
Do You Need to Be a Programmer to Work in Tech? Top 10 Tech Jobs That Don’t Require Coding
There are plenty of exciting tech jobs that don’t require coding skills. While coding is important, it is not the only path to a successful career in tech. The industry offers a wide range of non-coding tech jobs that are in high demand and provide excellent career opportunities in fields such as user experience (UX) design, business analysis, and digital marketing.
This article explores the top 10 jobs in tech without coding requirements, highlighting their significance, required skills, job prospects, and benefits. We will also look at some entry-level tech jobs that don’t require coding expertise. Discover the diverse paths available in the tech industry and find the perfect non-coding tech jobs that match your skills and interests.
Average Salaries and Career Outlook for Non-Coding Tech Jobs
The average salaries for non-coding tech jobs depend on factors like background, experience, company, and location. Although these tech jobs don’t require coding, they can also offer competitive salaries and similar benefits enjoyed by other professionals in the industry. Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in tech without coding requirements and their outlook between 2021 to 2031, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Title | Salary | Outlook |
---|---|---|
Product Manager | $153,698 | 16% |
UX Designer | $115,956 | 23% |
Project Manager | $98,788 | 7% |
Business Analyst | $95,472 | 11% |
Systems Administrator | $84,901 | 3% |
Technical Writer | $80,647 | 6% |
Data Analyst | $80,429 | 23% |
Software Tester | $72,121 | 25% |
Digital Marketer | $60,331 | 10% |
Sales Development Representative | $53,884 | 6% |
10 Tech Jobs Without Coding Requirement: Explained
Tech jobs that don’t require coding offer exciting opportunities for people who are interested in breaking into tech but don’t have any programming background. Some of the best non-coding tech jobs fall under the sales and marketing umbrella, while others involve areas like digital transformation, management, and design.
Product Manager
Product management does not require coding skills. They are non-coding tech professionals who are in charge of supervising the development and launch of new products and services. Common responsibilities for project managers include analyzing market trends, gathering user feedback, and collaborating with various departments to execute product strategy.
The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like business administration. You can also enroll in a coding bootcamp that offers product management programs where you will learn job-focused skills in a shorter time, compared to the traditional route. Product managers earn an average of $150,000+, making it one of the best tech jobs that don’t require coding.
UX Designer
User experience (UX) designers play a critical role in a tech company. They conduct research, analyze user behavior, and develop prototypes to ensure optimal user experience. This role involves a strong understanding of user psychology and visual design. Contrary to popular belief, UX design does not require coding. However, basic coding skills can help UX designers better understand software development and enhance their design output.
To pursue a career in UX design, you are required to have a high school diploma and some type of formal training or work experience. There are a lot of coding bootcamps that can help you acquire the skills needed to land your first UX design job in just months. If you are looking for a non-coding tech job that allows you to be more creative, UX design is a great option.
Project Manager
Project management is a leadership position that ensures the success of a project within the tech industry. They supervise everything from the planning to the execution and completion of projects. Project managers use their communication skills to coordinate tasks, monitor progress, and manage issues that may arise during a project lifecycle. They also work with various stakeholders and teams to ensure the timely delivery of tech projects.
Most project management jobs require a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a relevant field. However, the best project management coding bootcamps can also equip you with the skills necessary to break into entry-level tech jobs in this field. Project management is one of the most accessible tech jobs without coding requirements as it prefers candidates with excellent time management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Business Analyst
This is a non-coding tech job that is more geared toward business solutions. Business analysts help companies identify their needs and find ways to improve their operations. They are instrumental to a business’s success because they help analyze areas that require improvement and suggest changes to make the business operate more efficiently.
To explore this career field, a bachelor’s degree in business administration is recommended but not compulsory. If you are looking for a quicker way to learn, consider a coding bootcamp that offers a business analytics program. They can typically be completed in six months or less and you will receive specialized training that is guided by the latest industry trends.
Systems Administrator
Systems administrators, also known as SysAdmins, are responsible for managing and maintaining the computer systems, networks, and servers within an organization. If there are technical issues within the company’s infrastructure, they’d be the people in charge of troubleshooting and minimizing downtime. On top of hardware and software configuration, SysAdmins also handle user accounts, permissions, and access controls.
Although they work closely with computer infrastructure, systems administrator is a tech job that doesn’t require coding. It may be beneficial to know some coding basics but it’s not at all imperative. Some of the skills you need to be successful in this field include system administration, network management, and problem-solving—skills that you can acquire from a coding bootcamp or a college degree.
Technical Writer
This is a non-coding tech job for those with a penchant for writing. Technical writers are professionals who break down intricate technical concepts in a way that’s more accessible and can be easily understood by users. Some technical writers produce instructional guides while others compile user manuals for complex technical products or software. Top skills include communication, writing, research, and organization.
Some employers may ask for an associate degree in fields like English, communications, journalism, or a related field, but this is not a must-have. Technical writing is one of the best entry-level tech jobs that anyone can access, with or without a traditional degree. All you need is a solid understanding of a technical area or product and the ability to break complex terms down into a language that is easy to understand by average users.
Data Analyst
Data analytics is a popular tech job that doesn’t require coding. Data analysts are responsible for presenting data-based solutions that can help improve an organization’s operations or enhance its business performance. Data analysts achieve this by extracting meaningful insights from large datasets. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are needed to identify patterns and trends that can contribute toward positive decision-making.
To become a data analyst, you need to have some specialized training and hands-on experience in collecting, managing, and analyzing data. These can be acquired through a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a data analytics program at a coding bootcamp. Note that while most data analysts don’t require coding, others may need to be able to write code as a part of their daily tasks.
Software Tester
Software testers act as quality assurance experts in the development of software systems. Although they can sometimes be a part of a bigger software development team, software testers are one of the tech jobs that don’t require coding. They perform various testing techniques to identify defects, bugs, and vulnerabilities in the software.
Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field while others prioritize industry experience or relevant certifications. To become a successful software tester, you need to have attention to detail and analytical skills. Great software testers can spot and address software flaws effectively, allowing the team to deliver top-notch software solutions.
Digital Marketer
Digital marketing is one of the top non-coding tech jobs in the world. The role focuses on promoting products, services, or brands through digital avenues. As a digital marketer, you will use online marketing strategies to reach and engage target audiences, drive traffic to your website, and generate business leads. Common marketing tactics today include paid advertising, social media marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
The first step to becoming a digital marketer is to gain key skills related to business strategies, user research, market trends, and consumer behavior. This can be accomplished through formal college education or specialized training like coding bootcamps. Digital marketing roles are diverse with opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers, making it an ideal option for those who seek an entry-level tech job.
Sales Development Representative
Sales development representatives (SDRs) are modern sales professionals that help companies sell their digital solutions, products, and services. They conduct research, identify potential clients, and set meetings with leads. SDRs are instrumental to revenue generation and growth. It can be one of the highest-paying jobs in tech without coding requirements because they are entitled to additional compensation such as sales commissions and bonuses.
To become an SDR, you are required to have formal sales training which includes areas like customer relationship management, strategic prospecting, and communication skills. You may also be required to use a client collaboration portal, platforms, and similar tools as a professional. To help you with the technical side of things, you can either get an associate degree in IT or complete software sales training at a bootcamp like Prehired and SV Academy.
How Do I Get Into Tech Without Coding Skills?
Getting into tech without coding skills is possible in 2023. Numerous non-coding tech jobs play crucial roles in driving innovation, user experience, and digital transformation. Here’s how to get into tech without coding skills, laid out in five simple steps.
Step 1: Do research and set a career goal
The first step is to identify your interests and strengths. Are you interested in design? Or do you have a business inclination? Tech is a broad field, covering various roles. You want to look into jobs in tech without coding requirements that match your passion. Consider the skills required for each career path, job market, and opportunities available.
Step 2: Identify transferable skills
While technical skills are important, soft skills can help you go further in a new role. Identify existing transferable skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, project management, or teamwork. These skills are valuable in any tech role, including non-coding tech jobs, and can help you stand out to potential employers.
Step 3: Get relevant training
The next step is to acquire the necessary skills for your chosen non-coding tech job. This can be done by enrolling in relevant courses or completing coding bootcamps. If you are still unsure about a new field, you can use free online courses to gauge your interest and assess if it would be something you’d be interested in doing in the long run. You can also attend free workshops and webinars to get your feet wet.
Step 4: Prepare for your career hunt
Next, it is time to create a portfolio that highlights your expertise in your chosen non-coding tech field. Some of the things you can feature are projects or examples of your work. You can also look for internship or apprenticeship opportunities to gain practical experience and exposure to real-world scenarios. This would also be a great time for you to start networking with professionals and leaders in your field.
Step 5: Begin your job application
Once you’re ready to start your job application, make sure that you have tailored your resume to showcase relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments in the non-coding tech field. You must demonstrate how your abilities align with the requirements of the roles you’re applying for.
Coding Bootcamp vs College Degree: Which Should I Choose to Pursue Non-Coding Tech Jobs?
When deciding between a coding bootcamp and a college degree, there are several factors to consider. Both pathways have their advantages and can lead to successful non-coding tech jobs. Ultimately, it boils down to your chosen career path, preferred learning environment, and time and financial availability.
Bootcamps are intensive, short-term programs that focus on practical training. They are generally more affordable than a college education. Some also offer career assistance programs that can help prepare you for a tech job that doesn’t require coding. However, most bootcamps offer coding-centric courses so you have to do some research to find one that offers programs related to your chosen non-coding tech field.
Meanwhile, college degree programs typically run for four years, offering in-depth knowledge in an area of study such as business administration, creative design, or business management. At the same time, college degree programs are often theory-based which could mean less emphasis on hands-on learning. They are also more expensive than other training programs.
What Companies Offer Tech Jobs Without a Coding Requirement?
A lot of companies offer tech jobs that don’t necessarily require coding skills. These opportunities focus on areas such as project management, data analytics, UX design, and technical sales. Although these are non-coding tech jobs, they play a significant role in an organization’s success. As such, they offer excellent career prospects, financial compensation, and growth opportunities.
Companies that offer tech jobs without a coding requirement include:
- Apple: Technical writers, UX designers, and business analysts
- Google: Product managers, UX designers, and digital marketers
- Microsoft: Product managers, project managers, and technical sales professionals
- Amazon: Project managers, technical sales professionals, and data analysts
- Salesforce: Technical writers, data analysts, and technical sales professionals
Jobs in Tech Without Coding Requirements FAQ
Yes, there are a lot of jobs in tech without coding skills that you can land provided you have the right skills and experience. Some of the most common non-coding tech jobs include project managers, product managers, data analysts, software testers, and software sales engineers. Most of these skills can be learned through a college degree, a coding bootcamp, or an online course.
Some entry-level tech jobs that don’t require coding include project management, technical writing, UX design, and digital marketing. These roles often focus on areas such as technical support, quality assurance, sales and marketing, and IT operations. In most cases, you require formal training and experience that demonstrates your ability to perform well in these roles.
Yes, some non-coding tech jobs offer lucrative salaries that are within the six-figure range. Product managers, for example, earn an average of $153,698 while UX designers make an average of $115,956 a year. Other examples of high-paying non-coding tech jobs include project manager ($98,788), project manager ($95,472), and systems administrator ($84,901).
Google offers a lot of non-coding job opportunities in areas such as art and design, technical writing, business, customer services, and advertising. According to the Google Careers page, some of the roles you can explore without coding skills include Qualitative UX Researcher, Project Manager, Business Development Representative, and Data Analytics Sales Specialist.