Why We Love It
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$84,360Potential Avg. Salary
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-8%Job Growth Rate
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
A Python Developer is an individual responsible for writing server-side web application logic. They typically develop back-end components, connect the application to the third-party web services vendor and supports the front-end developers by integrating their work with Python application.
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What is a Python Developer?
The following responsibilities are common for Python Developers:
- Develops and writes software solutions to integrate into different systems
- Identifies various opportunities to improve the sites functionality and efficiency
- Writes reusable and testable code
- Integrates data storage solutions and security and protection
- Uses server-side logic to integrate user-facing elements
A Day In The Life
Python software can be used for a variety of reasons, like web scraping, web development, image processing, analyzing data, automation, etc., and this software has a wide range of applications. It is a very popular general purpose programming language that focuses on code readability and maintainability. Python is a relatively easy coding language for those willing to learn. Python is a general purpose language, which means it isnt just used for one purpose like web development. Its also used in many other industries, and the industry that they choose will determine how they learn the different types of language.
For example, if an individual is hired by a client to write apps that interact with operating systems and monitor devices, they may need to know how to use Python modules for scientific and numeric programming.
Typical Work Schedule
This industry is typically ran by individuals who do freelance or contract work. Because of this they are capable of setting their own schedules and work hours. While others that work in the industry for web companies the hours tend to be on a regular full-time schedule.
Projected Job Growth
Internet companies are growing exponentially every day. The need for individuals that have the knowledge and competency to develop and write coding language and algorithms with be in high demand for many years to come.
Typical Employers
These individuals typically work as freelance or as contractors. While others will work or various web or internet companies.
Career Progression
Beginning Career – At a basic level Python is an easy language to learn and use. An individual can quickly learn how to create variables and loops, then expand beyond that to tuples, dictionaries and lists. They must also know which types are immutable, or an object type that cannot be changed. With immutable types the objects value itself cannot be changed, but the variable containing the object can. In addition, anyone learning Python should know how the language deals with the object programming and how to create classes and instaniate objects. As well as know how to use exceptions and exception handlers and how modules interact.
Mid-Career -Once the basic concepts are mastered, they can move on to slightly more advanced concepts. They will need to become very skilled and familiar with dynamic typing, strong typing and duck typing and how Python implements all three types. From there, it is important to know about closures and first-class-objects. Python software will support both, which then leads to a concept called decorators. Find and learn as many of the Python products available and study the code as much as possible. Next, learn software development. There are several tools to for integrating Python into the development software systems.If an individual really wants to learn the language, learn how to obtain Python packages in pip. They should also learn how to do unit testing, which is fundamental in software development.
Late Career – Once an individual is familiar and knowledgeable in the above skills, they can then move on to industry specific knowledge, or niches. If an individual wants a career in a specific industry, it is imperative that they know the various scientific and numerical algorithms and modules inside and out.
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How To Become a Python Developer
Individuals seeking employment in this career have a lot of work to do beforehand. A bachelor’s degree in information science, software engineering or computer science is recommended for this occupation. An individual must learn and understand the coding and core language first. Python is used for things like building websites, web scraping, data analysis, machine learning, and natural language processing. It is vital that every developer is well versed in all languages including the differences between Python 2 and Python 3. The language is designed to be easy to read which makes it a great place for individuals to begin learning. They must also learn and be knowledgeable with the many different modules. It is also important that these individuals are aware of the bigger picture of software development of Python, which also includes learning the different databases and other technology, depending on what the individual wants to work with.
There are basically three levels to learning the basics of Python in order to become a Python Developer. First, and individual should learn the core language itself, such as syntax and basic types. They should also learn the differences between Python 2 and Python 3. They need to also know the commonly used modules and familiarize themselves with these modules as much as possible. Finally, master the “bigger picture” development and design of the software, like including the software into a build process, using the pip package manager, etc. This also involves be knowledgeable in different databases and other technology, depending on where the individual wants to work and what niche they wish to go into.
Python Developer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$60,250Average
$84,360High Range
$130,800National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$29/hrAverage
$41/hrHigh Range
$63/hrHow do Python Developer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Python Developer's can make an average annual salary of $84,360, or $41 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $60,250 or $29 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#123 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Highest Education Among Python Developers
- 2.5% Doctorate
- 19.6% Masters
- 49.7% Bachelors
- 9.7% Associates
- 13.1% College
- 4.7% High School
- 0.7% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
328,6002024 Est. Jobs
302,200Job Growth Rate
-8%Est. New Jobs
-26,400How does Python Developer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of -26,400 jobs for a total of 302,200 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a -8% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#729 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Python Developers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 126,100 | -26,800 | -27% |
| Software publishers | 22,100 | 3,200 | 3% |
| Self-employed workers | 18,000 | 2,600 | 3% |
