Python Developer Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

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.

[Featured Image] A python developer looks at code on his laptop and desktop computer in his home office.

*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.

Placeholder

professional certificate

Microsoft Python Development

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

What is a Python developer?

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.  

Are Python developers in demand? 

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].

Placeholder

How much do Python developers get paid?

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]:

GlassdoorPayscaleIndeedUS 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.

Factors that affect Python developer salary

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.

Education

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 

Linked image with text "See how your Coursera Learning can turn into bachelor's degree credit at University of London"

Certification 

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

    • 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

    • Certified Entry-Level Tester with Python (PCET)

    • Certified Associate Tester with Python (PCAT)

    • Certified Professional Tester with Python (PCPT) (Coming in 2025)

  • Data Science

    • 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.

Placeholder

professional certificate

IBM AI Developer

Kickstart your career in artificial intelligence. Build job-ready skills in AI technologies, generative AI models, and programming and learn to build AI-powered chatbots and apps in just 6 months

4.6

(9,485 ratings)

154,763 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Voice Assistants, Chatbots, Python Programming, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Agile and Scrum, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Career, Software Engineer, Coding Challenge, interview Preparation, Full Stack Developer, Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Large Language Models (LLM), Natural Language Generation, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, prompt patterns, Web Development, JavaScript, Web, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Application development, Web Application, Flask, Software Development, Code generation, AI prompts, Data Science, Data Analysis, Numpy, Pandas, AI ethics, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence

Experience

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 

Skills

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

Placeholder

professional certificate

IBM AI Engineering

Get job-ready as an AI engineer . Build the AI engineering skills and practical experience you need to catch the eye of an employer in less than 4 months. Power up your resume!

4.5

(7,132 ratings)

122,862 already enrolled

Intermediate level

Average time: 4 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Keras (Neural Network Library), Transformers, LLMs, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Neural Network, Machine Learning, keras, Bidirectional Representation for Transformers (BERT), Positional encoding and masking, Generative pre-trained transformers (GPT), Language transformation, PyTorch functions, Tokenization, Hugging Face Libraries, NLP Data Loader, Large Language Models, PyTorch, Clustering, regression, classification, SciPy and scikit-learn, Softmax regression, Activation functions, Convolutional Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, Proximal policy optimization (PPO), Reinforcement learning, Direct preference optimization (DPO), Hugging Face, Instruction-tuning, Convolutional Neural networks CNN, TensorFlow Keras, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Retrieval augmented generation (RAG), In-context learning and prompt engineering, LangChain, Vector databases, Chatbots, Logistic Regression, Gradient Descent, Linear Regression, TensorFlow, Generative AI applications, Vector Database, Gradio, Vector database, N-Gram, PyTorch torchtext, Generative AI for NLP, Word2Vec Model, Sequence-to-Sequence Model, Fine-tuning LLMs, LoRA and QLoRA, Pretraining transformers

Location

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. 

Highest-paying cities [5]:

  • 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 

Highest-paying states [9]:

  • 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

Industry

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

Placeholder

specialization

Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations

Get ahead w/ Data Analysis & Visualization skills. Enhance your career by learning to analyze data using Excel spreadsheets, and create stunning visualizations and interactive dashboards with Cognos.

4.8

(2,870 ratings)

38,014 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 1 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Data Analysis, Microsoft Excel, IBM Cognos Analytics, Dashboard, Data Visualization, Data Structure, cognos analytics, Pivot Charts, Data Science, Spreadsheet, Pivot Table

Company

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: 

Beyond Python programmer salary details: Continue learning on Coursera

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.

Placeholder

professional certificate

Microsoft Python Development

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

Placeholder

professional certificate

Google IT Automation with Python

Learn in-demand skills like Python, Git, and IT automation to advance your career

4.8

(38,697 ratings)

760,578 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

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

Article sources

1

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.

Updated on
Written by:
Coursera Staff

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Whether you're starting your career or trying to advance to the next level, experts at Google are here to help.

Build job-ready skills with access to 10,000+ courses from top universities and companies.