Top 5 Highest Paying Coding Jobs

Coding is becoming an increasingly sought-after skill in every industry. However, there are some careers that put programming centerstage. If you’re a fan of wielding data, massaging lines of code, or simply interested in coding for beginners, then a job in coding may be right for you.

The best part? Your passion may also earn you a pretty penny.

While salaries in the coding field vary, some jobs offer substantial paychecks. This guide will go through the top five highest paying coding jobs in the industry (and how to get there). 

Here’s a sneak peek:

  1. Machine Learning Engineer
  2. Mobile App Developer
  3. Graphics Programmer
  4. DevOps Specialist 
  5. UX/UI Designer

#1 Machine Learning Engineer

Becoming a machine learning specialist is probably one of the closest tech jobs you can have to being in your very own sci-fi movie. Machine learning, or ML for short, is the process of “teaching” a computer how to “think.” 

At its core, ML features extremely refined probability algorithms that make decisions using massive datasets. This branch of AI (artificial intelligence) gives programs the power to predict certain outcomes, generate unique responses, or perform tasks that they were not specifically programmed to do, like:

    • Image and speech recognition
    • Natural language processing
    • Pattern detection and fraud prevention
    • Autonomous movement
    • And much more!

For example, a machine learning algorithm could turn a customer service chatbot into a far more useful tool by allowing it to respond more naturally and effectively to curious (or frustrated) customers. These features feel futuristic, but they’re really just the result of incredible minds in data science, math, and coding. 

The following  is a list of what you need to know about the job and how to get there.

Average Salary: $146,121

Main industries:

  • Tech
  • Healthcare
  • Marketing
  • Financial Services
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Oil & Gas

Top skills:

  • Data science and computing knowledge to parse and manage large data sets and wield distributed computer systems like Hadoop
  • Statistics and probability math like Bayesian statistics, group theory, calculus, and linear algebra. 

    • Primary Coding languages:

    • Java
    • Python
    • R
    • C
    • C++
    • Scala
    • Jula
    • JavaScript

    Who would love it: Inquisitive thinkers who are enchanted by the latest innovations in tech and computer science. If you like diving deep into how things work (and how to make them better), this just might be the perfect aspiration for you. With job growth of almost 100% in recent years, a stellar salary, and an exciting, dynamic work life, machine learning is a prime area for tech-lovers and dreamers alike. 

    #2 Mobile App Developer

    Want to become an app developer, but confused about what they actually do? They make software applications for mobile devices. However, you may not have realized how much they do. There are few (if any) industries that don't depend on mobile apps to reach audiences, improve workflows, and communicate internally. 

    There’s a reason why the software development field is projected to grow by 22% by 2029. 

    To hop aboard the there’s-an-app-for-that train, read on for the top skills you need to become a mobile developer. 

    Average Salary: $123,278


    Main industries:

    • Finance
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Education
    • Gaming
    • eCommerce
    • Transportation
    • Tourism & Travel
    • Hospitality

    Top skills:

  • UX/UI understanding for wireframing, conducting empathy interviews, using design thinking, and applying general aesthetic principles to your app design. 
  • A specialty in a major developing platform like iOS, Android, Windows, Blackberry RIM, or Symbian.
  • Coding and scripting to build out dynamic, well-documented code. 

    • Primary Coding languages:

    • iOS – Objective-C or Swift
    • Android – Kotlin or Java

    Who would love it: People who like tackling fun and unique challenges will love mobile app development. This is the perfect job for anyone who likes to see the product of their hard work in one digital package. For people who enjoy this level of dynamic problem-solving and want to work on the business side of things, consider becoming a computer systems analyst instead!

    #3 Graphics Programmer

    Graphics programmers (or graphics developers) bring magical images, animation, and game ideas to life. By honing their imaginations and their coding skills, a graphics programmer can turn any concept into a thrilling experience for the user via:

    • Image rendering
    • Shading
    • Shadowing
    • Lighting
    • Motion graphics

    This job is not only high paying, but it’s also artistically fulfilling. Want to get in on the fun? Here  is some additional information you need to know. 

    Average Salary: $99,951

    Main industries:

    • Gaming
    • Entertainment
    • Marketing
    • Education

    Top skills:

  • Advanced coding skills for image rendering and animation in both 2D and 3D.
  • Know how to navigate the graphics pipeline, including open-source frameworks like Unity 3D, DirectX, OpenGL, and WebGL.
  • STEM skills like linear algebra and probability, especially if you are building your graphics from scratch or using AI, and fluid dynamics knowledge to cast shadows and render movement accurately.
  • Artistic collaboration skills to understand the art team’s vision and be able to communicate your progress to different types of thinkers. 

    • Primary Coding languages:

    • C++
    • Java
    • Processing

    Who would love it: If you love gaming and making peoples’ days a little bit better (and more beautiful), graphics programming might be right for you. Graphics programmers get to enjoy a  mix of technical and creative problem solving during their workday. If you’re someone who wants to use both sides of your brain on the job (and have fun while you do it), this career path should be at the top of your list. 

    #4 DevOps Specialist

    A DevOps specialist, also known as a DevOps engineer, is the glue that holds a company together and the oil that makes it run smoothly. The core of DevOps is in its name—it combines development and operations into a fluid workflow to achieve better results, faster. While originated in the tech industry, this type of workflow can apply to any field that requires the development and implementation of new software. 

    A DevOps specialist is simply the coder-communicator extraordinaire that facilitates this process across various technical and non-technical teams, namely those that write the code (developers), and those that implement it and keep it running (IT). 

    Thanks to the highly specific skill set and talent required to succeed in this job, DevOps pays well in terms of both salary and fulfillment. 

    Average Salary: $99,604

    Main industries:

    • Tech
    • Hospitality
    • Banking
    • Insurance
    • Healthcare
    • Retail
    • Manufacturing

    Top skills:

  • Communication and collaboration skills to facilitate interactions between diverse teams and skill sets.
  • Automation knowledge to improve internal processes, streamline workflows, and push out software updates faster.
  • Coding fundamentals like scripting and writing pseudocode, mostly for automation. You don’t need to be a programming master to be good at DevOps. You just need to know how to communicate about code. 
  • DevOps tools usage like continuous integration with Bamboo, Jenkins, or TeamCity, source control with Git or Bitbucket, Deployment Automation, Orchestration, and more.

    • Primary Coding languages:

    • JavaScript
    • Python
    • Ruby
    • PHP
    • Shell
    • Bash
    • Node.js

    Who would love it: If you’re the type of thinker that loves inventing their own systems for making life easier—whether it’s a better way to make a sandwich, a faster route to school, or an innovative way to organize your desk—DevOps might be the perfect fit for you. These specialists are strong leaders who enjoy collaborating and improving workflows as a team. 

    #5 UX/UI Designer

    UX/UI stands for user experience and user interface—basically, what users see, touch, and hear when they’re interacting with a piece of software. This field focuses mostly on front-end development in web and mobile apps, with a concentration on flow, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. 

    A successful UX/UI designer is as much an artist as he/she is a software engineer, making for a fulfilling work experience for creative brainiacs.  

    Average Salary: $85,277

    Main industries:

    • Tech
    • Entertainment
    • Marketing
    • eCommerce
    • Education
    • Healthcare

    Top skills:

  • Artistic skills like composition, color theory, and design.
  • Listening and communication skills to collaborate effectively with both the programming and art team on a project, while also understanding what the user wants.
  • Coding skills to prototype the front-end of your app and communicate clearly with programmers. 

    • Primary Coding languages:

    • JavaScript
    • Swift or Kotlin
    • HTML & CSS

    Who would love it: If you find yourself admiring gorgeously designed websites and apps, doodling in your free time, and coming up with more efficient ways to do things—a UX/UI design career could take you far. 

    The Starting Point: Learn to Code

    Before you dive into any specialization in tech and aim for the big bucks, you first need to develop the fundamental skills of coding. No surprise there.

    However, what might surprise you is just how accessible coding can be when using the right resources. While attending a coding boot camp or going to college for computer science works for some people, not everyone has the means or time to do so. Luckily, you don’t have to. 

    Online coding courses make coding more digestible for both a newcomer and certified professional coder. 

    You get to learn at your own pace, access helpful forums, and practice with projects that actually interest you. However, you can’t just pick any coding program. There’s a reason only 10% of people who start online coding courses actually finish them: the lessons aren’t built with them in mind.

    To get the most out of your online course, you have to pick the right one. 

    Begin Your Coding Journey With Disney Codeillusion

    To get to a place where you are qualified for any of these high-paying coding jobs, you have to build a strong foundation in programming. 

    That doesn’t just mean understanding the syntax of a certain language. Coding fundamentals are all about internalizing the logic that drives different programming solutions. That way, you can adapt to any new coding language, framework, or job. 

    After all, learning to code isn’t about memorizing information. It’s about developing intuition. 

    Disney Codeillusion infuses narrative into step-by-step lessons to help novice coders practice the problem-solving methods that make coding so interesting. Join Aladdin, Elsa, and more of your favorite Disney characters to tackle hands-on coding challenges that build on your skills. 

    To hop on a magic carpet ride toward your dream coding job, try our free trial today.


    Sources: 


    Hackr.io. How to Become a Mobile App Developer? [A Step by Step Guide]. https://hackr.io/blog/how-to-become-a-mobile-app-developer 


    Information Age. Five industries outside of tech being changed by DevOps.  https://www.information-age.com/industries-tech-devops-123482805/ 


    New Horizons Learning Solutions. 7 Industries Leveraging Machine Learning. https://nhlearningsolutions.com/blog/7-industries-leveraging-machine-learning 


    Noodle. How to Become a Graphics Developer and Bring Game Concepts to Life. https://www.noodle.com/articles/how-to-become-a-graphics-developer-and-bring-game-concepts-to-life 


    Squadex. Ten Skills Every DevOps Engineer Must Have for Success. https://squadex.com/insights/devops-skills-success/amp/ 


    TechRepublic. How to become a machine learning engineer: A cheat sheet. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-become-a-machine-learning-engineer-a-cheat-sheet/