As Python’s popularity is on the rise, it might be high time to become familiar with both the job responsibilities and average Python developer salary in the US.
A Python developer is usually responsible for writing server-side web application logic. This also includes the development of back-end components, connecting the application with other third-party web services, and supporting the front-end developers by integrating their work with the Python application. Speaking of Python, it’s also worth mentioning Django (an advanced open-source framework written in Python), which many software developers choose to specialize in.
Even though data analysis and web development are still the major use cases for Python, machine learning is making a strong showing. This is according to the results of Python Developers Survey 2020. That’s precisely why this programming language gets more and more attention these days. It might eventually influence the average Python developer salary. In fact, according to Statistics Times Python now ranks as the world’s most popular programming language among professional software developers. As a result, it has recently become one of the most wanted technologies.
Source: Statistics Times
Python programmer salary, however, depends on a range of factors. These include skill set, level of expertise, and location. To give you a full understanding of what affects the Python salary, we’ve combined up-to-date, industry-specific data from credible sources, such as PayScale, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter.
We have also compiled salary numbers for other technologies.
Average Python developer salary
Python developer (United States)
Currency: USD | Updated: August 03 2021 | Individuals Reporting: 94
According to PayScale’s data, the average Python developer salary in the US is $79,395 per year (at the time of the publication). At the same time, the median hourly rate is $30.
Source: Glassdoor – Currency: USD | Updated: 16 August 2021 | Based on 654 Salaries
Interestingly enough, the average Python developer salary reported by Glassdoor is higher. It shows that the average base pay is $95,203 per year.
Source: Indeed- Currency: USD | Updated: 14 Aug 2021 | Individual data sources: 1,1k
The data from Indeed is even more surprising. It reports even higher salaries, with an average of $107,003 per year.
Source: Zip Recruiter- Currency: USD | Updated: 10 Aug 2021 | Individual data sources: –
Yet, ZipRecruiter sees annual Python developer salaries as high as $163,500 and as low as $53,500. The average is $111,899 across the United States.
Experience
Why do Python developer salaries vary? As usual, their levels depend heavily on the level of experience. Even though the list of responsibilities depends on the employer, Python developers are usually involved in:
- Designing and implementing quality applications,
- Writing reusable and efficient code,
- Integrating user-facing elements with server-side logic,
- Coming up with data storage solutions.
As you would expect, the expertise in handling these tasks influences Python programmer salary. According to ZipRecruiter:
- The entry-level Python developer salary in the US is $78,176 a year on average,
- The average junior Python developer salary is $80,499,
- The mid-level Python developer salary reaches $111,899,
- While the senior Python developer earns $130,268 on average.
The preferred framework the developer uses also makes a difference. Django is one of the most popular Python-based frameworks. This might be the reason why average Django developer salary is $117,673.
Location
The location also matters when it comes to Python developer salaries across the US. Similarly to other jobs, pay differs from state to state. The national average may not be enough to judge how much a Python developer actually makes.
According to PayScale, software developers who are familiar with Python should head to California. This seems to be the best-paid American state for these kinds of software engineers. The smallest paychecks, on the contrary, can be found in Atlanta.
Python developer salary – NYC
Surprisingly, PayScale doesn’t mention New York and the Python developer salary in NYC. According to other sources, such as Indeed.com, the city still ranks high in terms of Python salary. Plus, it seems to have plenty of open Python positions.
Still, Python developer salary in NYC is lower than in San Francisco or Los Angeles. No wonder California is said to be the fastest to add tech jobs.
Other factors increasing pay
Core skills
The list of skills important for a Python developer includes, above all, core Python. Added to this are a knowledge of web frameworks, object-relational mappers, multi-process architecture, and RESTful APIs.
Useful additional skills
Nice-to-have Python developer skills are definitely:
- System administration,
- Scripting,
- Other programming languages like Java or C++.
Conclusion
Python is already one of the most popular and highest-paying programming languages around the world. At the same time, Python Developers Survey 2020 results point out that 21% of Python developers are concentrated in the US. With high average Python developer salaries reported by various sources across the US, though, it’s only a matter of time before Python becomes a top choice for American developers.
Before you go
We also have other great resources devoted to a software developer salary, such as:
