Kickstart Your Programming Career: 4 Coding Careers for Beginners

Kickstart Your Programming Career: 4 Coding Careers for Beginners

Apr 3, 2023
Chelsea Kaufman

You’ve heard it before, but learning how to code is an excellent investment. Becoming a programmer opens many doors, including higher-paying jobs, the ability to work from home, and a chance to showcase your creative problem-solving skills.

Starting your coding journey can be intimidating, but don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to begin. You can self-study, attend a 4-year university, or join a coding bootcamp. Each option has pros and cons, so research and decide what works best for you.

Assuming you’ve started on one of these paths to learning how to code, you’ll soon begin your hunt for your first coding job. Of course, you can pursue many careers, so knowing which direction to take can be challenging. We’ve listed some of the most common jobs our coding bootcamp graduates gravitate toward after completing our program.

What careers can you achieve with coding?

When you are first applying to coding positions, you are most likely looking at entry-level positions. You are still green with no real-world coding experience. That being said, entry-level jobs are where you want to be. They will help you grow into the profession and build relationships with your peers who can help you advance your career. Check out the entry-level jobs we think you should be looking into below.

Here are 4 beginner-friendly coding jobs:

1. Junior web developer

Junior web development is an exciting and rewarding career path that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. Web developers are in high demand and play a crucial role in building and maintaining websites and applications using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails.

Front-end developers are responsible for the website’s design, layout, and user interface. They work closely with web designers to ensure the website is aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. Additionally, they ensure that the website is responsive and adjusts to different screen sizes to provide a seamless user experience. Front-end developers also ensure the website is accessible to people with disabilities using accessibility standards and guidelines.

On the other hand, back-end developers are responsible for the server side of a website. They work on web application logic and integration, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. In addition, back-end developers are responsible for the website’s functionality, which includes managing databases, handling user authentication, and ensuring that the website can drive high traffic. They also work on integrating different systems and APIs to ensure that the website can communicate with other applications and services.

Full-stack developers have the versatility to work on both front-end and back-end development. In addition, they have a comprehensive understanding of both sides of web development, making them valuable assets to companies that require both front-end and back-end development.

Salaries for junior web developers can vary based on experience, location, and industry. According to Indeed, the low end of the salary range for junior web developers with no experience (new career transitioners) is around $45,503, while the average salary is around $59,582. The high salary range for junior web developers is around $78,018. However, it’s worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.

Becoming a junior web developer can be an excellent investment for your future. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a career as a junior web developer:

  1. High demand: The demand for skilled web developers continues to grow, making it a promising career path. Companies across industries constantly need web developers to maintain their websites and applications, create new ones, and integrate different systems and APIs.
  2. Competitive salaries: Web development is well-paying, with junior web developers earning competitive wages. According to Indeed, the average salary for junior web developers is around $59,582, with the potential for higher wages as you gain experience.
  3. Career growth opportunities: Web development is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, offering plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. As you gain experience and expertise, you can move up the career ladder and take on more challenging roles.
  4. Work from anywhere: With the rise of remote work, many web development jobs offer the flexibility to work from anywhere. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can work from home, at a coffee shop, or anywhere that inspires you.
  5. Creative problem solving: Web development requires creative problem-solving, making it an exciting and rewarding field for those who enjoy overcoming challenges. As a web developer, you’ll be tasked with finding solutions to complex problems and creating websites and applications that are functional and user-friendly.
  6. Collaboration opportunities: Web development is a collaborative field, allowing you to work with a team of professionals, including web designers, project managers, and other developers. Collaboration allows for brainstorming and creative input, ultimately leading to a better end product.

In conclusion, junior web development is a promising career path for anyone interested in technology and innovation. Becoming a junior web developer offers many benefits, from high demand and lucrative salaries to creative problem-solving and collaboration opportunities. Whether you choose to specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, there is a high demand for skilled web developers. You can succeed in this dynamic and exciting field and build a rewarding career with the right skills and dedication.

2. Junior web designer

Web design is an essential part of website creation, and web designers play a crucial role in building websites that meet their clients’ needs. They are responsible for creating the visual components of a website, including the layout, typography, and overall design. While web design does involve some coding, it is less heavily reliant on it than other professions in the web development field.

Web designers use HTML and CSS to create mockups for their clients. Therefore, they must be familiar with graphic design software and user experience (UX) design principles. In addition, they must have a keen eye for detail and creativity to ensure that the visual components of a website are engaging and easy to use.

Web designers work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and target audience. Then, they must be able to translate their client’s vision into a website that is aesthetically pleasing but also functional and user-friendly. Web designers also need to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

A website’s design can make or break its success, making web design a critical component of website creation. A well-designed website can attract more visitors, keep them engaged, and increase conversion rates.

According to Indeed, the average salary for junior web designers in 2023 is around $44,732. The low end of the salary range is around $36,565, and the high end is approximately $54,724. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and industry.

Becoming a junior web designer can be an excellent choice for anyone interested in web development and design. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing a career as a junior web designer:

  1. Creative expression: As a web designer, you can express your creativity through your designs. You’ll have the chance to work with various design elements, such as colors, typography, layout, and imagery, and create aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly designs.
  2. High demand: The demand for skilled web designers continues to grow, making it a promising career path. Companies across industries constantly need web designers to create and maintain their websites and applications.
  3. Flexibility: Many web designers work as freelancers or are self-employed, which provides flexibility regarding work hours and location. This can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer a non-traditional work schedule or want the freedom to work from anywhere.
  4. Career growth opportunities: Web design is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, offering plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. As you gain experience and expertise, you can move up the career ladder and take on more challenging roles.
  5. Collaboration opportunities: Web design is a collaborative field, allowing you to work with a team of professionals, including web developers, project managers, and other designers. Collaboration allows for brainstorming and creative input, ultimately leading to a better end product.
  6. Lucrative salaries: While salaries may vary based on experience and other factors, junior web designers can earn competitive wages, with an average salary of around $44,732, according to Indeed. Pursuing a career in web design can be a lucrative choice with the potential for higher wages as you gain experience and expertise.

In conclusion, web design is an exciting and rewarding career path that requires combining technical and artistic skills. Becoming a junior web designer can offer many benefits, from creative expression and flexibility to high demand and career growth opportunities. For example, suppose you have a passion for design and enjoy working closely with clients to create aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly websites. In that case, a career in web design could be an excellent choice for you. You can succeed in this dynamic and exciting field and build a fulfilling career with the right skills and dedication.

3. Data analyst

Data analysts collect, interpret, and clean data sets to answer questions or solve problems. They spend a lot of time working with the collected data, making it essential to understand it well enough to communicate it clearly and concisely to clients. To accomplish their tasks, data analysts frequently use spreadsheets like Excel or Sheets and coding languages like SQL, R, or Python.

In 2023, data analysts’ salaries are expected to continue to be lucrative, with an average base salary of $70,811 per year, according to Indeed. This reflects career transitioners with zero years of experience. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as the area of specialization, experience, company size, education, and location. The low-end salary for data analysts is around $45,917 per year, while the high-end wage is $109,203 per year.

In addition to the potential for high salaries, data analysts play a vital role in today’s business world. They identify trends, patterns, and insights that can help organizations make better decisions. For instance, in marketing, data analysts can help companies understand their target audience, optimize their marketing campaigns, and increase their sales. In healthcare, they can help hospitals and clinics identify areas to improve their services, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction.

Becoming a data analyst can offer a range of benefits, including:

  1. High demand: Data analysis is a rapidly growing field, with a high demand for skilled professionals across various industries.
  2. Competitive salaries: Data analysts can earn competitive wages, with the potential for significant earning growth as they gain experience and expertise.
  3. Opportunities for career growth: With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, data analysts can take on increasingly complex projects and responsibilities, leading to career growth and advancement opportunities.
  4. Versatility: The skills and knowledge gained as a data analyst can be applied to various industries and roles, providing versatility and flexibility in career choices.
  5. Solving complex problems: Data analysts play a crucial role in helping organizations solve complex problems by identifying patterns and trends in data and providing insights that can inform decision-making.
  6. Job satisfaction: For those passionate about data and problem-solving, working as a data analyst can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

Overall, a career as a data analyst offers many benefits for those interested in the field. Data analysts have the opportunity for personal and professional growth, competitive salaries, and the ability to make a real impact in the organizations they work for. In addition, the field of data analytics is constantly evolving, providing endless opportunities for learning and development.

Therefore, if you have a passion for data, a willingness to learn, and a keen eye for detail, a career as a data analyst could be an excellent choice for you. To succeed in this dynamic and exciting field, stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies and effectively communicate effectively with clients from various industries.

4. Become a freelancer

Working as a freelance coder can provide various benefits, including working from anywhere at any time. As a freelancer, you can set your hours and choose to work on projects that align with your interests and skills. This means that you can work on personally and professionally fulfilling projects, which can increase job satisfaction and boost productivity.

One of the most significant advantages of freelancing as a coder is that you can specialize in any language or area of coding that you find most fascinating or lucrative. For instance, you can focus on mobile apps, web, or software development. This enables you to become an expert in your field and establish yourself as a go-to coder for particular projects, leading to more lucrative contracts and significant earning potential.

While freelancers have more flexibility, they must also manage their finances carefully. The salary of a freelance coder can vary considerably depending on the type of project, the number of contracts you take, and how much each project pays out. However, there are ways to maximize your earnings. For example, building strong relationships with clients you have worked with in the past is essential to secure future contracts from them or their network. Additionally, you can leverage your expertise and experience to attract more clients and negotiate better service rates. You can also invest in marketing your services on social media or online platforms to increase your visibility and attract more clients.

In conclusion, freelancing as a coder offers numerous benefits, including flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to choose your clients and projects. With the right skills and dedication, you can build a lucrative career as a freelance coder while doing what you love. However, freelancers must also be prepared to manage their finances carefully, develop strong client relationships, and continually improve their skills to stay competitive in the ever-evolving tech industry.

There are several benefits to becoming a freelance web developer:

  1. Flexibility: Working as a freelance web developer offers excellent flexibility regarding work location and hours. You can work from anywhere and any time, as long as you have a reliable internet connection.
  2. Diverse projects: As a freelance web developer, you can work with clients on a contractual basis and develop websites or applications tailored to their needs. This means that you can work on various projects, which can help you improve your skills and knowledge.
  3. Specialization: The beauty of freelance web development is that you can specialize in any language or area of coding that you find most interesting or lucrative. You have the freedom to choose your clients and projects, and you can decline offers that do not appeal to you or do not offer fair compensation.
  4. High earning potential: While the salary of a freelance web developer varies greatly depending on the number of contracts you take and how much each project pays out, there are ways to maximize your earnings. Building solid relationships with clients you have worked with is vital in securing future contracts from them or their network. Additionally, you can leverage your expertise and experience to attract more clients and negotiate better service rates.
  5. Personal and professional growth: Freelance web development provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. You can develop your skills and knowledge by working on diverse projects and improving your communication and negotiation skills by interacting with clients from various industries.

Where can I find a dependable online coding school?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in web development but lack the necessary coding experience and knowledge, consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp. These intensive programs are designed to fast-track your way into the tech industry. They prepare you for your first developer job.

LEARN Academy offers a four-month coding bootcamp led by highly experienced instructors. We feature a tried-and-true curriculum that has helped countless students achieve their career goals. Whether you live near Petco Park or Niagara Falls, our program is accessible to anyone, regardless of location. You can attend our lessons remotely and still receive the same high-quality education that we offer.

We aim to help aspiring developers succeed in their careers and achieve their dreams of landing their dream coding job. So don’t wait any longer! Click here to learn more about our coding bootcamp and how it can help you kickstart your career in the tech industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions you may have. If you are interested in receiving updates on our future cohorts please join our waitlist!

A woman presenting and a woman listening.

Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Can I work while attending LEARN academy?

We have had students hold part-time jobs while attending the coding bootcamps at LEARN academy. They tell us that it’s not too bad if your work is on the weekend, but working more than one night per week is really tough. It is tough but possible.


What is the class schedule?

LEARN academy’s 4 month bootcamp is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.


What do you mean by "full-time"?

LEARN academy’s full-time course is Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Students spend the first 12 weeks working in the online classroom and the final 4 weeks in their remote programming internship.


What is the background of the typical LEARN Student?

There isn’t really a typical student at LEARN academy. Most have not taken computer science classes in college, although some have. Some have not gone to college at all, but many have undergraduate degrees in something other than computer science. Past graduates have been in the entertainment industry, waitresses, massage therapists, in the military, and just about anything else you can think of.

Can I call you or drop by to talk?

Absolutely! We love chatting with potential partners and students. It is always best to make an appointment first so we can make sure someone is available to answer your questions. You can email us hello@learnacademyorg.


Is there any required prep work?

Students who are accepted and enrolled in the 4 month bootcamp are required to attend and participate in a workshop, called Jumpstart, offered by LEARN academy prior to the first day of the program. These workshops are free for students and included in the price of the tuition for the bootcamp. LEARN academy offers multiple workshops leading up to the start of class that students can sign up for.


I don't live in San Diego, can I still apply?

Yes! LEARN academy’s live-remote courses allow students to take our courses from just about anywhere in the United States. However, we are not able to support International students at this time.


How long should my application be?

One of the things we look for in an application is – did we get to know you? It’s almost impossible for us to get to know a candidate if each of the essay answers is only two sentences long. It doesn’t need to be a novel, but before you submit, check to make sure your personality is coming out in your writing.


How old do I have to be to attend LEARN academy?

Code school students must be 18 years old by the date of the first class as we are not legally able to accommodate minors.


What does the application process look like at LEARN academy?

Once you have submitted your application, the team at LEARN academy will review it and be in touch within a week of your submission date. If we feel it is a good fit we will ask you in for an interview. It is an informal interview. A chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you might have about the coding course. We know that it is vital to your success to find the course that is best for you and your learning needs. We use the interview to find out if we are the best fit for you! If at that point we both agree that it is a good fit we will invite you to secure a seat in the class of your choice.


Still have questions?