Tag Archive for: entry-level IT candidates

Ever wonder which computer programming languages pay the most? Upon researching some of the most popular ones, we discovered some intriguing information.

Ever wonder which computer programming languages pay the most? According to Business Insider, the average salary for computer programmers just hit an all-time high as it approached $100,000.

 

Having knowledge in programming languages such as Objective C, Java, or .NET is proving to be highly rewarding. Upon researching some of the most popular programming languages with the TIOBE Programming Index, we discovered some intriguing results. The graph below represents the 10 highest paying programming languages to use[Quartz], with their respective popularity (as of March, 2015).

 

programming languages

 

Ruby

Although it’s not quite as popular as your Java and C languages of the world, Ruby has been emerging lately as one of the top choices for tech startups in the United States. Since it’s fully-open sourced, and has a large community culture, Ruby is likely to rise in popularity soon.

 

Objective C

Used by some of the first iOS developers, it comes to no surprise that Objective C is one of the most popular and rewarding programming languages. Today, object-oriented Objective C, often works side-by-side with Apple’s new Swift language.

 

Python

This widely used high-level programming language is perhaps as popular as it is because it allows programmers to express concepts in fewer lines of code.

 

Java

One of the biggest reasons Java is so popular today is because it’s a favorable option for client-server web applications. There are approximately 9 million Java developers – many of them can expect to earn nearly $100,000.

 

C++

In the middle of the pack comes C++, a general-purpose programming language that has been around since the early 80’s. Used for many system programming situations (i.e. embedded systems), experts developing in this department can bank about $93,000 on average.

 

JavaScript

JavaScript is a dynamic computer programming language. It’s probably not as popular as its big brother Java because Javascript code is run on a browser only, where Java creates applications that run in a virtual machine or browser.

 

C

Originating in the 1970’s, C programming language is the oldest, and most popular of all other relevant languages. Many languages have borrowed from C, including Python, Java, and JavaScript.

 

R

The R language is widely used among statisticians for developing data analysis and statistical software. Learning this language is probably right down your alley if you enjoy math.

 

C#

C# is a newer language that is an evolution of C and C++. It was designed to build a wide range of enterprise applications that run on the Microsoft .NET Framework.  This language is trending upward in popularity and has a diverse variety of programming styles.

 

Visual Basic .NET

Another major language of the .NET Framework is Visual Basic .NET. This language uses statements to specify actions, and is mainly used for commercial purposes. Although it comes in 10th in salary (out of hundreds), it’s still among the best languages to know in 2015.

 

Most of these programming languages are paired with IT jobs that are in high demand –  some of which will surely be around for a long time, but are increasing in popularity and competition every year. No matter the case, if you’re thinking of being a computer programmer or learning more coding languages, you’ve most likely made a good decision.

 

SEE ALSO: Programming Language Map: Job Breakdown

 

How to become a better developer

Click photo to enlarge

In an industry that has the tendency to change overnight, the most successful web developers are the ones who are always learning. This past week I had the pleasure of attending Self.Conference in Detroit. The conference was for web developers, by web developers and while some aspects were past my level of understanding (I’m just starting to learn), a common theme kept coming up: You don’t know everything, you’ll never know everything, and no one else knows everything either. In a nutshell, the most successful people are the those that continue to learn new things. If you approach your technical challenges at work or in play with the idea that intelligence can be developed (see image) and is not something that you “should already know” (static intelligence), you will overcome blocks in the road and be better equipped to take on new challenges. Ready to get started?

Here are 10 ways to challenge yourself that can teach you problem solving skills and give you the tools to succeed as a web developer:

1. Join user group communities
More likely than not, there are groups of web developers in your area that meet on a regular basis (check out meetup.com). In addition to camaraderie, user groups will allow you to pair with a mentor, be a mentor, teach you something new about skills you have, inform you of the next “hot” thing, and let you expand your mind outside of your job. This will help you grow as a professional and as a person. If there isn’t one in your area, start one. Our personal favorites are IT in the D and Great Lakes Area .Net User Group.

2. Partner code with someone new
One of the Self.conference speakers spoke about ways to push forward innovation in code, and partnering with new people or co-workers can allow you to look at a problem differently. Think about the combinations of web developers: Master and master, novice and master, and novice and novice. In every situation there is learning and challenge involved so don’t always partner with someone in your comfort zone.

3. Take a class
Again, tech moves incredibly fast and there are groups that are willing and excited to teach you what they know. A few of our favorites are New Horizons, Girl Develop IT, and Grand Circus.

4. Work with a mentor
Outside of a classroom, you can also find a mentor who will work with you one on one. If you check your ego and immerse yourself in their expertise you have the ability to master a new skill and may find a new passion.

5. Learn from mistakes you make
Making a mistake is unfortunate unless you learn why it was a mistake. Knowing how and why a system, app, program, etc. breaks is a step in the direction of mastery.

6. Attempt to learn a new language every year
Learning new skills will break you out of your rhythm and possibly give you new ideas or ways to problem solve.

7. Learn all aspects of the business
Ignorance is not always bliss. If you find yourself getting frustrated with different areas of your company, for example the business development team, figure out what makes them  tick and how they work. Like you, there are reasons for the decisions they make, knowing the process better will help you understand and even better predict client needs.

8. Attend a conference
Definitely attend a conference. In addition to building your professional network, conferences give you the opportunity to test drive new skills and forecast what is next.

9. Teach
This goes back to master partnering with a novice. Teach a novice web developer your perfected skills, and chances are that you yourself will learn something in the process.

10.  Have patience, and use repetition
The first speaker that I heard from at Self.conference spoke about using repetition and practice to perfect your craft. While you may be a Ruby on Rails ninja, there is always room for improvement.

The best way to take control over your career, other than networking and personal branding, is to make sure that you are always learning. Try out something new that interests you, or teach someone a new skill. You will never regret time spent tackling a new challenge.

Looking for a Web Developer Job? Check out all of our jobs and apply today.

 

top programming languagesWhy should you know the top programming languages from 2013? For starters they are the skills needed for today’s high demand IT jobs industry wide.  They will also be in high demand for 2014. Companies are investing more in their internal systems, spending more money on their websites, and developing relevant mobile applications making the growth and need for software developers skyrocket. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has projected a 30% growth in the employment of software developers by 2020. This is about twice the average growth rate for ALL occupations.

Secondly, If you aren’t a developer it is very likely that you work directly or indirectly with one to help you complete some aspect of your every day job. Knowing that these skill sets exist, and how they operate can help you more clearly communicate with your IT Department or helpdesk. Free sites like Codecademy (linked to below), can help give you this background knowledge.

Without further adieu, here are the top programming languages of 2013:

 

Author: Elyse Lopez