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Today more than ever, coding is a base requirement in numerous careers, an essential skill that will be in demand soon. The next generation of coders is already leveling up their academics compared to their peers while securing the skills needed for tomorrow’s most innovative jobs in various exciting fields.

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According to the [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm), “Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 23 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

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Coding is a universal language, a 21st-century survival skill that everyone can learn—at any age—even as young as five years old! Students must choose a second language in school, like French, Spanish, or English. This is excellent timing because children, by nature, are programmed to learn languages, so much so that they can unconsciously [acquire a language](https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa14/2014/09/07/learning-a-second-language-is-easier-for-children-but-why/) without even trying.

## **The Best Time for Your Child To Start Coding Is Today**

If your child is in elementary school, they can use block coding to learn key coding concepts in a fun, intuitive way. If you have a child in high school, even at the AP level, text coding courses can prepare them for college and a potential career.

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In learning computer programming, children develop crucial skills like problem-solving, time management, and critical thinking. They also get to unleash their imagination and creativity. If your child can dream it, there’s a good chance they can do it—[with code](https://hackernoon.com/can-your-child-code)!

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At Tynker, we’ve enhanced the skills of over 60 million young people and educators by teaching them to code with our [award-winning](https://www.tynker.com/parents/curriculum/) platform. From teaching icon coding and voice commands to 5-year-old pre-readers to teaching JavaScript and Python to teens, we make coding easy, interesting, and fun.

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> *It’s increasingly* *essential that every child develops coding skills* *to meet the demands of the digital economy over the next decade.*

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The human race has entered the digital age. It’s where the next *Big Idea* will come from. And it’s where the money is. The [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm) (BLS) reported last year that while the median annual wage for all occupations was $45,760, the median wage for coding-related professions was $97,430 — more than double!

## **Coding Revs Up the Resume**

What kinds of jobs are we talking about? Here’s a sampling of positions that require coding, along with their median salaries:

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* Web Developers and Digital Designers: **$78,300**
* Network and Computer Systems Administrators: **$80,600**
* Computer Programmers: **$93,000**
* Database Administrators and Architects: **$101,000**
* Software Developers: **$109,020**
* Computer Network Architects: **$120,520**
* Computer and Information Research Scientists: **$131,490**

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And that’s just scratching the surface. There are also information security analysts, computer systems analysts, product managers, information systems managers, data scientists, full-stack developers, and many more. Additionally, there is a growing demand for [hybrid positions](https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/hybrid-jobs-that-straddle-business-and-technology/), jobs that blend coding skills into other industries like business and marketing.

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The BLS projects overall employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. That’s why coding is going to be a crucial addition to any resume.

## **Coding Builds Up the Brain**

Researchers have [found](https://kilthub.cmu.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Understanding_Understanding_Source_Code_with_Functional_Magnetic_Resonance_Imaging/6626357) that coding activates five distinct brain regions in the left hemisphere, the part of the brain that controls language and speech. The activated areas relate to language processing, attention, and working memory.

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What is “working memory?” It’s a cognitive function that keeps us from losing track of our actions. It’s one of the brain’s executive functions and critical to problem-solving. Researchers suggest that this study proves that learning to code will enhance the brain’s learning process.

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Another [study](https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/featurephilia/story/6-ways-learning-coding-can-boost-your-brain-1755775-2021-01-04) focused on the development of problem-solving and cognitive skills and discovered that learning to code boosts the brain in these areas. It happens by strengthening neural pathways, much like repetitive physical movement builds muscle memory. Researchers behind this study noted that “software engineers have been demonstrated to have more dynamic brains,” including “superior cognitive execution and alertness.”

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Coding also improves the brain’s aptitude for math because it requires the coder to assess data quickly. For instance, when a coder creates a new app, they first begin with coding concepts they’ve used in the past. They relate that data to what is needed at the moment and envision how it needs to be adjusted to achieve the end goal. This kind of quick mental processing is a vital skill in mathematics.

## **Coding Cranks Up the Confidence**

Learning to code also [builds confidence](https://medium.com/tech-based-teaching/building-confidence-through-coding-b576d696bdaa) and self-esteem in several ways. First, students who learn to code will inevitably encounter new problems they’ll have to solve. And they *will* solve them. With each new solution they devise, their confidence grows, as do their coding skills.

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Second, they’ll gain insight into how the technology in our digitally-driven society works. They’ll understand the inner workings of things and thus feel more grounded in their world. Plus, they’ll never be intimidated by tech because they will have developed a facility with it.

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Finally, they’ll be one of the gatekeepers. As virtual reality, augmented reality, self-driving cars, and automated things become more a part of the fabric of our lives; your child will be one of those who know how it all works.

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In the future, there will be people who can create this tech and those who can’t. Your child’s self-esteem will be healthy and strong with the knowledge they are among the former, with a chance to progress to better-paying jobs.

## About the Author

[Lomit Patel](https://hackernoon.com/u/lomitpatel?ref=hackernoon.com) is the Chief Growth Officer of Tynker, with 20 years of experience helping startups grow into successful businesses. Lomit has previously played a critical role in scaling growth at startups, including Roku (IPO), TrustedID (acquired by Equifax), Texture (acquired. by Apple), and IMVU (#2 top-grossing gaming app). Lomit is a public speaker, author, and advisor, with numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including being recognized as a Mobile Hero by Liftoff. Lomit's book [Lean AI](https://www.amazon.com/Lean-AI-Innovative-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1492059315/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJ1AO0JMLLI1&keywords=lean%20ai&qid=1665267866&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjUxIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=lean%20ai%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1&ref=hackernoon.com) is part of Eric Ries' best-selling "The Lean Startup" series.


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