an average of $105,936 yearly, according to Glassdoor.
6. Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineer is an umbrella term for an information technology professional whose duties include planning, designing, operating, and maintaining cloud-based services involving cloud computing. The roles you can specialize in as a cloud engineer are cloud architect, cloud network engineer, cloud security engineer, cloud software engineer, and cloud systems engineer, each with specific computing needs.
With the rising demand for improved storage capacity and computing power, many organizations employ cloud engineers to deploy cloud services, build a robust cloud infrastructure, and operate their cloud technology. Consequently, you must have a good blend of technical skills, like Linux, networking, database skills, and coding, to work as a cloud engineer.
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for cloud engineers is $104,659 annually.
7. Mobile App Developer
A mobile app developer builds systems and application software specifically for mobile devices. They work with clients to create applications with specific functions for phones or tablets. Thus, their services can be rendered across several industries.
Individuals and companies looking to develop new applications that meet their customers’ need for something fresh employ the services of mobile app developers to that effect. Innovative and creative developers will remain sought-after as the market becomes ever more competitive.
With an estimated average annual salary of $103,860 per annum, per Glassdoor statistics, mobile app developers are among the highest-paid coding professionals today.
8. DevOps Engineer
Basically, a DevOps engineer ensures the streamlined operation of a company’s IT infrastructure, which in turn enhances its productivity. DevOps engineers are critical to a project’s overall success and are involved in its entire lifecycle. The duties of a DevOps engineer include but are not limited to planning effective project structure and activities, managing and interfacing with stakeholders, and troubleshooting.
As businesses look for individuals who can oversee and ensure the success of their product chain while maximizing their IT infrastructure, many job opportunities exist for DevOps engineers.
DevOps engineers earn up to $103,607 per annum on average, according to Glassdoor.
9. Full-Stack Web Developer
A full-stack web developer is an expert in front-end and back-end programming that constitutes a website’s entire framework (full-stack). It is one of the most popular coding jobs, as most coders say they are full-stack developers, according to a Stack Overflow Developer 2022 survey.
Organizations employ these professionals to design, create, and manage their web infrastructure. Thus, they are key workers in a company and high demand. However, to get the top jobs, you must possess a solid skillset, including exceptional programming language mastery, database management, UI/UX design, and more.
Full-stack web developers earn a decent income, too. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a full-stack web developer is $91,538 per annum.
10. Video Game Developer
A video game developer creates visually appealing and engaging game animations for computer devices. They primarily work in the entertainment and creative industry. They can also create games for other industries, like the educational sector.
The gaming industry is among the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. Needless to say, video game developers will remain relevant for a very long time, especially with recent advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) gaming platforms and experiences. To succeed as a video game developer, you need a blend of soft skills, like creativity and curiosity, and hard skills, like programming and software development.
Glassdoor estimates the average annual salary of video game developers as $75,625. Thus, you can make a good living as a video game developer.
The Top 10 Highest-Paid Coding Jobs in 2023: Final Thoughts
Coding jobs contribute to technological advances and, ultimately, humanity’s development. That explains why these experts are in demand by employers and have good prospects for career growth, as they give room for versatility and flexibility.
So if you are looking for a coding job with fantastic income opportunities, select one from the list above. Pick the one that works well for you so as not to be a jack of all trades and master of none. That way, you can become a master in your field and easily land high-paying gigs due to your expertise.
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