Highest paying jobs for least amount of school: 20 Fun Jobs That Pay Well

Опубликовано: October 3, 2023 в 7:55 am

Автор: alexxlab

Категории: Miscellaneous

20 Fun Jobs That Pay Well

Trade Schools Home > Articles > Fun Jobs That Pay Well

Last Updated October 27, 2022

Say goodbye to doing boring work! Fun jobs that pay well do exist, and many of them even pay well over $40K. You can find them in a huge variety of career sectors, making it easy to match your preferred fun factors to your unique personality. Plus, there are plenty of fun careers that you can train for at a vocational or trade school, which can provide streamlined, focused, and flexible program options near you and online.

Work does not have to be tedious. There are fun and fulfilling careers that can help you avoid the stress resulting from job dissatisfaction and find truly enjoyable work.

Check out the complete list of 20 fun, high-paying jobs. Many of the fun jobs featured below are practical, and some expect high job growth. That makes it more realistic for you to land a job that you will love.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.*

Top 20 Fun Jobs That Pay Well

Advertising & Marketing

Align your business and creative skills with a career in advertising and marketing. Businesses rely on advertising and marketing professionals to help sell their products and services through numerous avenues. You could be doing just about anything from managing promotional campaigns to running social media accounts.

1. Advertising or Marketing Manager

As an advertising or marketing manager, you could be handling the many aspects of a company’s advertising and promotional campaigns. Marketing managers tend to have a broader focus on branding and public relations, which can mean fun brainstorming, networking, and more. Career opportunities exist in many settings, from advertising agencies to construction firms.

Fun factors: Interact with interesting people, brainstorm creative ideas, and manage fun campaigns.

Median annual salary: $133,380 (for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers)

2. Search Marketing (SEO) & Social Media Professional

The Internet’s explosive growth has created a wide range of search marketing and social media jobs over recent years. Three of the more common titles you could come across are search marketing strategist, social media specialist, and social media strategist. Each position comes with a varying degree of responsibility for a company’s online presence. Depending on your role, you could be responsible for promoting websites, taking care of social media accounts, or developing online marketing strategies.

Fun factors: Spend your days online and on social media, and earn a good living doing it.

Median annual salary: $63,920 (for marketing specialists)

Animal Sciences

If you are a lover of animals, then you may enjoy a career in this field. From assisting veterinarians to providing direct care for animals in need, you can likely find a career in line with your interests.

3. Veterinary Technician

A veterinary technician provides essential support services to veterinarians. It can be ideal for animal lovers who want a short education to quickly get back into the workforce. As a vet tech, you could spend your time giving medications, assisting with surgeries, providing emergency care, collecting samples, performing lab tests, and much more.

Fun factors: Care for and bond with all kinds of different animals every day and pick from various great places to work, like shelters, animal hospitals, and private clinics.

Median annual salary: $36,850

Automotive Technology

There are a number of high-paying, fun careers available in the automotive sector. Here are some you might want to consider:

4. NASCAR Mechanic

If you’re into a more high-paced work environment, you could train to become an essential member of a racer’s pit crew, taking care of many things, including engine mechanics, fabrication, and welding.

Since every NASCAR race car and truck has a full-time professional team behind it, there could be multiple opportunities for determined mechanics.

Fun factors: Join the thrilling racing industry, attend events at some of the best racetracks in the country, and work with professional NASCAR drivers.

Median annual salary: $59,758 (for auto mechanics in the spectator sports industry)

5. Street Rod and Custom Fabricator

Street rod fabricators don’t just build vehicles; they create high-performance pieces of custom art. Using a combination of hand tools and specialized equipment, you will fabricate sheet metal, construct bodies, and work with various components like chop tops and suicide doors. You also finish with custom paint and special effects to create beautiful hot rods. You could find career opportunities within existing shops or establish your own custom hot rod shop.

Fun factors: Use your hands and custom tools and machinery to build some of the coolest and most eye-catching street rods out there.

Median annual salary: $60,694 (for auto body and related repairers in the spectator sports industry)

Aviation

Many people who work in aviation have known that it was the vocational field for them from an early age. Well, you can transform your fascination into a fun career that pays well. Here are two aviation occupations that may interest you:

6. Aircraft Mechanic

Airplane mechanics help thousands, if not millions, of travelers arrive at their destinations safely. Depending on your education level, you could be inspecting, supervising, and performing airplane maintenance on both private and commercial aircraft. And some mechanics even have opportunities to travel to foreign countries to oversee the mechanical work completed at international shops.

Fun factors: Potential for travel to cool locations for work and free or discounted travel benefits for you and your family and friends.

Median annual salary: $65,380

Beauty

Those interested in fun, well-paying jobs in beauty are usually quite passionate about the field. They enjoy interacting with people of all different backgrounds and enjoy hands-on work where they can immediately see the results. If this sounds like you, then consider a fun beauty career such as the following:

7. Makeup Artist

A makeup artist can work in many settings. You could be employed at a salon or beauty shop where you apply makeup to brides, wedding parties, and others preparing for big events. Or you could work in theatrical and performing arts establishments where you get actors and actresses ready for their shows. You may even be able to find opportunities to apply makeup to models and celebrities. There are a lot of possibilities as a professional makeup artist.

Fun factors: Play and experiment with makeup every day, get incredible makeup discounts, travel to awesome places, gain access to glamorous events and venues, and meet a variety of interesting, and possibly famous, people.

Median annual salary: $134,750 (for those in the theatrical industry)

Business Management

If you possess a strong business sense and are highly motivated and organized, you may want to consider a fun, high-paying career in business management. Check out one of the interesting options that you could pursue:

8. Event Planner

The life of an event planner is never dull. You can quickly go from one event to the next or even plan multiple events at one time. You could work as a private consultant or secure a position within a business like a hotel or convention center. One day you could be handling every fine detail of a lavish wedding, and the next day you could be setting up a professional business conference. Event planning can be a creative, stimulating, and rewarding career field.

Fun factors: Be in charge of setting up all kinds of events, some of which could be well-known or prestigious, like rock concerts or fashion galas. And you might have the opportunity to travel and even meet famous people.

Median annual salary: $49,470

Communications & Media

A communications career is an ideal choice for those who are natural writers and storytellers. You actually might find that the communications field offers interesting, easy jobs. We say easy because you could secure a position that depends upon your natural-born talents. If you can picture yourself working in radio, TV, or online and print media, then consider these fun, well-paying careers:

9. Writer

Writers often enjoy having a variety of opportunities to do what they love most. With a knack for the written word, you could find yourself writing for advertisements, scripts, stories, articles, books, and other fun projects. You may even want to pursue a more creative career in freelancing, where there are opportunities in journalism, blogging, copywriting, travel writing, and many other specialty areas.

Fun factors: Freedom. Create a flexible work schedule, pursue writing jobs that truly appeal to you, express your stories in interesting and creative ways. You can also travel to cool locations if you work in journalism or travel writing.

Median annual salary: $69,510

10. Radio and Television Announcer

Radio and TV announcers research, prepare, and present information on a wide variety of topics. You get to stay in tune with current events related to news, music, entertainment, sports, and other aspects of modern culture. You may have a broad position covering multiple topics, or you could work in a position where you focus on a specific area like politics or entertainment. You could be interviewing guests, providing commentary, operating studio equipment, updating social media accounts, creating and selecting program content, and lots more.

Fun factors: Experience the adrenaline rush from being live on-air, meet celebrities and politicians, and enjoy perks like free food and event tickets.

Median annual salary: $37,502

Computers & Technology

Not everyone would consider an IT career fun. But then again, not everyone is as fascinated with computers and technology as you are. You probably can’t picture yourself working in any other field. And that’s why one of these fun jobs that pay well might be what you’re looking for.

11. Ethical Hacker

Do people really get paid to hack? Well, yes, they do. As technology grows and society becomes increasingly reliant on it, the field of ethical hacking is growing significantly. Ethical hackers are hired to test computer and network systems to identify security vulnerabilities. Many people love the thrill that comes from staying a step ahead of computer criminals. And positions exist in all kinds of settings, from government departments and banks to vehicle manufacturers and home security companies.

Fun factors: Get paid good money to legally hack into computer systems and gain the upper hand over unethical hackers.

Median annual salary: $102,600 (for information security analysts)

Creative Design & Media Arts

Maybe you consider yourself a creative visionary. Can you picture using modern technology in an enjoyable artistic field? Think of the possibilities: designing graphics, creating appealing indoor spaces, generating animations, building video games, developing websites, capturing moments in time, composing narratives, or creating soundtracks. Many fun, good-paying jobs exist in this category.

12. Film and Video Editor

Film and video editors take on critical, behind-the-scenes roles in video production. They edit raw footage with their artistic and creative eye to capture on-screen personalities and tell a story. Editors work with directors, producers, and other film staff to ensure that production goals are achieved. With the use of computer software and digital equipment, you can produce a high-quality finished product.

Fun factors: Be the artistic and creative brain behind professional video productions, work with well-known professionals and celebrities, and enjoy admiration and respect from the people around you.

Median annual salary: $62,680

13. Multimedia Artist and Animator

Multimedia artistry/animation is another field where technology and creative art come together. As a multimedia artist and animator, you could find yourself creating computer animation and special effects to be used in TV shows, commercials, movies, music videos, websites, video games, and other media projects.

Fun factors: Immerse yourself in the imaginative and constantly-evolving world of animation. And earn a great paycheck doing it.

Median annual salary: $78,790 (for special effects artists and animators)

14. Video Game Designer

This field is where your creativity can align with your design and computer programming abilities. A great deal of artistry goes into creating today’s video games. You essentially create a fantasy world with a storyline, characters, music, and different scenes. And many video game companies are known for their laid-back, fun work environments. Plus, you may even have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area such as coding, creating sound effects, designing graphics, or writing narratives.

Fun factors: Design fun and enthralling games that bring fantasy to life and help people relax, unwind, and be entertained.

Median annual salary: $78,790 (for special effects artists and animators)

15.

Interior Designer

An interior designer has a flair for creative design backed with a strong business sense. You do much more than make spaces attractive to the eye. You also make sure they are safe, functional, and comfortable. Work with your clients, whether homeowners or businesses, to create appealing rooms and spaces that meet their unique needs.

Fun factors: Spend other people’s money to bring your best, brightest, and boldest decorating ideas to life. Work with people, products, and spaces that you never imagined possible.

Median annual salary: $60,340

16. Photographer

Photographers can capture memories and make them last for generations. Although job opportunities exist in several sectors, many photographers prefer the flexibility and creativity of freelance work or self-employment. You can find opportunities in private and corporate settings. You may even choose to focus on a specialty where you strictly photograph people, events, landscapes, or products.

Fun factors: Take photographs of incredible people and places, fulfill your creative dreams, edit your images as far as your imagination will take you, work alongside other artistic professionals and, if you go into business for yourself, enjoy the freedom of building your business into whatever you want it to be.

Median annual salary: $38,950

Criminal Justice

Do you find the legal field fascinating? Can you picture yourself working in a career where you help solve crimes, catch criminals, or stop terrorists? Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

17. Forensic Science Technician

A career in forensic science or criminal investigations is an exciting option for those intrigued by the law and who want to engage in work that helps catch criminals. You could be one of the first people called to a crime scene to collect evidence, which is taken back to a lab for analysis. You would likely focus on either crime scene investigation or lab analysis rather than being involved in both. At the conclusion of your investigation, you would typically prepare a written report. You may be required to testify at a trial.

Fun factors: Enjoy the thrill of working crime scenes and play a relatively low-risk role in catching criminals.

Median annual salary: $61,930

18. Private Detective

A private detective is also referred to as a private eye, PI, or private investigator. Individuals and organizations like corporations, insurance agencies, and law firms hire private detectives. As a PI, you could be responsible for fact-finding and analyzing information about financial, legal, and personal matters. On any given day, your actions could involve interviewing people, tracking a missing person, investigating a computer crime or fraudulent insurance claim, or checking a person’s background. Simply put, you could carry out many activities that make your days interesting and varied.

Fun factors: Use your natural investigative skills every day to help catch criminals, liars, and cheaters. You also get to work independently and follow your hunches.

Median annual salary: $59,380

Environmental Sciences

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and the planet’s resources? There are several high-paying, exhilarating, and fun jobs available for people just like you.

19. Wind Energy Technician

Becoming a wind energy or wind turbine technician can enable you to play an important role in the growing renewable energy industry. Enjoy the fulfillment that comes from a green career where you work with electrical and mechanical wind equipment to turn the wind’s energy into power.

Fun factors: Work with massive structures and leading-edge green energy technology every day. Enjoy some of the best views imaginable if you are working high-up on a turbine.

Median annual salary: $56,260

Food & Beverage

Are you passionate about the culinary and/or wine industries? There are plenty of fun opportunities conceptualizing, creating, critiquing, and serving high-quality food and drinks to people looking for an entertaining, social, or relaxing time.

20. Wine Specialist

Many fun, well-paying jobs are available in the wine industry. Here are two of the most appealing career possibilities:

Winemaker: Winemaking is the ultimate career for a wine lover. Just imagine being a key player in the entire wine production process where you can create a beautifully crafted bottle of wine.

Fun factors: Immerse yourself in vineyards and wine cellars, and create exquisite wines. You might also attend posh events and get to know famous people who love your products.

Median annual salary: $46,030

Sommelier: Imagine being an expert at judging and selecting wines. Begin developing your talents with a sommelier training program, and discover where it might lead.

Fun factors: Get paid to taste wine! Work in upscale restaurants, attend prestigious events, and have people seek your opinion about whether a wine is worthy of drinking.

Median annual salary: $26,000

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Jobs

1.

What Is the Best Profession in the World for Having Fun?

In terms of what’s most enjoyable, the best profession in the world is whatever lets you make a living by doing at least one of your favorite activities. So the answer is different for everyone. Simply put, everybody has different interests and, therefore, different opinions on what constitutes the ultimate fun career. However, there are some common factors in what makes a job fun: diverse work and achievable challenges.

So, what are your biggest interests? Chances are, you can pursue a career that incorporates one or more of them in some way. For example, as mentioned above, marketing, software development, and video game design are fun jobs that pay well if you have a strong interest in using your creativity to promote or produce things that are useful or entertaining. And veterinary technology and aviation maintenance are good careers if you love caring for animals or doing fascinating mechanical work.

2. Do College Majors Matter When It Comes to Getting a Fun Job?

It depends. College majors do matter if the career you want has very specific educational requirements. For instance, to get a fun job as an architect, you will first need to major in architecture. (Otherwise, you can’t get a license to practice that profession.) However, for most careers, you have a lot more leeway in choosing your college major. You may simply need an associate or bachelor’s degree—in anything. That said, individual employers will always have their own preferences when it comes to college majors. Because many occupations have licensing or certification requirements, you may need to take specific courses, even if they aren’t part of your major.

Some of today’s most enjoyable occupations only need two years or less of college or trade school education. The highest-paying jobs that don’t require a degree at the bachelor’s level include occupations like dental hygiene, medical ultrasound technology, web development, computer animation, and the electrical trade.

3. The Wine Industry Looks Fun, But Is It Really a Good Option?

Yes, it certainly can be, especially if you’re one of the professionals in charge of growing the grapes or making the wine. Wine specialists often reap a lot of enjoyment from their jobs. After all, think about what they do: A viticulturist does highly satisfying work by using science to oversee soil preparation and the planting, growing, and harvesting of high-quality grapes. And winemakers (often called enologists) get to use science to transform ripe grapes into great-tasting wine. In some wineries, those two roles even overlap.

4. Creating Art Is Fun. What Are the Best Jobs for Artists?

Making a good living as an artist is possible. Whether you are a self-employed artist or work for an employer, your options may only be limited by your creativity and imagination. Illustration, painting, sculpture, ceramics, tattoo design, glassblowing, and jewelry making are some art careers that most people know about. But if you have artistic talent, you can pursue all kinds of other career paths.

For example, art directing, college-level teaching, multimedia artistry, and graphic design are good jobs that pay well if you have the right creative skills. Check out the median salaries to see why these are some of the best jobs for artists:

Art directors: $100,890

Multimedia artists and animators: $78,790

Post-secondary art teachers: $75,940

Graphic designers: $50,710

How to Start Building on Your Talents

Are you feeling inspired after learning about the possibilities for fun jobs that pay well? Vocational and trade school programs can provide a direct and focused path to learning the career you want. Education for rewarding and fun jobs can also be found in colleges and through life experience or mentorship.

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* Unless otherwise noted, salary information is based on May 2021 data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.

Find Software Developer Schools Near You & Learn More

Trade Schools Home > Programs > Technology > Software Development

By Publisher
| Last Updated October 7, 2022

Software developer schools can set you up to enter one of the fastest-growing areas within the tech industry. You’ll have the opportunity to sharpen your creative and analytical abilities while learning how to design, create, test, and evaluate different types of software. And with median salaries in the six figures and projected job growth in the double digits, there are plenty of reasons to consider training in this field.

Education & Training

Length of Training

Program Options

Typical Courses

Skills You Can Learn

Tools & Technology

Certification

Education & Training FAQs

Software Development Schools

Career Information

Earnings

Job Openings & Outlook

Key Benefits

What a Software Developer Does

Work Settings

Specializations

Career FAQs

Software engineer degree programs are designed to provide aspiring developers with a wide range of technical and problem-solving skills. They can help dedicated learners like you prepare for a career in this ever-changing field.

Length of Training

It generally takes about four years to become a software engineer or developer if you pursue a bachelor’s degree (i.e., the most common route). However, two-year associate degree programs are also available.*

Most Common Length of School*

(range in months)

Web development

Computer programming

Software engineering

Computer science

Program Options

Software developer schools offer a range of programs in engineering and development, though the latter is the less common program name. Since there generally isn’t a big distinction between the two, what the programs cover will vary somewhat depending on the school you attend.

Plus, at many institutions, computer science or information technology programs feature software development or software engineering as a specialization. So be sure to research your options.

Associate degree programs are generally two years long.* They include introductory courses in areas like programming, discrete mathematics, web design, computer security, and database management. Such programs can qualify you for entry-level positions in software design or testing. Plus, you may be able to transfer your credits into a bachelor’s degree program if you wish to upgrade your education later.

Bachelor’s degree programs typically take four years to complete.* They include more major-specific courses in topics like computer architecture, calculus, and advanced programming. An O*NET OnLine survey revealed that 80 percent of application software developers said a bachelor’s degree was required.

Master’s degree programs usually take an additional two years beyond a bachelor’s degree.* They tend to provide advanced coursework in areas like project management and leadership. Some employers prefer to hire developers with this level of education.

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Typical Courses

Software engineering or development programs typically cover subjects like:

Data structures and algorithms

Software engineering principles

Scripting and programming

Software architecture

Web development

Cyber security

Networking

Cloud computing

Usability

Discrete mathematics and probability

Calculus

Physics

Project management

Critical thinking

Communication

Quality assurance

Skills You Can Learn

Software development training can help you develop skills in:

Analyzing user needs

Designing software systems or applications

Managing relational database systems

Programming in a variety of languages, such as Java, C++, or Python

Working with different frameworks and platforms

Testing and debugging software

Managing a software development project

Tools & Technology

Software developers work with a vast array of tools. Here are some of the most popular in different categories, according to a Stack Overflow survey of professional developers:

Programming, markup, and scripting languages

JavaScript

HTML and CSS

Python

Java

Database tools

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Microsoft SQL Server

SQLite

MongoDB

Web frameworks

jQuery

Angular or Angular.js

React. js

ASP.NET

Express

Platforms

Linux

Windows

Docker

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Android

Certification

Many software development certifications are available, but they are not required in order to work in the field.

Vendor-specific certifications are designed to demonstrate developers’ expertise in a particular vendor’s products or tools. Such certifications are available from companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.

Vendor-neutral certifications are broadly applicable across a range of different companies’ tools. They can be done through industry organizations like IEEE and CompTIA.

Some employers look favorably on candidates who have achieved relevant certifications. Others place little value on certifications, emphasizing practical experience above all else. It’s a good idea to read through job postings from the companies you’re interested in working for to determine whether certification would benefit you, and if so, which particular credential would benefit you the most.

Education & Training FAQs

What is the best degree for software engineers or developers?

The best choice is a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Both programs cover the fundamentals of programming and are designed to help students hone their problem-solving abilities. However, there are some differences.

Computer science programs are concerned with understanding how computers work. They emphasize applied mathematics and the theory of computing. Students learn how data is stored and processed and receive training in areas like creating software and working with databases.

Software engineering programs focus on designing and building software systems and programs. They are more narrowly focused than computer science programs and usually involve more coursework related to programming languages and product design.

So which is better: software engineering or computer science? That depends on your goals (and on the specifics of each program, since every institution does things a little differently).

Generally, if you want a broader understanding of computing technology and a degree that’s applicable to a wide range of occupations, computer science might be the way to go. If you’re more interested in focusing on development, testing, and project management, then software engineering might be a better choice.

Can I be a software engineer with an IT degree?

Yes. Any computer-related degree program will give you valuable skills that can be applied to software development. In particular, if you have expertise or experience in analyzing requirements, writing code, or testing software, you can likely find opportunities as a software engineer or developer.

In fact, you can be a software engineer with a degree in virtually any field, or even without a degree at all. In this industry, it’s what you can do that matters, not what educational credentials you hold.

Does software engineering require math?

Most software developer schools include required courses in topics like linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability, statistics, and calculus. So, you will need to complete those in order to get your degree.

However, depending on your area of focus, you don’t necessarily have to be great at math to work as a software engineer. You do have to be able to use logical reasoning. And certain specialties are more math-intensive than others, such as game development, robotics, machine learning, and graphics.

Software Development Schools

Platt College

Anaheim, California

Ontario, California

Web Development Programming

University of Silicon Valley

San Jose, California

Online (California and Colorado Residents Only)

Software Development

Southern New Hampshire University

Online

Computer Science – Software Engineering

Information Technologies – Software Development

Saint Leo University

Online

Software Engineering

California Institute of Arts & Technology

Online

Software Development:
- Data Analytics
- Mobile App Development
- Web Development

Kenzie Academy

Online

Software Engineering with Specialization in Backend Java

ECPI University

Raleigh

Charleston

Columbia

Manassas (Northern VA)

Newport News

Richmond

Virginia Beach

Online

Mobile Development

Software Development

Keiser University

Melbourne, Florida

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Tampa, Florida

Software Engineering

Grand Canyon University

Online

Software Development

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Career Information

So, what exactly is software engineering and development? This profession harnesses the power of technology to solve business problems, streamline processes, or make people’s lives easier or more entertaining. Some focus on software applications (i.e., the programs that people use) while others concentrate on software systems (i.e., the code that tells the hardware what to do). Both paths offer a wealth of rewarding opportunities.

Career Snapshot

Career Outlook

26% growth from 2021 to 2031

Median Salary

Software Developers

Job Openings

Average Yearly Openings

Length of Training

Most Common Length

Work Settings

Specializations

Front-end developer, back-end developer, full-stack developer, embedded developer, mobile application developer, game developer, IT analyst, software architect

Source**

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Earnings: How Much Do Software Engineers Make?

The median annual salary for software developers is $120,730, according to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. ** The top 10 percent of earners make $168,570 or more.

Median Annual Wage Comparison**

Info system managers

Software developers

Systems analysts

Computer programmers

Web developers

Job Openings & Outlook

A report from CompTIA found that software and web developer jobs were growing faster than any other category within the tech sector. And according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), employment of software developers is expected to grow by 26 percent from 2021 to 2031.** That’s over four times faster than the projected growth rate for all occupations overall.

Specifically, the OOH notes that software quality assurance analysts and testers should see job growth of 21 percent.**

The numbers suggest there is a shortage of software engineers and developers. One report found that across the U.S., over 200,000 software developer positions were vacant because companies could not find enough qualified candidates.

Employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate that an average of 143,400 software development jobs will open up each year from 2021 to 2031.** Close to three-quarters of those openings will be for applications developers.

Key Benefits

Potential for high pay: At least half of all software developers earn six-figure salaries, according to OEWS program estimates.

Opportunities to be creative and solve problems: It can be very satisfying to use technology in innovative ways that help organizations and end users achieve their goals.

The excitement of always learning: You can add to your repertoire with formal training, certifications, or go more self-directed with MOOCs (massive open online courses).

What a Software Developer Does

There are two main types of software developers.

Applications developers create the programs that users interact with to carry out a specific task. Examples include word processors, web browsers, image-editing programs, mobile apps, and video games.

Systems developers design the systems and utilities that keep computer hardware running. This type of software works in the background and provides the platform upon which software applications are built. Examples include device drivers, compilers, debuggers, and operating systems like Windows 10 or Apple iOS.

The actual job duties are much the same in both cases. Software developers typically:

Gather user, performance, and security requirements

Analyze requirements to plan software specifications

Write, test, and validate code (or assign those tasks to computer programmers)

Modify software to fix bugs, improve performance, or integrate with new hardware

Document their activities to make future upgrades or maintenance easier

Work Settings

Around one-third of software developers work for computer design companies, according to the OOH. Many are also employed in the finance, insurance, manufacturing, and software publishing industries.

The OOH also says that one-third of all software quality assurance analysts and testers work in computer systems design. Many also work in finance and insurance, software publishing, and manufacturing.

Software engineers and developers frequently work in offices but may also work from home.

Specializations

The software development field offers many potential specializations. Here are a few examples:

Front-end developer: Sometimes known as client-side developers, these are the people who design the user interface of a web or mobile application. They make sure that the app appears the way it should in different browsers, operating systems, and devices.

Back-end developer: Also known as server-side developers, these professionals are responsible for what happens behind the scenes whenever a user performs an action on an application. They develop the logic that allows the application to communicate with a server and a database.

Full-stack developer: Work on both the client and server side of an application.

Embedded developer: Engineer software for things that are not traditionally thought of as computers, such as medical devices, gaming controllers, smartwatches, and self-driving cars.

Mobile application developer: Design and build apps to run on devices like tablets and smartphones.

Game developer: Write the code that powers the features and functionality of video games.

IT analyst: Also known as computer systems analysts, these specialists design customized software solutions to help organizations operate more efficiently or effectively.

Software architect: Design the overall structure of a software project and enforce standards related to coding and compliance.

Career FAQs

What’s the difference between a software developer and a software engineer?

There is no universally accepted distinction between these two roles. Some industry experts say that software engineers use engineering principles to manage the development process while software developers come up with the conceptual design and build the actual product. In that scenario, engineers would be like the architects and developers would be like the contractors.

In reality, the two titles are used fairly interchangeably. A senior-level developer essentially functions as an engineer, meaning that he or she uses scientific methods to come up with solutions to practical problems.

Keep in mind that software creation is not a regulated field. Unlike civil engineers or electrical engineers, software engineers do not require any special licensing. So, in many cases, it’s really just a matter of word choice.

Is it hard to learn how to become a software engineer/developer?

For those with the drive to continually learn new technologies and explore new solutions, it’s not too difficult to become a software developer. Formal training is generally the best way to get started, but plenty of developers have forged successful careers through self-study and determination.

It’s important to have an analytical mindset, good problem-solving skills, and an openness to new ideas. You might also want to try:

Is software development a good career?

In a word: yes. The software development field offers a nearly unbeatable combination of challenging work, high earnings, and huge demand. Another advantage is flexibility: Developers can work on-staff for companies of any size or become self-employed contractors or consultants. And many work remotely at least some of the time.

This is a career that allows you to transform ideas into innovative products. Getting paid to use cutting-edge technology to solve problems is hugely appealing for many people.

Find a Software Developer School

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* Length of training information is based on a combination of information from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the U.S. Department of Education, and a wide sampling of relevant program lengths from about 30 individual school websites. They are a mix of public, private non-profit, and private for-profit institutions.

** Unless otherwise noted, salary information is based on May 2021 data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Job growth and average yearly openings estimates are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and are for the 2021 to 2031 period.

A well-paid profession right after school is easy if you are on SPO

The world around modern children is developing too quickly – 11 years at school, and then 4-5 at the “tower” can be wasted, education received with great effort will become unnecessary, illiquid. Especially if you immediately chose “wrong”, i.e. made a mistake with what you want to do and, although now you can change the direction of study, you will still spend 3 years on something that is not useful to you.

How not to waste your time after school?

Most VET programs take 3 years in total. 3 years and you are already a ready-made specialist. Many SVE students work from the 1st year and by the end of their studies have real experience and skills in their profession.

In addition, SVE is much easier to get into, students are also provided with benefits for travel, hostel and scholarship – all the delights of student life in addition to paid internships and an almost 100% chance of employment. Large enterprises and industries often cooperate with various colleges and, if you prove yourself, you can find a permanent job.

Studying at a secondary vocational school even helps to get a higher education – many universities have their own colleges, whose graduates are given benefits when entering higher education in this university.

Whom to study?

The list of specialties in free software has recently been updated, there are many popular, modern professions: industrial automation, industrial robotics, electrical installation, laboratory chemical analysis, python programming, BIM design of buildings and structures, microelectronics and many others.

The most striking example of the profession of the future, i. the one that will not become obsolete in the near future, but will only become more popular is the direction of study – “Automated process control system specialist” or a specialist in automated process control systems. He is engaged in the design, commissioning of automation systems for various types of industries, and also monitors their reliability and reliability.

How to choose the right college?

The college is chosen in the same way as the university. Employability, the quality of education, the infrastructure around and within the college, and the modernity of the teaching approach are important.

A good example of a modern secondary school is the Alabuga Economic Zone Polytechnic University – they provide free housing, help especially talented students get to the place of study, and also guarantee employment from the 1st year.

When choosing a place of study, it is worth evaluating the ratio of your comfort from studying, the demand for the profession you receive and the interest of the educational institution in you.

If you still have questions about admission, order a personal consultation with a personal explanation of all questions and a selection of universities that you can go to. Our site provides an opportunity for applicants and their parents to choose the perfect university for themselves and their children. With the help of the USE calculator, the selection of a university according to the USE, the analysis of the chances to enter online and all the free tools for university applicants. Also read the step-by-step instructions for admission

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Education in Finland: study less – know much more

Finnish education has long been considered one of the best in the world. It was Finnish schoolchildren who showed the highest level of knowledge in the world, according to research by the very authoritative Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In addition, little Finns are the most reading children on the planet. And all this despite the fact that students spend the least amount of time at the school desk than all other students, and the teaching profession here is very prestigious and highly paid.