Top 20 Careers that require coding knowledge - A guide for parents (explaining to kids)

As parents, we all want to guide our children towards rewarding careers, but sometimes it can be hard, especially if we don't know the difference between a Artificial intelligence engineer and a Cloud computing specialist.
In this handy guide, we break down the top 20 careers to help parents have better career conversations with their children.

PLUS, you'll find a super helpful list that explains these careers in a way that kids can understand. 

1. Software developer: Software developers design, develop, and test computer programs. They work on a wide range of software applications, including operating systems, mobile apps, and video games.
2. Web developer: Web developers design and create websites, from simple landing pages to complex e-commerce platforms. They use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
3. Mobile app developer: Mobile app developers create software applications that run on smartphones and tablets. They use languages like Java and Swift to develop apps for iOS and Android devices.
4. Game developer: Game developers create video games for a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. They use languages like C++ and Unity to create engaging, interactive games.
5. Data analyst: Data analysts collect, process, and analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends. They use tools like Excel and Python to create data visualizations and make predictions.
6. Machine learning engineer: Machine learning engineers develop algorithms and models that allow computers to learn from data. They use languages like Python and R to create systems that can make predictions and identify patterns.
7. Artificial intelligence engineer: Artificial intelligence engineers design and develop intelligent systems that can think and learn like humans. They use languages like Python and Java to create intelligent agents and natural language processing systems.
8. Cybersecurity analyst: Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber attacks by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing security measures. They use tools like Wireshark and Nessus to detect and prevent cyber threats.
9. Robotics engineer: Robotics engineers design and develop robots for a wide range of applications, including manufacturing, medicine, and space exploration. They use languages like C++ and Python to program robots and create control systems.
10. Cloud computing specialist: Cloud computing specialists design, implement, and maintain cloud-based systems. They use technologies like AWS and Azure to create and manage cloud-based infrastructure.
11. Database administrator: Database administrators manage and maintain large databases. They use tools like SQL and Oracle to ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of databases.
12. Network administrator: Network administrators design, implement, and maintain networks. They use tools like Cisco and Juniper to create and manage network infrastructure.

13. Systems analyst: Systems analysts design, develop, and implement systems. They use tools like UML and Agile to create systems that meet the needs of organizations.
14. Technical support specialist: Technical support specialists provide assistance to users who are experiencing technical problems. They use tools like Remote Desktop and TeamViewer to help users troubleshoot problems.
15. Quality assurance tester: Quality assurance testers test software to ensure it is of high quality and free of defects. They use tools like Jira and Selenium to create and execute test cases.
16. Technical writer: Technical writers create technical documentation, such as user manuals and help files. They use tools like Microsoft Word and Adobe FrameMaker to create technical documentation.
17. User experience designer: User experience designers design and create user-friendly interfaces. They use tools like Sketch and InVision to create wireframes and prototypes.
18. Graphic designer: Graphic designers create visual designs, such as logos and marketing materials. They use tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create visually appealing designs.
19. Digital marketer: Digital marketers use digital channels to promote products and services. They use tools like Google Analytics and AdWords to create and execute digital marketing campaigns.
20. Medical researcher: Medical researchers use coding and data analysis to study diseases and develop new treatments. They use tools like R and SAS to analyse medical data and discover new insights into health and medicine.

Okay, so now you have an idea about the top 20 careers that require coding skills, we thought it would be helpful to create a helpful tool for parents, to help explain these careers to your child. 

1. Software developer: A software developer is like a computer builder. They make programs that make our computers and phones do cool things! Like playing games or talking to our friends online. It's like building your own lego set but with computer code. It's really fun to see something you built on your computer or phone and be able to share it with other people.
2. Web developer: A web developer is like a website designer. They make sure that websites look good and are easy to use. They use code to make the website come to life, like making pictures move or buttons change color when you click on them. It's like designing your own theme park, you can make it look however you want and people can come and enjoy it.
3. Mobile app developer: A mobile app developer is like a toy inventor. They make apps that you can use on your phone like games, calculators and social media. They use code to make the app work and look good, just like how toy makers make sure the toy works and looks good. It's like creating your own toy that you can show off to your friends and family.
4. Game developer: A game developer is like a game creator. They make video games that you can play on your computer or phone. They use code to make the characters move and the backgrounds look real. It's like creating your own board game and being able to play it with your friends.
5. Data analyst: A data analyst is like a detective. They look at a lot of information and try to figure out what it means. They use code to make charts and graphs that help them understand the information better. Imagine trying to solve a mystery by looking at clues, it's like that but with numbers and statistics.
6. Machine learning engineer: A machine learning engineer is like a robot teacher. They teach computers how to learn and make decisions just like how we learn and make decisions. They use code to make the computer smart and able to do things on its own. It's like teaching a robot how to play a game or solve a problem, it's pretty cool.
7. Artificial intelligence engineer: An Artificial intelligence engineer is like a robot designer. They make robots that can think and learn like humans. They use code to make the robots understand and respond to what we say or do. It's like designing your own robot friend that can have a conversation with you.
8. Cybersecurity analyst: A cybersecurity analyst is like a computer protector. They make sure that computer systems are safe from bad people who want to steal information or cause problems. They use code to make sure that hackers can't get in and steal information. It's like being a superhero for computers, you're protecting people's important information.
9. Robotics engineer: A robotics engineer is like a robot builder. They make robots that can do different jobs like in factories or hospitals. They use code to make the robot move and do things. It's like building your own robot that can do things for you, like make a sandwich or fetch you a drink.
10. Cloud computing specialist: A cloud computing specialist is like a computer organizer. They make sure that all the computer files and data are stored in a safe place and can be accessed from anywhere. They use code to make sure that everything is in the right place and working properly. It's like being a librarian for computer files, you're making sure everything is in its right place.

11. Database administrator: A database administrator is like a computer librarian. They make sure that all the information that is stored on a computer is organized and can be easily found. They use code to make sure the information is stored correctly and can be accessed quickly. It's like being a librarian for computer information, you're making sure everything is in its right place and easy to find.
12. Network administrator: A network administrator is like a computer traffic controller. They make sure that all the computers in a network can talk to each other and share information. They use code to make sure that everything is running smoothly and there aren't any bottlenecks. It's like being a traffic controller for computer traffic, you're making sure everything flows smoothly.
13. Computer systems analyst: A computer systems analyst is like a computer doctor. They figure out how to make computer systems work better and more efficiently. They use code to fix problems and make sure everything is running smoothly. It's like being a doctor for computers, you're making sure they're healthy and working properly.
14. Business analyst: A business analyst is like a business detective. They figure out how a business can be more successful by looking at numbers and data. They use code to make charts and graphs that help them understand the information better. It's like trying to solve a business mystery by looking at clues, it's pretty cool.
15. Digital marketer: A digital marketer is like a computer salesperson. They use the internet to promote products and services. They use code to make sure their message is reaching the right people and that their website looks good. It's like being a salesperson but instead of face-to-face, you're doing it online.
16. Digital designer: A digital designer is like a computer artist. They use code to make websites and apps look good. They use code to make sure the colours and images look good and that everything is easy to use. It's like being an artist but instead of painting, you're designing websites and apps.
17. Quality assurance analyst: A quality assurance analyst is like a computer inspector. They test websites and apps to make sure they're working properly and that there aren't any bugs. They use code to make sure everything is working the way it should. It's like being an inspector for websites and apps, you're making sure everything is working properly.
18. IT consultant: An IT consultant is like a computer advisor. They help businesses figure out how to use technology to be more successful. They use code to make sure everything is working properly and that the business is getting the most out of its technology. It's like being an advisor for a business but instead of giving advice on finances or marketing, you're giving advice on technology.
19. Technical writer: A technical writer is like a computer explainer. They write instructions and explanations for how to use technology. They use code to make sure their instructions are clear and easy to understand. It's like being an explainer but instead of explaining science or history, you're explaining how to use technology.
20. Technical support: Technical support is like a computer helper. They help people troubleshoot problems with their computers or technology. They use code to make sure that the person's computer is working properly and that there aren't any bugs. It's like being a helper for people's computers, you're making sure everything is working properly.

Coding is an important skill for kids to build, no matter which career they choose

Okay, so now you might be wondering, which is the most lucrative? We've provided a helpful salary guide for each of the top careers.
Here are approximate average salary ranges for the careers listed based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and salary information websites such as Glassdoor and PayScale. However, these salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, experience, and company.
1. Software developer: $90,000 - $120,0002. Web developer: $70,000 - $90,0003. Mobile app developer: $90,000 - $120,0004. Game developer: $75,000 - $110,0005. Data analyst: $65,000 - $90,0006. Machine learning engineer: $120,000 - $150,0007. Artificial intelligence engineer: $120,000 - $180,0008. Cybersecurity analyst: $90,000 - $120,0009. Robotics engineer: $90,000 - $120,00010. Cloud computing specialist: $100,000 - $130,00011. Database administrator: $90,000 - $120,00012. Network administrator: $80,000 - $100,00013. Systems analyst: $90,000 - $120,00014. Technical support specialist: $50,000 - $70,00015. Quality assurance tester: $70,000 - $90,00016. Technical writer: $70,000 - $90,00017. User experience designer: $85,000 - $110,00018. Graphic designer: $45,000 - $65,00019. Digital marketer: $50,000 - $80,00020. Medical researcher: $70,000 - $120,000
Salary ranges above are quoted in USD and based on our best research at the time of the initial publishing of this article. (January 27,2023)
In conclusion, coding is a key skill for navigating the digital age and a great way to help your child succeed in the future. With a wide variety of resources available, it's never been easier to get kids started with coding. Encourage your child to start learning coding today and see the difference it can make in their lives and future career prospects. As parents, we can also take the step forward to learn coding along with our children. This will not only help us in guiding our children but also in our personal and professional life.
Want to put your child on a path for success? Enrol now in our after school coding classes. Visit www.skillsamurai.com.au for more information.