10 fast-growing coding jobs that will shape your future!

The tech industry is evolving rapidly, and while recent headlines might focus on layoffs and market fluctuations, there’s plenty of good news for developers: skilled coding professionals are always in demand. Whether in AI, cloud computing, or data science, tech offers countless opportunities for those with forward-looking skills.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the fastest-growing coding jobs set to thrive over the next decade. We'll explore:

• Career opportunities for coders

• The skills these roles require

• Ways to start learning

Let's get started.

Top 10 fast-growing coding careers#

Take a look at the bar chart below to see the fastest-growing coding jobs at a glance:

Supporting reference: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLShttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm)

Now let’s look at these fastest-growing coding careers in detail.

1. Data scientists and analysts: The data whisperers#

Real-world impact: Data scientists help companies like Netflix and Amazon analyze huge amounts of data to improve user experiences. They collect, clean, and interpret data, using tools like machine learning to find patterns and trends. This allows businesses to make smarter decisions, predict outcomes, and drive innovation.

Growth outlook for this role:

Note that the average growth rate for all occupations is 3%, and the median annual pay mentioned is for the year 2023.

Key skills: Data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics and proficiency in languages including Python, R, and SQL.

How to start learning:

• Learn Python: Start by learning Python, a beginner-friendly programming language used extensively in data science. Focus on libraries like Pandas (for working with data), NumPy (for math and statistics), Matplotlib, and Seaborn (for data analysis and interpretation).

• Understand basic statistics: Learn the basics of statistics and probability—these are important for understanding and analyzing data.

• Learn SQL: Learn SQL, a language used to get data from databases. It’s a key tool for working with large amounts of data. You can eventually also learn to use public APIs to gather your own datasets.

• Work with real data: Practice with real-world data sets on websites like Kaggle or UCI Machine Learning Repository. Try cleaning the data, finding patterns, and creating simple graphs.

• Build small projects: Start small! Analyze public data or try a simple machine learning project to apply what you've learned. Share your work on GitHub to build a portfolio.

2. DevOps engineers: The efficiency experts#

Real-world impact: DevOps engineers make sure that software is built, tested, and delivered quickly and smoothly. They automate tasks like deploying new updates and managing servers, making sure everything runs efficiently. By bridging the gap between software development and IT operations, they help teams release updates faster and with fewer errors.

Job outlook for this role:

Key skills: Automation, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and systems management, tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.

Ways to start learning:

• Learn Git: Master the basics of version control using Git for managing code and collaborating with others.

• Understand the command line: Learn essential command-line skills to navigate systems and automate tasks. Learn shell scripting (Bash, PowerShell) for automating tasks in Linux environments. This is fundamental for DevOps engineers. Learn Linux in particular, as most servers and cloud services run on Linux.

• Study cloud basics: Explore cloud platforms like AWS or Azure and practice simple tasks like launching virtual machines. Learning containerization (Docker) and container orchestration (Kubernetes) is also important, as these are critical in modern DevOps practices.

• Get started: Explore the path to learn Docker and Kubernetes to get the hands-on experience to excel in any DevOps role.

3. Information security analysts: The digital guardians#

Real-world impact: Information security analysts protect sensitive data from hackers and cyber attacks. As cyber threats grow, so does the need for experts to protect information and systems. Cybersecurity is essential for every organization to stay safe and secure.

Growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: Threat detection, Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, risk assessment, and cybersecurity protocols.

Where to start learning:

• Learn basic networking (how the internet works, IP addresses, and firewalls).

• Understand security features in operating systems (how passwords and encryption protect your computer).

• Try out basic security tools like Wireshark to see how data moves in a network.

• Follow simple cybersecurity tips (use strong passwords, turn on two-factor authentication).

• Take a beginner cybersecurity course to explore how hackers think and how to protect systems.

• Get started: Take the Cyber Security Fundamentals skill path to learn the modern approaches to monitor, detect, and respond to cyber security incidents and how to maintain cyber security. The path also teaches techniques related to patching, software vulnerabilities, cryptography, windows security, and phishing to prevent attacks. 

4. Software developers: The architects of the digital world#

Real-world impact: Software developers create the apps you use and the websites you use daily. Beyond writing code, they design systems, debug, test, and collaborate with teams to meet the needs of many different types of users.

The growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: Programming languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, Ruby), problem-solving, understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC), front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript frameworks like React/Angular), back-end development (Node.js, Django, Spring), and testing/debugging skills.

How to start learning:

• Learn to Code: Start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript to build simple projects.

• Practice problem-solving: Try coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to improve your skills.

• Understand how software is built: Learn about the software development life cycle (SDLC) and how planning, coding, testing, and deploying software works.

• Explore front-end and back-end development: Build small websites to learn HTML/CSS for front-end and try simple server-side code with Node.js or Python. As you progress, explore popular JavaScript frameworks like React or Vue.js for building more dynamic and interactive front-ends.

• Learn about APIs: Familiarize yourself with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and learn how to connect the front-end to the back-end by sending and receiving data, enabling full-stack development.

• Get familiar with version control: Use Git to track changes in your code and collaborate with others on GitHub.

• Get started: If you’re an absolute beginner to coding, we recommend the path Learn to Code: Become a Software Engineer that will help you progress from your first line of code to your first day on the job in only three months.

5. AI, ML, and robotics engineers: The future creators#

Real-world impact: AI, ML, and robotics engineers create intelligent systems and robots that can perform complex tasks on their own. From healthcare to manufacturing, AI is driving innovation across industries, making it one of the most important technologies today.

Growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: TAI programming, TensorFlow, ROS (Robot Operating System), OpenCV, and sensor integration.

Ways to start learning:

• Understand math fundamentals: Brush up on linear algebra, statistics, and probability, which are critical for AI and ML.

• Practice with AI/ML libraries: Use tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch to build small projects and apply your learning.

• Explore robotics with simple projects: Try platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to gain hands-on experience in programming robots.

• Take a beginner AI/ML course: Enroll in a course to learn how AI, ML, and robotics systems work.

• Get started: Get acquainted with AI by taking the path to Become a Machine Learning Engineer.

6. Web developers#

Real-world impact: Web developers build and maintain websites that people use every day. They create interactive and responsive designs, and make sure websites are both functional and easy to use, shaping how people experience the internet.

Growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: IoT architecture, embedded systems, network security, responsive design

Ways to start learning:

• Learn HTML and CSS: Start by building basic web pages to understand how content and design work together.

• Pick up JavaScript: Use JavaScript to make your websites interactive and learn how to add dynamic features.

• Practice building small projects: Create simple websites or web apps to apply what you’ve learned and build your portfolio.

• Explore front-end frameworks: Try learning beginner-friendly frameworks like React or Bootstrap to enhance your web designs.

• Get started: Learn to Code: Become a Web Developer

7. Blockchain developers: The decentralization pioneers#

Real-world impact: Blockchain developers create secure and transparent systems for things like cryptocurrencies. This technology is also being used in other areas like finance, healthcare, and supply chains to improve security and transparency.

The growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: Blockchain protocols, smart contracts, and cryptography

Ways to start learning:

• Understand how blockchain works: Study how blockchain technology operates, including key concepts like decentralization, consensus, and smart contracts.

• Get to know the blockchain platforms: Explore popular platforms like Ethereum or Hyperledger by building small projects or experimenting with smart contracts.

• Learn about cryptocurrencies: Study how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum work, since they are key blockchain applications.

• Take a blockchain development course: Enroll in a beginner course to gain hands-on experience with tools and frameworks used in blockchain development.

• Get started: To become a blockchain developer and become proficient in making fully functional applications with popularly used blockchain technologies, we recommend the skill path: Mastering Blockchain Development.

8. Game developers: The entertainment innovators#

Real-world impact: Game developers create immersive experiences that entertain millions of players around the world. They bring stories to life through interactive gameplay, with a growing demand for innovative games in the booming gaming industry.

And there's plenty of opportunity for coders in this industry: According to BLS, jobs for special effects artists and animators are expected to grow 8 percent from now until 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate across all industries.

Growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: Game design, coding skills, and graphics programming, languages like C++, C#, and Python; familiarity with game development tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot

Ways to start learning:

• Explore game engines: Get hands-on experience with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal by building small games or interactive projects.

• Develop simple games: Start with small projects, like a basic platformer or puzzle game, to practice coding and game design.

• Learn about game design principles: Study how gameplay, storytelling, and user experience work together to create engaging games.

• Take a beginner game development course: Enroll in a course focused on game development to learn the tools, techniques, and skills needed to create games.

• Get started: Game Development with JavaScript: Creating Tetris

9. Internet of things (IoT) developers: The connectivity experts#

Real-world impact: IoT developers create smart devices that communicate with each other, from home gadgets like thermostats and doorbells to automated systems in factories. For example, a smart fridge can track food inventory and notify you when you're running low. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a fast-growing field with endless opportunities for innovation.

Growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: IoT architecture, embedded systems, and network security

Ways to start learning:

• Understand hardware basics: Get familiar with microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to see how software interacts with hardware.

• Explore IoT platforms: Try out platforms like AWS IoT or Google Cloud IoT to learn how devices connect and communicate through the cloud.

• Build small IoT projects: Create simple IoT devices, like a temperature sensor or smart light, to gain hands-on experience.

• Take an introductory IoT course: Enroll in a beginner-friendly IoT course to understand key concepts like connectivity, security, and data processing.

10. Cloud computing specialists: The cloud navigators#

Real-world impact: Cloud computing specialists help businesses grow by using platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The cloud— which allows developers to access servers over the internet — lets companies to store data, run applications, and scale quickly and securely. It’s the backbone of most of today's technology, from websites to mobile applications to complex business systems.

Growth outlook for this role:

Key skills: Cloud infrastructure, virtualization, cloud security, networking (including VPCs, subnets, and firewalls), automation

Ways to start learning:

• Learn basic cloud concepts: Understand what the cloud is and how it works, including terms like virtualization and scalability.

• Explore cloud platforms: Get hands-on experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud by setting up basic services (like storage or virtual machines).

• Understand networking basics: Learn how data moves across networks, as this is essential for cloud infrastructure.

• Get familiar with cloud security: Study basic cloud security practices, such as encryption and identity management, to protect data.

• Take a cloud computing course: Enroll in a beginner-friendly cloud computing course focused on cloud fundamentals to build a solid foundation.

• Get started: Explore the Cloud Lab to help you understand the cloud computing essentials.

Practical advice for new developers#

Starting your journey as a coder can feel overwhelming – but there's no need to rush. You don't have to learn everything all at once!

Focusing on a few key strategies can help you create momentum and build the skills employers hire for. Here's some practical advice to guide you as you figure out what you want to learn, and where you want to grow:

• Build a Portfolio:
  Start with small projects on GitHub to showcase your skills. Over time, add more complex examples to highlight your growth—employers love seeing real-world experience.

• Network:
  Join tech communities on Reddit, LinkedIn, or at local meetups. Networking can lead to job opportunities and help you stay connected with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

• Keep Learning:
  Tech evolves fast, so continuous learning is essential. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Educative offer courses to keep your skills sharp. Find one that suits your learning style and stick with it.

Turn opportunity into action#

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, these roles are more than just jobs—they are opportunities to shape the future. Whether you are acquainting yourself with the field of computer science (CS), or are driven by your passion for technology, focusing or redirecting your career to any of these fast-growing coding careers can open doors to innovation and success.

Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace the dynamic world of coding. Take the leap, explore these opportunities, and remember: Your next big career move is just a line of code away. Happy coding!

If you’re absolutely new to programming and want to learn from scratch, start with our Learn to Code path.