Find the tech career path that actually fits you
Answer 8 quick questions about what you enjoy doing. Get a personalized map of software specializations ranked by fit, with day-in-the-life details, salary ranges, and skill overlap paths.
Takes about 2 minutes. No sign-up. Results saved in your browser.
Preference quiz
Question 1 of 8
All specializations at a glance
A quick comparison of all 14 paths. Click any row in your results to see full details.
| Specialization | Focus | Entry salary | Senior salary | Best for |
|---|
Common mistakes when choosing a path
Chasing salary alone
High-paying roles like ML engineering require years of math and systems work. If you don't enjoy that daily grind, the paycheck won't compensate for burnout.
Following hype cycles
Every 2 years a new "hot" specialization appears. By the time you train for it, the market may shift. Build on durable skills like systems thinking and communication.
Ignoring overlap paths
Many people think they need to start over to switch specializations. In reality, frontend to full-stack, or backend to data engineering, are common and natural transitions.
Skipping the day-in-the-life
Job titles don't tell you what the work actually feels like. A security engineer spends most of their time on documentation and audits, not Hollywood-style hacking.
Questions people ask
What if my results don't match what I expected?
That's common and useful. If a specialization ranks high but feels wrong, read the day-in-the-life description to understand why the quiz matched you. Sometimes the overlap map reveals a nearby role that fits better. Your results are a starting point, not a prescription.
Can I retake the quiz later?
Yes. Your answers are saved in your browser so you can come back and adjust them. Interests change, and the map will update your results. You can also share your results URL with a mentor or career counselor.
How many specializations are included?
The current version covers 14 major paths: Frontend, Backend, Full-Stack, Mobile, DevOps/SRE, Data Engineering, Data Science, ML Engineering, Security, Embedded Systems, Game Development, QA/Testing, Cloud Architecture, and Technical Writing. Each includes salary bands, skill paths, and overlap data.
Is this only for people already in tech?
No. The quiz works for career changers, bootcamp students, and CS undergrads alike. If you're exploring from scratch, answer based on what sounds interesting rather than what you already know. The results include beginner-friendly skill paths for each specialization.
Where does the salary data come from?
Ranges are compiled from US-based sources including Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2024-2025. They represent total compensation bands (base + bonus + equity where applicable) and vary significantly by region and company.
Why this map exists
The tech industry has dozens of specializations but most career advice is either too generic ("learn to code") or written by people already deep in one niche. Career switchers and students are left Googling job titles without a structured way to explore what actually fits their interests and strengths.
This project started as a simple question: what if you could find your best-fit specialization based on what you enjoy doing, not just what pays the most or what's trending on Twitter? The quiz maps your preferences against 14 major paths and shows you not just the matches, but the overlap between them, so you can plan realistic pivots as your career evolves.
Version 1.4 · Updated January 2026 · Part of the hub2.day project directory