Python Developer Salary:

According to Indeed, the average annual base salary for Python Developers in the U.S. is around $117,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a higher figure for the more general Software Developer category, with a median yearly salary of around $121,000. However, consider the role of factors like geographic location, industry, and company size when looking at the existing data.

The Indeed figure falls within a broad range, from around $73,000 to as high as $187,000 per year. These additional factors like location and sector influence salary to an above-average degree. While you should know the average pay before committing to a career choice, consider your potential mobility—both within the market and throughout the country.

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.

What Affects Your Pay as a Python Developer

Salaries vary according to several factors besides geographic location, industry, and company size. Your level of education, the amount of experience or training you have, and how you measure up compared to other candidates can all be crucial. Some areas have a shortage of experienced development pros, while others may be open to candidates with a certificate program under their belt.

Education

The level of education required for an entry-level Python Developer position varies by location, sector, and company size. While many companies expect development candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree, others may be open to candidates with expertise or training similar to the experience of most first-year development pros.

Non-degree certificates often can substitute for a degree or on-the-job experience requirement. Some Developers are self-taught, while others benefit from a bootcamp style program like the Python Developer Certificate from Noble Desktop. Additional evidence of relevant professional training can get the right person an entry-level position, and some companies will pay for a strong candidate’s training or education.

Experience

Like education, practical experience generally influences salary, especially in competitive tech roles. Still, in a tight labor market, there’s no guarantee that a lack of experience will prevent a strong candidate from getting an entry-level position. Remember that training for a Python development role can lead to different outcomes—from Back End Developer or Web Developer to Software Engineer. Bootcamp and certificate program graduates often gain enough experience, and a solid portfolio, to get work without experience in the field.

Your training and experience before getting a position in Python development can also influence how you can launch a career. Python Programmers often level up to Python Developer roles, and freelancing or relevant internships can have a positive effect. The path you trod may be different from most but lead to a rewarding development role.

Industry

Along with education and experience, the industry or sector of a Python Developer can greatly influence starting salary levels. A large multinational corporation will typically be able to pay more than small businesses or non-profit organizations.

Still, there are exceptions. Consider shift differentials, like working the second or third shift, if they appeal to you. In a challenging technical environment, a corporate entity may take on temporary employees, then promote the best to full-time entry-level status regardless of previous education or experience.

Some industries or sectors have standard fixed salary ranges, whereas others may have more flexibility for management, including budgets for salaries. Freelancers might set standard rates but will work primarily with small to medium businesses and non-profits and need to accommodate those budgets.

Location

Location can determine salary ranges to a great degree, but it may not be a primary consideration if you’re looking for work in Python development. Major metropolitan areas typically offer higher starting salaries. However, if your family or personal preference outweighs the potential benefit of living in a large city, you might not consider location as a factor.

While metro areas like New York City and Los Angeles also offer first-class entertainment and other perks, increased cost-of-living expenses might make them less attractive than a small hometown. Several additional factors can influence whether you’ll consider expanding your job search. Are you married or single? Do you have children in school? Do you want to work freelance or as a direct report? If a direct report, in what type of company or industry? Might other issues prevent you from relocating for the perfect job? Consider all these factors if you might relocate to take on a Python Developer position.

Specialization

Specialization is another essential factor that affects the salary range for Python Developers. Those who have learned an in-demand, specialized skill will typically be rewarded for their expertise, but the reward may be tempered by some of the above factors like industry, location, and education.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are areas of increasing interest for many development professionals today. While you might prefer to leave these to Data Scientists and Analysts, some Python Developers train to become Machine Learning Engineers, a role that combines Python skills with this crucial subset of artificial intelligence. But if you stay within the Python Developer role, employers will see AI expertise as a great skill set. Consider studying some of the areas of expertise unique to AI and ML, including:

• Data analysis
• Data visualization
• Neural networks
• Deep learning
• Natural language processing (NLP)

Pay Range for Python Developers

Different websites post different salary ranges for Python Developers, due in part to variations in job titles, locations, and reporting data.

Indeed reports the average base salary for Python Developers in the U.S. at about $117,000 per year. Glassdoor lists more detailed but varied salary information, broken down by titles, as follows:

• Software Developer: $95,000
• Python Developer: $102,000
• Software Developer IV: $135,000
• Senior Software Developer: $149,000

Major metropolitan areas tend to pay the highest rates, and Indeed lists several. New York City, San Jose, California, and Denver, Colorado boast the highest average salaries for Python Developers.

Some companies, such as Selby Jennings and Centene, list positions with even higher salary ranges. Location and industry may also affect these, so keep that in mind when searching for listings to compare and contrast.

Highest-Earning Job Titles for Python Developers

The highest-earning job titles for Python development professionals vary as much by the industry as by other factors like location and specialization. Some tech pros with Python skills hold titles like Software Developer, Back End Developer, or Software Engineer; other listings include Python in the job title, like Junior Python Developer or Full Stack Software Engineer–Python/AWS. Such distinctions often depend on the sector or a specific company’s naming conventions.

Glassdoor lists Python Developer salaries between Software Developer and Software Developer IV, but remember that not every Software Developer is a Python Developer. Indeed lists comparable titles like Software Engineer as the highest-earning title, with Python Developer a close second and Back End Developer just behind it. Additional titles that can net high salaries include Python Architect, Python Consultant, Full and Stack Python Developer. 

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

• The average annual base salary for Python Developers in the U.S. is about $117,000.
• Factors that can influence salary ranges include:
• Experience
• Education
• Geographic location
• Industry or sector
• Size of the organization
• Python Developers can hold many alternate titles, including:
• Web Developer
• Back End Developer
• Database Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Full Stack Developer
• Full Stack Software Engineer
• Salaries at higher levels for Python pros may also include:
• Python Architect
• Python Consultant
• Full Stack Python Developer
• Besides Python, top skills for these professionals can include:
• Django
• Django RES
• Git
• SQL
• Responsibilities for Python Developers also vary by industry. Examples include:
• Designing and integrating front end elements with back end applications
• Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity
• Integrating data storage solutions
• Web scraping
• Automation testing
• Data visualization
• Many Python pros learn development skills through a comprehensive bootcamp or certificate program like Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate.
• Some entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree, whereas others require the type of experience gained through one of these in-depth training programs.
• Industry or sector also affects hiring practices and salary ranges. Large multinational corporations like Google or Amazon can afford to pay more than smaller organizations. The same holds true for major metro areas.
• A Python Developer’s areas of specialization can also affect salary. Artificial intelligence expertise can add value to a candidate’s resume, including:
• Neural networks
• Machine learning (ML)
• Deep learning
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• 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