Is Python Development a Good Career?

Among the five hottest tech jobs today, two are development roles: Software Developer and Web Developer. While these titles don't explicitly mention Python, many development roles require Python expertise. Software and web development positions offer competitive salaries, opportunities in virtually every sector, and a chance to have both job security and upward mobility.

According to Developer Nation, there were nearly 27 million Software Developers worldwide at the end of 2021, and that number will likely reach 45 million by 2030. Factors that can make a Python development a good career also include continued high demand for Developers and the ability to take these skills into other positions.

What is a Python Developer?

Python Developers are tech professionals who can work on websites, software, games, or digital applications. Unlike some career tracks, those who fit the requirements of Python Developer often hold alternate titles; these can include Web Developer, Back End Developer, and Database Engineer, to name a few. Therefore, while most of these tech pros know tools like Django, SQL, and Git, not all Python development positions require the same skill set.

Responsibilities for Python Developers vary by industry as well as position. Some have to implement and maintain cybersecurity or integrate data storage solutions, while others mainly design and integrate front end elements with back end applications. Additional responsibilities can include web scraping, automation testing, and data visualization. Check online job postings for detailed lists of industry-specific Python development skills and responsibilities.

Read more about what a Python Developer does.

Python Developer Salary and Job Outlook

Among the 100 best jobs in 2022, three of the top six involved Python: Information Security Analyst at number one, Software Developer at number five, and Data Scientist rounding out the list at number six. Python Developers, of course, aren’t always Software Developers. Some are mainly Game Developers, whereas others are primarily Mobile App or Web Developers. The bottom line is that the job outlook for tech workers with Python expertise has never been brighter.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 25% growth rate for Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers from 2021 to 2031. That represents an estimate of nearly half a million jobs during this decade. U.S. News & World Report reports median salaries for top positions in 2020 were as follows:

• Software Developer - $110,000
• Information Security Analyst - $104,000
• Data Scientist - $98,000

With such a bright outlook, it’s no surprise that many tech workers plan to master Python development skills. Read more about Python Developer salaries and the job outlook for a Python Developer.

What Makes Python Development a Good Career?

Most development professionals know Python, but not everyone specializes in this essential language. Consider the factors listed below when deciding whether you want to pursue a career as a Python Developer.

Strong Continued Demand

Python Developers aren’t exactly a rarity: in 2022, Statista reported that the worldwide Python programming community exceeded 15 million. Many members of the programming community work in Python web development, software development, or game development.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a stunning 25% growth rate for Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers over the next ten years, a category that includes Python Developers. Contrast that figure with the average five percent growth rate for all occupations, and you can understand why so many tech pros want to specialize in software development. Python has an additional advantage since it’s also essential to web development, game development, and data science.

Portability

Python works across all major platforms, including Mac, Windows, and Linux, so it’s considered a “portable” programming language. But Python is portable in another way: you can take your Python skills into multiple positions in nearly every industry.

Top industries and sectors for Python Developers vary from state to state, and some move up or down the ladder each year. Currently, sectors where Web Developers are most in demand include IT services, management consulting, advertising, and publishing. Top sectors for Python Developers on the software side of the equation include IT, healthcare, retail, and business services. Whatever your skill set, adding Python development to your toolkit can benefit you in virtually every sector or industry.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Many development roles have little to do with artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML), a subset of AI. Essential skills for Python Developers include tools like Django, Git, and SQL, as well as HTML/CSS in many cases. However, employers increasingly seek development professionals with machine learning knowledge and experience.

Data Scientists, Data Analysts, and comparable roles often require AI, ML, deep learning, and other related skills. With Python Developers, these vary, too. Some Python Developers become Automation Testers, Software Engineers, or Machine Learning Engineers. Many of these positions require beginner to intermediate-level ML skills at a minimum. For a better look at which development roles demand AI or ML training, check out job listings in your area.

Freelance Freedom

While many Python Developers prefer the security and career guidance offered under standard employment terms, others either begin as freelancers or work for themselves full-time. ZipRecruiter reports that Python freelancers in the U.S. earn an average of $95,000 per year. Remember, this figure represents an aggregate of Python jobs overall, including titles like Full Stack Python Developer, Python Automation Engineer, and Python Flask Developer, in addition to the Python Developer role.

The freelance life appeals to many, but it’s not for everyone. Advantages can include working on your preferred schedule, which means freelancers often have the flexibility to work for multiple clients. However, some contract positions require a 40-hour/week commitment from freelancers and in-house staff.

Complete Skill Set

Python development roles require knowledge and experience with numerous tools and skills. A few of the most popular positions and a short list of skills they need include:

• Web Developer - Python, Django, Django REST, Git, .NET, Agile
• Back End Developer - Python, Azure, AWS, Git, Agile
• Software Engineer - Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Agile, Azure, AWS, C/C++/C#

Skills and tools like these can be as portable as Python if you decide to move from a Python Developer position to one of the roles above. Remember that a comprehensive program like a bootcamp or certificate typically includes training in a range of in-demand skills.

Career Paths Related to Python Developer

Careers related to Python Developers often involve the same skills with a different emphasis. Many Python-centered career paths lead to alternate titles, but the essential core of Python development skills remains the same.

Among the most common examples is that of a Software Engineer. While some Python Developers find a Software Engineer role in their company is a move upward, many software engineering positions require the candidate to be a Python Developer at a minimum. Search job postings for Python Developers and you’ll find multiple postings for Database Engineer, Software Engineer, or Quality Assurance Engineer. The title can depend on the region or the company.

Another comparable role is that of a Web Developer. While not all Python Developers are Web Developers—they may work instead on software, games, or enterprise applications—Web Developers frequently must have Python proficiency. That is especially true for a Full Stack Developer or Back End Developer position.

Read more about other career paths related to Python Developer careers.

Learn the Skills to Become a Python Developer at Noble Desktop

To become a Python Developer, everyone needs a range of skills and knowledge. Most people start with basics, like functions, variables, and the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Progressing to a development role also can include additional server-side languages like React (JSX), machine learning algorithms, and object-relational mapping (ORM).

Noble Desktop offers a range of online and in-person Python classes and bootcamps for development, data science and analytics, FinTech, and cybersecurity. Instructors with practical expertise teach these programs, which feature small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Each graduate receives a certificate of completion and can even retake the course for up to one year at no additional charge.

Many Python novices review some free online resources to prepare for one of these courses. Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub includes a comprehensive guide to learning Python for development or data-centered roles. Here you can check out free on-demand courses and tutorials on topics like exchanging Excel for Python and making a Twitter bot with Python. 

If you’re new to Python training, you might want to start with an immersive course like Noble’s Python Programming Bootcamp. However, you can also save by taking this bootcamp as part of their immersive Python Developer Certificate. This program provides Python fundamentals before taking participants through in-demand tools like Django REST, Git, and SQL. Check course listings for more details, including prerequisite information.

Key Takeaways

• Software and web development positions like Python Developer are among today’s hottest tech jobs.
• Python Developers may hold different titles, like:
• Back End Developer
• Web Developer
• Database Engineer
• Automation Tester
• Machine Learning Engineer
• The BLS predicts a 25% growth rate for Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers by 2031.
• Top reasons that make Python Developer a great career include:
• Strong continued demand
• The “portability” of the Python language
• The rise in Python for artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Freelance opportunities for Python Developers
• The complete skill set offered through training for Python roles 
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a Python Developer through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Top programs include:
• Python Developer Certificate
• Python Programming Bootcamp