Is Python Developer a Good Career?


With Python being the most popular programming language to learn in 2020, and its ranking as one of the most used languages, being a Python developer is an up and coming possible career choice for many. 

 

Being a Python developer is a good career choice, mainly due to the increasing demand for Python developers in many industries. Many high profile companies such as Google and Facebook use Python, and it also has a high paying salary with an average of $120,000 USD per year.

 

As a Python developer, you can expect to work on developing websites and applications, solve data algorithm problems, and much more. If you are interested in reading more about what you would do as a Python developer, how much you would make, and if you would be a good fit for the position, keep reading below.  

What Does a Python Developer Do? 

If you know the Python programming language, one of the jobs that you can find yourself in is a Python developer. As a Python developer, you can expect to: 

 

  • Build and develop websites
  • Optimize data algorithms 
  • Solve data analytics problems
  • Implement security and data protection 
  • Write code that is reusable, testable and efficient 

 

In this position, your main responsibilities would be to develop websites and design and build applications. You would also be the person who automates tasks, so they are easier based on your company or clients’ requests. 

Pros of Being a Python Developer

  • A lot of Python developer positions are available in a wide array of industries for 2020
  • It is ranked as the 3rd most popular programming language on the TIOBE Index
  • Plenty of libraries and tools that can be used for both web and game development which gives you many possibilities for creation
  • Python is also being used in machine learning and AI development 

Cons of Being a Python Developer

  • C and Java programming languages may remain in high demand as well 
  • Android and IOS do not support Python, so extra work is necessary for mobile app development
  • It is an interrupted language, making it slower than most, potentially increasing the hours it takes to complete a task

Where Do Python Developers Work? 

With Python being high in demand, according to Data Flair, and being the third most popular programming language on the TIOBE Index, there are plenty of opportunities for Python developers both in companies and as freelancers. 

 

High profile companies such as Google, Facebook, Spotify, and Netflix use Python programming, and it is also popular amongst new ventures. 

How Much Money Does a Python Developer Make? 

One amazing benefit of being a Python developer is the money you can make. 

 

According to Indeed, the average Python developer salary in the US in 2020 is $120,000 per year, which is equivalent to $56.75 an hour. With the salary increasing 14% over the past four years. 

 

With the average entry-level salary being an average of approximately $70,000 and the potential to earn up to approximately $140,000 per year, this career gives you a generous paycheck no matter how experienced you may be. 

 

If you choose to freelance and offer your services to multiple companies or clients, you are looking at approximately the same salary, unless you choose to work for more hours than in a typical work week. You also can up your hourly rate later on in your career if you become an expert; however, since this a job that takes time to complete, your income is still capped based on the hours you work. 

Most Popular States and Cities

While California and Texas have the most current employees, users, and past or present job ads available for Python developers, California and New York have the highest average paying salaries. Both of which are close to $135,000 per year. 

 

If you are really looking to make the big bucks, San Francisco has an average paying salary of $144,386 per year, and New York City has an average paying salary of $135,923 per year. 

What Makes a Good Python Developer? 

Obviously, your knowledge with Python is a huge factor in if you would be a good Python developer. Nonetheless, there are also some factors you should consider outside of your programming knowledge that you should have as a Python developer.

Technical and Python-Related Skills

  • Knowing the language which includes the syntax, semantics, and structure of the data
  • Familiarity with Python frameworks such as Django or Flask
  • Knowledge with different Python libraries 
  • Good understanding of relevant terms and actions according to the newest Python version 

Other Skills 

  • Effective communication skills
  • Ability to work with a team 
  • Able to persevere through tedious or long tasks
  • Driven by results 
  • Knowledge of data structures and algorithms

What Qualifications Do I Need? 

While anyone can learn the Python language online, having a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any of the following fields is beneficial:

 

  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Statistics

 

While it is likely, you will learn Python within some of these degrees, and you will have to take courses that teach you Python programming within the degree or look online for other options, if not. 

 

Keep reading if you would like to see where you can learn Python outside of a classroom. 

Where You Can Learn Python 

If you are not looking to go back to school, or you are not able to learn Python within your degree, I have put together a list of courses you can take online both paid and free to learn the Python Programming Language. 

 

  • Brainstation Python Programming Course is a certificate you can earn on campus or online that has the option of a monthly payment plan. 
  • Codecademy offers multiple courses that teach you Python altogether or different skills you may need, such as analyzing data with Python, which you can learn partially for free.
  • Udemy offers budget-friendly courses such as the Learn Python Programming Masterclass taught by industry professionals. 
  • Learnpython.org offers a free Introduction to Python interactive tutorial. 
  • edX offers courses that are taught at Harvard, MIT, and other leading universities on Python programming, where you will receive professional certifications. 
  • LinkedIn has the option to try out different Python courses for free during your first month, with options like a Python Essential Training or Python: Data Analysis course. 
  • Udacity has a free or paid option that is a self-paced course on the Introduction of Python Programming.  
  • Google for Education offers a free Python Class that is made for people with some programming experience. 

 

Each of these options teaches you a variety of things related to the Python programming language, although some may be better or teach more than others. 

Final Thoughts

Being a Python developer is a good career choice in terms of demand for the profession and a substantial salary. With Python ranking as the third most popular language on the TIOBE index and big companies such as Google and Netflix utilizing the language, you can expect the demand will not go down for some time. 

 

With an average salary of $120,000 in the US, you can expect that you can make a good paycheck even as a beginner. As time goes on, however, it is not known if Python will be able to surpass other programming languages such as C or Java, possibly due to it being slower.

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