Python is a high-level, versatile programming language with various applications for websites, games, mobile apps, and software. Read on to learn the average Python developer salary based on location, education, industry, and more.
*All data and salary information are current as of December 2024.
Python is a programming language used by some of the biggest companies in the world like IBM, Facebook, NASA, JP Morgan Chase, and PayPal. Software developers are in high demand, and Python is one of the most popular programming languages used today.
Python developers are typically paid well for their skills and are responsible for coding, designing, and deploying projects in Python. If you’re interested in this role, here you'll examine how much Python developers typically make and the factors that can influence your salary. Afterward, if you want to launch your career as a Python developer, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Python Development Professional Certificate.
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Launch your career as a Python Developer. Learn in-demand Python skills and become a job-ready developer in less than 4 months. No degree or experience required.
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Python (Programming Language), Automation, Web Development, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing, Scripting, Productivity, API Interaction, Flask Framework, Collaboration, Security Best Practices, API Development, Data Visualization, Data Interpretation, Data Manipulation, Machine Learning, Project Management, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Communication, Control Flow, Debugging, Version Control, Python Syntax, Data Structures, Code Elegance, Advanced Data Structures, Documentation, Code Optimization
While there are many roles in tech that use Python, a Python developer will be expected to have a higher understanding and skill level when using Python to accomplish tasks.
A Python developer is a member of a computer programming team that creates and debugs projects using Python. In this role, you might work closely with other data collection and analytics teams to create solutions to questions.
Python developers are in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs have a growth outlook of 17 percent from 2023 to 2033 [1]. Although this growth isn’t specific to Python, developers responding to the Stack Overflow Survey of 2024 said 51 percent were using Python in their work [2].
According to various salary websites, Python developers make an average annual salary that ranges between $81,098 and $124,200. The range breaks down as follows according to each of the sources [3, 4, 5, 6]:
Glassdoor | Payscale | Indeed | US BLS (median) |
---|---|---|---|
$97,606 | $81,625 | $124,097 | $132,270 |
Your salary as a Python developer may be influenced by factors such as where you live, who you work for, and your level of expertise.
Your Python developer salary will likely depend on your:
Education
Certifications
Experience
Skills
Location
Industry
Company you work for
Take a detailed look at these factors and current salary trends.
Completing more education can help you earn more money as a Python developer. According to Salary.com, here are the median salary ranges that correspond to education level [7] :
Bachelor’s degree: $67,710 to $71,003
Master’s degree: $68,650 to $71,680
Doctorate: $69,589 to $72,357
Employers will typically require at least a bachelor’s degree to become a Python developer. Here is a breakdown of typical education for Python developers [7] :
High school diploma: 4 percent
Associate degree: 25 percent
Bachelor’s degree: 60 percent
Master’s degree: 10 percent
Earning certification is a great way to expand your earning potential and verify your skills and knowledge to employers. According to Pearson Vue, 37 percent of IT professionals across all categories see an increase in their salary after gaining certification [8]. The Python Institute Open Education and Development Group (OpenEDG) offers certification tracks for Python professionals which include:
General-purpose programming ㅤ
Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP)
Certified Associate Python Programmer (PCAP)
Certified Professional Python Programmer Level 1 (PCPP1)
Certified Professional Python Programmer Level 2 (PCPP2) (Coming in 2025)
Testing ㅤ
Certified Entry-Level Tester with Python (PCET)
Certified Associate Tester with Python (PCAT)
Certified Professional Tester with Python (PCPT) (Coming in 2025)
Data Science ㅤ
Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python (PCED)
Certified Associate Data Analyst with Python (PCAD)
More certifications in security, network programming, and web development from The Python Institute are coming in the future, as well.
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Another factor that impacts your salary as a Python developer is your experience level. Here is an average base salary breakdown according to years of experience from Glassdoor [3] :
0–1 year of experience: $78,828
1–3 years of experience: $90,060
4–6 years of experience: $101,282
7–9 years of experience: $109,435
10–14 years of experience: $119,715
15+ years of experience: $126,611
A Python developer’s earnings change based on skill set. Here are five skills and how much they can increase your salary on average, according to Payscale [4]:
SQL: $81,140
Flask Web Framework: $80,173
Django: $90,000
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Where you’re located can also influence how much you’re paid. Cities with higher cost of living will usually offer higher wages. The following are the average salaries based on the highest-paying cities and states for Python developers.
New York, NY: $133,315
Chicago, IL: $131,478
Jersey City, NJ: $131,221
Houston, TX: $129,935
Austin, TX: $126,228
Charlotte, NC: $124,719
Columbus, OH: $123,361
Dallas, TX: $114,363
Fort Worth, TX: $105,446
Maine: $150,000
Alabama: $143,750
Massachusetts: $140,000
New York: $140,000
Delaware: $135,200
California: $135,102
Arkansas: $135,000
Virginia: $134,031
New Hampshire: $133,226
New Jersey: $132,600
Python developers are needed to create software solutions in a wide variety of industries, from financial services to manufacturing. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers insight into how different industries can affect a software developer's median salary [6]:
Software publishers: $143,210
Manufacturing: $138,100
Finance and insurance: $132,900
Management of companies and enterprises: $131,370
Computer systems design and related services: $127,880
Zippia provides average software developer salary data for a few additional industries [10]:
Finance: $104,286
Manufacturing: $103,449
Media: $101,235
Technology: $99,091
Telecommunication: $98,470
Professional: $91,748
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Even within an industry, the company you work for will also impact your salary. Glassdoor offers a breakdown of median salaries by company [3]:
Meta: $176,000
Airbnb: $164,000
Workday: $169,000
Pinterest: $165,000
eBay: $160,000
Apple: $151,000
Python developers are similar to other programming and development roles. Here are some related job titles and their average base salaries as reported by Glassdoor:
Android developer: $90,241 [11]
Front-end developer: $86,648 [12]
iOS developer: $99,793 [13]
Lead developer: $121,196 [15]
Mainframe developer: $100,868 [16]
PHP developer: $92,696 [17]
If you’re interested in building a career in Python, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Python Development Professional certificate. In less than four months, you'll build a strong foundation in Python syntax, structure, and control flow, as well as develop skills in scripting and automation.
In the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, you'll develop sklills using Python to interact with the operating system, debugging techniques, and real-world tasks. Upon completion, you’ll have exclusive access to a job platform with over 150 employers hiring for entry-level roles and other resources that will support you in your job search.
professional certificate
Launch your career as a Python Developer. Learn in-demand Python skills and become a job-ready developer in less than 4 months. No degree or experience required.
4.3
(27 ratings)
5,843 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 4 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Python (Programming Language), Automation, Web Development, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing, Scripting, Productivity, API Interaction, Flask Framework, Collaboration, Security Best Practices, API Development, Data Visualization, Data Interpretation, Data Manipulation, Machine Learning, Project Management, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Communication, Control Flow, Debugging, Version Control, Python Syntax, Data Structures, Code Elegance, Advanced Data Structures, Documentation, Code Optimization
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Configuration Management, Python Programming, Using Version Control, Troubleshooting & Debugging, Automation, Managing Scarce Resources, Improving Software Performance, Finding the Root Cause of a Problem, Advanced Troubleshooting, Understanding Errors, Automation at Scale, Cloud Computing, Basic Monitoring & Alerting, Using Puppet, Building a Solution, Interacting with Web Services, Serialization, Creating and Translating Media Files, Automating System Administration Tasks with Python, Setting up your Development Environment, Bash Scripting, Regular Expression (REGEX), Testing in Python, Reverting Changes, Interacting with GitHub, Version Control Systems, Creating Pull Requests, Using Git, Basic Python Syntax, Basic Python Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Fundamental Programming Concepts
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Software Development, Quality Assurance Testers, and Analysts: Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Stack Overflow. “Technology 2024 Stack Overflow Survey, https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2024/technology/#most-popular-technologies.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Python Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/python-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Payscale. “Python Developer Salary, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Python_Developer/Salary.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Indeed. “Python Developer Salary, https://www.indeed.com/career/python-developer/salaries.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-5.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Salary.com. “Salaries for Python Developers with a JD, MD, PhD, or Equivalent, https://www1.salary.com/Salaries-for-python-developer-with-a-JD-MD-PhD-or-Equivalent.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Pearson Vue “2023 Value of IT Certification Report, https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-owners/Industry-expertise/Technology/VOC.aspx” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Talent.com. “Python Developer average salary in the USA, 2023, https://www.talent.com/salary?job=python+developer.” Accessed December 17, 2024.
Zippia. “Developer Salary, https://www.zippia.com/developer-jobs/salary/.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Android Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/android-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Front End Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/front-end-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: IOS Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/ios-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Java Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/java-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Lead Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/lead-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: Mainframe Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/mainframe-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
Glassdoor. “Salary: PHP Developer, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/php-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm.” Accessed December 19, 2024.
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