Coding Myths: Bust the Lies About Programming Jobs and Salaries

When people talk about coding, the practice of writing instructions computers follow to perform tasks. Also known as programming, it’s not the golden ticket everyone says it is. You don’t need a computer science degree. You don’t need to code 12 hours a day. And no, not everyone makes six figures right out of the gate. These are just a few of the coding myths that keep pushing people into the field with unrealistic expectations—and then leaving them frustrated when reality hits.

One big myth is that coding bootcamps, intensive, short-term training programs designed to turn beginners into junior developers are a guaranteed path to high pay. Some do work—but only if you already have discipline, a clear goal, and the grit to keep learning after the course ends. Many bootcamp grads end up in entry-level roles paying far less than the headlines promise. Then there’s the myth that programming salaries, the income earned by people who write code professionally are all the same. They’re not. A freelancer in Delhi earns differently than a full-stack dev at a Silicon Valley startup. And if you’re working on legacy systems or local government software? Your pay won’t match the TikTok influencers selling you the dream.

Another myth? That you have to be a math genius. Real-world coding is less about solving equations and more about breaking problems into small steps, asking the right questions, and learning how to debug when things go wrong. You don’t need to love calculus—you need to love figuring things out. And if you think coding is only for young people? Check the data. More developers over 40 are switching careers now than ever before, often with better outcomes because they bring real-world experience.

These myths aren’t harmless. They push students into expensive courses they don’t need, make parents panic about their kids’ future, and cause people to quit when they realize coding isn’t magic—it’s work. The truth? Learning to code is accessible, but success depends on your goals, persistence, and the specific path you take. Some people use it to build apps. Others use it to automate boring tasks at their job. A few even turn it into a freelance business that pays more than their old 9-to-5.

Below, you’ll find real stories and data that cut through the noise. We’ve pulled together posts that show what actual coders earn, how much coding classes really cost, which skills pay off fastest, and why some people thrive while others burn out. No fluff. No hype. Just what works—and what doesn’t—in today’s job market.