Python Developer Salary in the USA (09/12/2023)

IT Staff Augmentation Team

September 12, 2023

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Curious about Python developer salaries in 2023? This guide provides insights into current trends, factors impacting salaries, and more.

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Quick summary (US) based On Glassdoor data - 09/12/2023

In our blog post, the term "salary" refers to the base salary plus any additional pay, such as a bonus or commission.

Junior Python Developer Salary (average) per year: 

$92,000

Python Developer Salary (average) per year: 

$114,000

Senior Python Developer Salary (average) per year: 

$163,000


About Python

Python is one of the most popular programming languages today. Its success is due to a variety of factors, the most important of which are its simplicity, clarity, and rapid development.

Of course, many people miss the square brackets [ ] or curly brackets { } that are common in traditional programming languages, but that's life. Let's go for easy-to-use things! Python, on the other hand, is quite resource-intensive and slow. This is not a major consideration of its popularity. However, its usability is simply amazing!

Python Developer Salary - Bluebird Blog

Python Developer Salaries

Software developer salaries can vary widely depending on key factors such as experience level, chosen Python framework, geographical location, industry, company size, and education. By understanding these factors and taking steps to improve your skills and credentials, you can increase your earning potential as a Python developer.

Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced developer, staying informed about the current job market and industry trends will help you make informed decisions about your career path and salary expectations.

Senior Python Developer Salary - Bluebird

Introduction to Python Developer Salaries

As Python continues to grow in popularity, many developers are wondering how much they can expect to earn as a Python developer. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the factors that influence Python developer salaries, as well as provide data on average salaries by experience level, location, industry, and company size. Whether you're a seasoned software developer or just starting out, this guide will give you insights into the earning potential of this in-demand programming language.


Factors Influencing Python Developer Salaries

  1. 1
    Experience Level: As with most professions, the more experience you have as a Python developer, the higher your salary will be. An entry-level software engineer can expect to earn less than their more experienced counterparts, while senior-level developers will command higher salaries.
  2. 2
    Geographical Location: Where you live and work can have a significant impact on your Python programmer salary. Developers in major tech hubs like San Francisco, San Jose, and New York City can expect to earn more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. Additionally, the cost of living in your location should be considered when evaluating salary offers.
  3. 3
    Industry: The industry in which you work can also influence your salary as a Python developer. For example, Python developers in the finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity industries tend to earn higher salaries than those in other sectors.
  4. 4
    Company Size: Python developers working for larger companies may enjoy higher salaries than those at smaller firms. Larger companies often have bigger budgets for tech talent and may offer more competitive compensation packages.
  5. 5
    Certifications and Education: While not always necessary, having certifications and a strong educational background can enhance your earning potential as a Python developer. Employers often value certified professionals and those with degrees in computer science or related fields.
Python Developer Salary - Certificate - Bluebird Blog

Python Developer Salaries by Experience Level

1. Entry-Level Salaries

Entry-level Python developers, typically with less than two years of experience, can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $92,000.

2. Mid-Level Salaries

Mid-level Python developers, with approximately 4 to 6 years of experience, can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $92,000 to $152,000.

Senior Python Developer Salary - Experience - Bluebird

3. Senior-Level Salaries

Senior-level Python developers, with more than five years of experience, can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $163,000 or higher, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the projects they work on.

* last updated: 09/08/2023 - source: Glassdoor


Python Developer Salaries by Geographical Location

The salary range for developers can vary based on location. In the United States, the average yearly salary is around $114,000 if you work as a Python developer. However, in major tech hubs like San Francisco, the average yearly salary for a Python developer can reach around $140,000 or more. On the other hand, in smaller cities or rural areas, salaries may be lower due to lower cost of living and a less competitive job market.

In Europe, Python developer annual salaries can range from €40,000 to €90,000 per year, depending on the country and city. In countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, Python developers can expect higher salaries compared to countries in Eastern Europe with lower costs of living, such as Poland or Hungary. (Check out our guide about Hungary.)

Lowest salary for Python developers can be found in Asia. Here, Python developer salaries are generally lower compared to the US and Europe, but they still provide competitive compensation within the local standards. For instance, in India, an average software engineer can anticipate earning between ₹600,000 and ₹1,500,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.

Python Developer Salary by State

The chart below shows the average, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile Python programmer salary across various states in the United States.

California has the highest average salary for Python developers at $130,000, followed by Massachusetts and Washington with average salaries of $122,000 and $120,000, respectively. The states with the lowest average salaries for Python developers are Alabama and Florida, both with average salaries just above $100,000.

The range between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries is the widest in California, at $63,000, which suggests that there is a large variation in salaries within the state. The narrowest range between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries is in Florida, at $52,000.

This data could be useful for you, if you are considering relocating and want to know where you might be able to earn the highest salary. It could also be useful for employers who want to make sure they are offering competitive salaries to attract the best talent.

The source of our Python programmer salary data is Glassdoor.

Python Developer Salary - Bluebird Blog

CLICK TO ENLARGE

State

Average Salary

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

California

$130,000

$103,000

$166,000

Massachusetts

$122,000

$96,000

$156,000

Washington

$120,000

$96,000

$152,000

Colorado

$112,000

$91,000

$141,000

Texas

$110,000

$86,000

$140,000

North Carolina

$108,000

$86,000

$137,000

Illinois

$108,000

$87,000

$137,000

Pennsylvania

$107,000

$85,000

$135,000

Georgia

$107,000

$85,000

$136,000

Florida

$105,000

$83,000

$135,000

Alabama

$100,000

$79,000

$128,000

* last updated: 09/12/2023 - source: Glassdoor

Python Developer Salary by City

The data on Python developer salaries by city reveals interesting patterns.

Best paying cities like San Jose, CA, has an average salary at $142,000, which is notably higher than other cities. This likely reflects the high cost of living in the Silicon Valley area and the strong demand for Python developers in tech hubs. Seattle, WA, and Boston, MA, also offer competitive salaries, with average incomes of $128,000 and $125,000, respectively.

On the other hand, Huntsville, AL, has the lowest average salary at $107,000, which may be influenced by the lower cost of living in this area.

Overall, there is a clear correlation between the city's location and the average salary, with cities in California and Massachusetts offering the highest compensation. The 25th and 75th percentile data also suggests that the salary range within each city is relatively wide, indicating potential variations in experience and skills among Python developers in these areas.

Python Developer Salary - Bluebird Blog

Click to enlarge

City

Average Salary

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

San Jose, CA

$142,000

$113,000

$181,000

Seattle, WA

$128,000

$102,000

$161,000

Boston, MA

$125,000

$99,000

$159,000

Boulder, CO

$120,000

$94,000

$152,000

Austin, TX

$116,000

$91,000

$148,000

Philadelphia, PA

$115,000

$91,000

$145,000

Chicago, IL

$113,000

$90,000

$144,000

Atlanta, GA

$112,000

$89,000

$142,000

Miami, FL

$110,000

$85,000

$144,000

Raleigh, NC

$109,000

$87,000

$137,000

Huntsville, AL

$107,000

$84,000

$137,000

* last updated: 09/12/2023 - source: Glassdoor


The salaries of Python Developers vary by industry in the US

As mentioned earlier, the industry in which you work can greatly impact your yearly salary. Here are some average salaries for Python developers in various industries:

Industry

Average Salary

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Information Technology

$107,000

$85,000

$135,000

Aerospace & Defense

$103,000

$80,000

$133,000

Financial Services

$103,000

$81,000

$131,000

Human Resources & Staffing

$103,000

$80,000

$133,000

Insurance

$102,000

$82,000

$129,000

Healthcare

$98,000

$78,000

$123,000

Manufacturing

$96,000

$78,000

$120,000

Telecommunications

$92,000

$74,000

$116,000

Python Developer Salary - Industry - Bluebird

* last updated: 10/26/2023 - source: Glassdoor

Python developers in the Information Technology industry (tech companies) have the highest average salary at $107,000, while those in the Telecommunications industry have the lowest average salary at $92,000.

The range between the 25th and 75th percentile salary also varies by industry, with Information Technology having the largest range at $50,000 and Telecommunications having the smallest range at $42,000. This indicates that there is a wider variation in salaries for Python developers in the Information Technology industry compared to other industries.

The Aerospace & Defense, Financial Services, and Human Resources & Staffing industries have similar average salaries and percentile ranges, suggesting that these industries value Python developers similarly.

The Insurance and Healthcare industries have slightly lower average salaries, but the difference is not significant. Manufacturing falls in between the higher and lower paying industries, with an average salary of $96,000.

Overall, the data suggests that Python developers in the Information Technology industry are the most highly valued, while those in the Telecommunications industry are the least highly valued.

Python Developers in the Fintech Industry

In the fintech industry, a Python developer may be responsible for developing algorithms for risk management, fraud detection, and predictive analytics, among other tasks. When a Python developer is specialized in the fintech industry, it means they have a deep understanding of the financial markets and the specific challenges faced by fintech companies. They are adept at using Python to develop solutions that address these challenges, such as building machine learning models for credit scoring or developing blockchain-based solutions for secure transactions. A specialized Python developer in the fintech industry is also familiar with regulatory compliance and can ensure that any software developed meets the necessary requirements.

Bluebird in the Fintech Industry

For clients in need of IT staff augmentation in the fintech industry, Bluebird is an excellent choice. With a wealth of experience in fintech projects and a team of IT professionals who are well-versed in the specific needs of the industry, Bluebird is well-equipped to provide top-notch talent.

Furthermore, Bluebird's roster of clients, which includes industry giants such as Blackrock and SwissRE, is a testament to the quality of its services.

By choosing Bluebird as IT staff augmentation firm, you can be confident that you are partnering with a company that has the expertise and track record to help you succeed in the fast-paced world of fintech.

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Python Developer Salaries By Company Size

The size of the company you work for can also affect your salary as a Python programmer. Larger companies tend to have bigger budgets and can offer more competitive salaries, while smaller companies may offer the lowest salaries but might provide other benefits, such as increased flexibility or opportunities for growth. Let's see the average salaries in the United States.

Python Developer Salary - Bluebird Blog
  1. 1
    Large companies (1,000+ employees): $100,000 - $150,000 per year
  2. 2
    Medium-sized companies (100-999 employees): $80,000 - $120,000 per year
  3. 3
    Small companies (1-99 employees): $60,000 - $100,000 per year

The Impact of Certifications and Education on Python Developer Salaries

While not always required, having certifications or a strong educational background can boost your earning potential as a Python programmer. Some popular Python certifications include:

Python Developer Salary - Python Certificates - Bluebird Blog
  1. 1
    PCEP - Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
  2. 2
    PCAP - Certified Associate in Python Programming
  3. 3
    PCPP - Certified Professional in Python Programming

In addition to certifications, a degree in computer science, software engineering, machine learning or a related field can also increase your salary potential.


Freelance Python Developer Salaries

Freelance Python developers have the potential to earn a comfortable living by providing their services to companies and individuals.

Salaries for freelance Python developers will vary depending on a number of factors such as experience, location and project scope. Generally speaking, freelance Python developer salaries can range from $50/hour for junior-level developers to upwards of $150/hour or more for experienced developers working on complex projects.

Python Developer Salary - Bluebird Blog

Ways to potentially increase your salary as a Python developer

To increase your earning potential as a Python developer, consider the following strategies:

  1. 1
    Develop your skills and expertise in Python and related technologies.
  2. 2
    Gain experience working on complex and high-impact projects such as machine learning and AI.
  3. 3
    Pursue certifications and further education to demonstrate your commitment to the field and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
  4. 4
    Network with other professionals in the industry, both online and in-person, to learn about new job opportunities and trends.
  5. 5
    Consider relocating to a region with higher salaries or a higher demand for Python developers.
  6. 6
    Negotiate your salary effectively, showcasing your accomplishments and the value you bring to the company.
  7. 7
    Explore freelance opportunities to potentially earn a higher hourly rate while enjoying the flexibility of self-employment.

FAQs

Q1: What is the average salary for a Python developer?

A: The average salary varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. In the United States, the average yearly salary is around $114,000, but it can be higher or lower depending on these factors. (Glassdoor)

Python Developer Salary - FAQ - Bluebird Blog

Q2: Do certifications and education impact Python developer salaries?

A: While not always necessary, having certifications and a strong educational background can enhance your earning potential as a Python developer. Employers often value certified professionals and those with degrees in computer science or related fields.

Q3: Are freelance Python programmer salaries higher than full-time salaries?

A: Freelance Python programmers have the potential to earn a higher salary than full-time employees, but they also need to consider the costs of self-employment, such as taxes, insurance, and finding clients. Freelance rates have wide range from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on experience and level of expertise.

Q4: How can you increase your salary as a software developer?

A: To increase your earning potential, focus on developing additional skills and expertise, gaining experience on complex projects, pursuing certifications and further education, networking with professionals in the industry, considering relocation, and negotiating your salary effectively.

Machine learning and AI could be useful areas to learn. By doing this, you will raise software engineer salary range at once.


Please check out our other blog posts for salary information on other IT roles:



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