Is Coding Becoming Saturated?
Becoming a software developer or any other job with coding has become an increasingly popular career choice. With the increase in this job choice, many people wonder if the coding world has become saturated.
The idea that coding has become saturated is a loaded idea. Many factors have made coding saturated yet not saturated. This type of career has increased in popularity, but it has also increased in demand.
You will find that there is a lot of availability within the coding industry as a career. But even with this availability, some areas of this specialty can be oversaturated. Here is what you need to know about the coding market and what to expect from this type of career.
Is Coding Oversaturated?
Yes and no. Every day there are new job openings for software developers. The job market has so many job openings that it is difficult for them to fill those positions. If you were to choose a career in coding, it wouldn’t be too hard for you to find a job.
In a recent study, it was found that 92% of developers were employed at least part-time. There is a global demand for these specialists so you won’t be without a job. It’s even easier when you have had a few years of experience. Many companies will compete to get you as their employer.
Even if you hear that the market is saturated, the surveys and number of job openings show that it is not saturated. All the research and recordings show that the market is only rising and expanding as technology continues to transform.
Why Do People Think Coding Is Saturated?
There are many reasons why people think that the market for coders has become oversaturated. Here are a few reasons:
- The entry-level positions are overwhelmed.
- More and more people are entering this field with no experience.
- Coding startups are on the rise.
- Availability bias.
Entry-Level Position Are Overwhelmed
The main reason entry-level positions are overwhelmed with applicants with little or no experience. Although there is a demand for these jobs, many people applying are new to the workforce or don’t have any experience in that field.
Many companies would prefer to invest in experienced developers rather than new ones, which has become an obstacle for newcomers. But with so many available job openings, you will find yourself with a stable job in no time.
More People Entering With No Experience
Because the demand has become higher, many people are beginning their careers in this area. The idea that there are so many available jobs means people are more likely to get certifications in this area.
The demand also means that companies are hiring more people with less and less experience. It has been the norm to hire those with at least a four-year degree but it has become more common to hire even those who do vocational school or boot camps.
Although it is great to have many more people entering the workforce due to the demand, some of these people are trying to do so with minimal effort. Those who complete little and expect the most make the market risky for companies. They don’t know if they are getting someone with skills or just seeking money.
Startups Are On The Rise
Coding and startups are on the rise. This means that many people are starting their small businesses. Because of the availability to do so, many fear that the market is getting crowded. What these people don’t understand is that the demand is rising as well.
Technology is growing every day, and there are so many breakthroughs on how to use that technology. With coding, utilizing technology has become easier for everyday use and will only advance. With this being said, the demand for coders will only continue to increase.
Availability Bias
There is often the belief that you hear it often enough from so many people that the market is oversaturated, then it must be so. These “claims” often come from those who are wanting to get hired with a bigger salary.
When there are fewer people in a field that is still rising, there are more likely chances that you will get paid more and get a job more easily. Even if this is the case, the market is only expanding and you will find that there is a clear shortage for those experienced with this degree.
What Is The Demand For Developers?
The demand for tech and software developers is growing every day. The rise of job availability is higher than the jobs being filled, and so if you go into this industry, you won’t be fighting for an income.
Many companies would prefer to invest in those that have a few years under their belt, but that goes to say most companies would prefer employees with some experience instead of none. But don’t fret. There are plenty of opportunities for those who have little to no experience.
Right now you will find that there are thousands upon thousands of entry-level job openings for coders in New York. In 2017, there were about 90,000 people certified in this area, can and in 2020, there were about 1 million job openings. You will find that there are so many opportunities!
What To Expect In The Market?
Although there is a high demand for software developers and software engineers, you will still find plenty of competition. It is a place where many people are fighting for the best opportunities, just like many other places.
Tips For Making Yourself Marketable
Because this area is still competitive, you will need to market yourself well. You need to show companies what they will be getting when they hire you and show them what you have to offer. Here are some tips to help you show off your talent:
- Don’t limit yourself based on location or specialty.
- Make connections through networking.
- Find connections through internships and colleagues.
- Look for unique opportunities that may seem a little less flashy.
- Figure out your pitch.
- Write a list of your strong points.
- Follow experienced software developers and engineers.
- Show off your soft skills.
- Tell them why this is your passion.
- Go to meetups, job fairs, and other events.
Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself. Sometimes it is difficult to network because you don’t want to sound arrogant. Networking is not arrogant. You are telling everyone what your talents are in hopes that those companies would admire those skills.
Remember that your name is a brand and you need to market that brand so that you get what you deserve. You shouldn’t sell yourself short or you will find yourself in a position where you may not be so happy.
What Is The Level Of Education To Get?
Like with any job, the higher the level of education, the more appealing you become to companies and employers. If you cannot get a higher education right away, there are many options at lower levels.
Because there is a rise for coders and software developers, you will find many opportunities at various levels. Here are some of those opportunities:
- Vocational School Certification
- Coding Bootcamps
- Associate’s Degree
- Undergraduate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Vocational School Certification
Vocational schools provide more and more courses in coding as it has become more popular. You can get a certification within two years while you are in high school to get some background in the field.
You can also go this route as an adult, and often the government will give you student loans or grants to take the program. This can get you in the door at entry-level positions with little to no experience. If you take this in high school, you won’t even have to pay for the course!
Coding Bootcamps
Because the demand for developers has become so high, there has been a rise in coding boot camps. Many tech companies don’t require a four-year degree (although many will hire those with a degree over a certification from less education).
Bootcamps are more readily available and allow those who need jobs sooner rather than later to get enough background in coding to be hired on at companies. These types of programs can help with the following:
- Help produce skilled candidates to fill those vacant jobs.
- Change the curriculum to meet the demands of this career.
- Provides more diversity of employees.
- Give a wider range of creative candidates.
Because of the easy access to boot camps, you will find that these programs will produce more diverse developers. More women are able to complete the quicker and less time-consuming classes and can find a career in this ever-rising industry.
This route is great for those who may not have a degree in coding but would like to have some knowledge in it. It is always great to expand your knowledge and this is one way you can do it quickly and simply.
Associate’s Degree
You can choose to complete a two-year degree. This is a great option if you cannot afford to do a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. It saves you money and can jump-start your college career. It is great for those who want to transfer to a larger school as well.
There is a downfall to this route. Because the first two semesters are often general studies, you will only have one year of that specific studies. Associate’s degrees are great for when you want to continue your education into your Bachelor’s.
Undergraduate Degree Or Bachelor’s Degree
Many experienced software developers or engineers take this route. It takes about four years to finish this degree if you are a full-time student. You will get to have a lot of experience in this career and find that you are better informed than the other degrees.
Most often than not, this route will require an internship. Internships allow you to get more experience and to find connections with companies that are looking for up-and-coming developers.
If you are looking for more flexible job options, you may want to work towards this degree. You don’t need this to get a job but you will get more options and you will get an increase in salary compared to that of an Associate’s degree or vocational certification.
When getting your undergraduate degree, try to take classes that are specified for your field of interest. If you enjoy the medical field, take more classes that gear towards that. When taking those classes, will prepare you for the career you are striving for.
Master’s Degree
If you are looking to become a leader or manager within your field, you may want to try for a Master’s degree. It will prepare you for that leadership role and give you the skills necessary to handle many problems that may not include just coding.
To make for the more successful attainment of jobs, try for programming certifications. This will make you more appealing to companies. This certification will also increase your value as an employee. A boost in that income is always an appeal to higher education.
What Is The Salary Of A Coder?
The salary is dependent on your education level is and your background experience. With higher education, you will find offers with more money attached. Here are some of the numbers you will receive based on your education and certifications:
| Education Level | Salary |
| Vocational or Boot Camp | $50,000 a year (this number may be a little lower) |
| Associate’s | $71,000 a year |
| Bachelor’s | $92,000 a year |
| Master’s | $130,000 a year |
These numbers can change based on your location and what type of developer or programmer you have become. The median of developers and coders is around $81,000, so understand you can probably make somewhere around this ballpark figure.
Outro
Coding has become quite the profession to choose from and has become more and more popular. If you think the market is oversaturated, you would be mistaken. There are so many opportunities for you in this career path, and it is only continuing to boom.