Python Developer Job Description

Python is one of the world’s top programming languages for development and data science. Python Developers work in industries ranging from IT and financial services to retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. Game development, app development, and data analysis are all areas where Python pros work with fellow tech professionals. Many combine Python with skills like cloud computing and machine learning and other languages like SQL and JavaScript.

This overview will explain more about what Python Developers do, what they typically earn, and how to learn the skills required to land a role in this exciting field.

What is a Python Developer?

Typical responsibilities for Python Developers include everything from writing code to working with Front End Developers to create a seamless process. Many Python pros with all the skills needed to have the title Python Developer are Back End Developers, Software Developers, or Data Analysts. Their responsibilities include writing new code, maintaining existing code, and integrating components with systems. The skillset for these professionals encompasses much more than Python alone. Complementary skills typically include:

• Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
• Cloud computing
• Django
• Git/GitHub
• PostgreSQL

While some Python Developers work from home or as independent contractors, the usual reporting structure for this position is that of a full-time employee. Those with entry-level Python Developer skills may write code under supervision from other development pros, while a Senior Developer may be responsible for training and mentoring Junior Developers. The working environment for Python Developers varies, depending on the industry and size of the company. Independent contractors may work from home, whereas many development pros work on teams that interface with Front End Developers, management, and other departments.

Python Developers who work primarily with back end applications usually still need to be familiar with front end technologies—whether they are Full Stack Developers or not. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript

Additional tools and skills for Python Developers include object-relational mapping (ORM), server side templating languages like Handlebars, React (JSX), and Pug, and machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Job Requirements

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Job Responsibilities

Typical job responsibilities for Python Developers vary by industry, company, and position. An internet search for Python Developer lists positions like Application Developer, Senior Software Developer and Full Stack Developer, to name a few.

A job candidate’s knowledge and understanding sometimes weigh more than practical experience. For many Python development roles, essential skills include Django, SQL, and HTML/CSS. These will be covered more in the section below.

Example of typical responsibilities for Python Developers include:

• Develop and maintain scalable code with Python
• Use specific libraries and frameworks
• Work with databases
• Automate scripts
• Test and debug applications

Many of the job activities will depend on the Python Developer’s industry and function within the team. Banking firms typically require finance experience, and IT departments require IT experience. Some roles combine responsibilities like cybersecurity, computer forensics, and systems engineering. Check job listings in your industry to get a better idea of the specifics.

Skills

Python Developer positions require much more than Python skills alone. Development pros may need mastery of back end service tools like Firebase or Back4app, version control tools like Github, and debugging tools like Ghidra or OllyDbg. Many Python Developers also master machine learning (ML) algorithms, web server software like Apache, and tracking systems like Jira or Pivotal Tracker. For a comprehensive list of what a development pro needs to know, it’s best to review online job postings for specific roles.

Hard skills for Python Developers range from scripting languages to hardware analysis tools. While few positions require all of them, the following categories contain the minimum requirements for typical Python development roles:

• Python frameworks - Part of the skillset of any Python Developer, these can include Django, Flask, and MongoDB.
• Python libraries - Developers can use built-in Python libraries or third-party libraries. Top picks include Pandas, NumPy, and BeautifulSoup.
• Version control - Git is among the most popular options, but other top candidates include Mercurial and CVS.

Soft skills vary as well, but you can count on your aptitude for problem-solving, cooperation with a team, strong communication skills, and a broad understanding of numerous aspects of the development process. Consider learning additional skills required for many development positions, including:

• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Machine learning (ML) algorithms
• HTML/CSS
• JavaScript
• C/C++

Read more about what skills you need to become a Python Developer.

Why Do Businesses Need Python Developers?

The urgent need for Python Developers continues across numerous industries and will no doubt continue for years to come. Understanding Python scripts, updating and debugging back end code, and conducting vulnerability analyses can all fall under the Python Developer’s responsibility.

These skilled professionals add much to the workplace. Some development pros have titles as specific as Python Developer, but many master Python as part of a broader software engineering or cybersecurity curriculum. Professionals in this capacity may have titles like Engineer/Developer and take responsibility for back end development, network analysis, and communication protocols. Organizations ranging from financial services to governmental agencies can use Python Developers for a wide swathe of security and networking functions in addition to the development role.

Where Do Python Developers Usually Work?

Python development roles exist today in virtually all industries and non-industrial organizations like governmental agencies, including education. Developers of all kinds use Python for games, websites, and applications. Tech pros with Python development skills can have other titles, including:

• Back End Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Developer

Python development skills can combine with other roles’ responsibilities, especially in smaller companies. A Back End or Python Developer may also be responsible for overall cybersecurity, including computer networking, software vulnerability analysis, protocol and network analyzers, or all of the above.

The top industries for Python Developers are information technology, financial services, retail and wholesale, and consulting and business services. Other sectors that require Python expertise include manufacturing, healthcare/pharmaceutical, and media/communications. Data science and analysis positions also require Python, primarily in different roles.

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.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Python Developer?

The time it takes to become a Python Developer will vary, depending on what aspect of the job you intend to specialize in. If you study Python programming as part of a broader computer science curriculum, your goals may differ from those that focus primarily on Python.

Many development professionals learn Python fundamentals in months or even weeks, but it can take much longer to master a field like Python development. Those who decide to pursue a college degree will typically take four years to learn Python, among other subjects. However, not every Python Developer starts with a formal degree program. The skills required for most development positions—from writing code to debugging applications—are not always taught in a classroom setting.

If you already have a college or university degree, you may not be willing or able to pursue an additional one. Depending on your current experience and skill set, consider learning Python development through a rigorous course like a bootcamp or certificate program.

Python Developer vs. Similar Career

Many Python pros have titles other than Python Developer. Some are Back End Developers, while others are Web Developers or Software Developers with multiple skills, including Python.

One career similar to that of a Python Developer is Software Engineer. If you train in Python development, you might need to expand your skill set to additional programming languages like C++ and Java, plus multiple operating systems. Training of this type can pave the way for a successful transition to software engineering.

Along with Data Scientist, Data Analyst, and Machine Learning Engineer, the Software Engineer role is one of the top careers that use Python. However, it is much more similar to the Python Developer role than these more data-centric positions. Whichever direction you choose, training in Python development can prepare you for a Software Engineer role should you decide to grow in that direction.

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

• Python is one of the world’s top programming languages for development and data science.
• Python Developers use this language for games, websites, software, and enterprise applications.
• Python Developers often have alternate titles, including:
• Back End Developer
• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Top skills for Python Developers can include:
• HTML/CSS
• JavaScript
• Django/Django REST
• Cloud computing
• Git/GitHub
• PostgreSQL
• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
• Examples of top responsibilities for Python Developers include:
• Write and maintain scalable code
• Integrate components with systems
• Work with databases
• Use libraries like NumPy and Pandas
• Use frameworks like Django and MongoDB
• Automate scripts
• U.S. News & World Report reported median salaries for top positions in 2020 were as follows:
• Software Developer - $110,000

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

• The top fields for Python Developers include:
• IT
• Banking/Finance
• Education
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a Python Developer through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Popular programs include:
• Python Developer Certificate
• Python Programming Bootcamp