Published 2 May 2022 Updated 2 May 2022 / Career Advice

How Much Does A Python Developer Make?

If you’re interested in a job as a Python Developer, you have an exciting career ahead of you. Python Developers build new technologies that hundreds and thousands of people use at work and in their personal lives.

Since Python is a flexible, versatile programming language, it’s used in virtually every industry and scientific field you can think of, including web development, data science, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), image processing, game development, business, healthcare, and the list goes on. That’s one of the reasons Python is so popular in the workplace, and why Python Developers can be among the highest-paid developers out there.

But just like any other field, salaries can vary widely based on several factors. Here’s a look at which factors could affect your pay as a Python Developer.

Which factors affect a Python Developer's salary?

According to Indeed, Python Developers in the United States make $108,109 per year on average, with some reporting salaries around $100,000 and others as high as $130,000 and above.​​ Factors like location, education, experience, industry, and job title play a role in how much money you can make in this profession.

Location

With a lot of tech companies going fully remote, where you live may not matter as much as it once did when it comes to your salary. But your location, as well as the location of your employer, can still affect how much you make.

Some of the pay differences come down to the local cost of living. It’s more expensive to live in bigger cities, and salaries tend to reflect that. For example, a Python Developer's salary in San Francisco will generally be higher than one in a suburb of a midwestern city. Another reason for the pay differences is simply because there aren't enough Python Developers locally to meet the demand, and not all companies have remote developers.

Here are the highest paying cities for Python developers in the United States:

• Jacksonville, Florida: $162,314
• New York, New York: $134,092
• Richmond, Virginia: $128,128
• Los Angeles, California: $123,917
• San Jose, California: $118,862
• Dallas, Texas: $116,983
• Washington, DC: $116,134
• Austin, Texas: $111,557

Education and skills

Education will also affect how much you’re paid as a Python Developer, and in the early years of your career, before you have much experience, it can count for a lot. Plus, while it’s not required to have a traditional college degree to land a job as a Python Developer, it can help you negotiate a higher pay at the beginning of your career.

You can also learn new tools or build on your existing knowledge and skills by taking relevant online courses and professional development, which can help boost your salary. For example, Python Developers with AI-related skills can see a 70% boost in their income, according to Indeed. Other skills that can boost Python Developer salaries include counterintelligence, NoSQL, and communication.

Experience

The number of years you’ve been a developer counts a lot when it comes to how much you’re paid. Your experience will matter more than your education at some point later in your career; and in general, the longer you’ve been working, the higher your salary.

When you’re first starting out, you’ll likely have a better chance of landing a full-time position if you apply for a junior role versus a mid-level position. So look for jobs with the title Junior Python Developer or Junior Python Engineer. The average pay for this type of job is around $90,000. The pay for a senior-level Python developer with more than six years of experience starts at six figures.

Industry & company

Salary also depends on the industry you work in. Certain industries require some specialized knowledge and skills, and when you’re the right fit, employers will pay a premium for those special skills. Today, employers are willing to pay high salaries to attract Python Developers in the streaming services, transportation, Fintech, education, and healthcare industries.

Also, keep in mind that the company you work at can impact your salary. Some companies have a lot of capital to invest in their Python Developers, and some don’t. Here are some companies that currently employ Python Developers and how much they pay them:

• Selby Jennings: $225,271
• Enterprise Peak: $180,000
• Centene: $158,072

Compensation is more than just salary

In addition to your base salary, you’ll likely be offered a number of other benefits in your contract. Sometimes the value of the total compensation package can be more than double the value of the base salary, so it’s worth looking over all the benefits that come with the job. Here are some benefits you might be offered as a Python Developer:

• Remote work stipend
• Stock options and employee ownership
• Performance-based annual bonuses
• Vacation and flex-time, and parental leave
• 401(k) and retirement account contributions
• Relocation reimbursement
• Signing bonus

How to start your career in Python development

If you’re ready to launch a career in Python development or looking for opportunities to upskill to boost your salary, our courses can help.

​​Our beginner-friendly Learn Python course covers the fundamentals of both Python and general programming concepts. If you’re interested in machine learning, check out our Build a Machine Learning Model with Python Skill Path, and Apply Natural Language Processing with Python is great for anyone interested in NLP. We also offer a course on the Basics of Blockchain with Python.

For those interested in data processing, we offer Visualize Data with Python, Analyze Data with Python, and Analyze Financial Data with Python.

If you’ve already applied for jobs and are at the interview stage, check out the course Pass the Technical Interview with Python. For more job-hunting advice, visit our Career Center.

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