Python is a general-purpose programming language and mastering it will allow you to take advantage of several career opportunities in the tech industry. As it is one of the most popular programming languages, securing a job in this field can be challenging if you don’t know how to stand out from the competition. If you want to know how to get a job in Python, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will discuss how to learn Python so you can become a Python developer. You‘ll also discover the highest-paying Python development jobs, as well as the key development skills you need to start landing entry-level Python jobs.
What Is Python Development?
Python development is the process of writing source code, building, testing, debugging, and deploying programs using the Python programming language. This server-side language can be used for a variety of programming and development tasks in the tech industry. It can be used to build application programming interfaces (APIs), websites, software applications, data models, and algorithms.
Python is one of the easiest programming languages to work with because of its simple and flexible syntax. This explains the widespread use of Python in fields like software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, data science, web development, game development, web design, financial analysis, search engine optimization (SEO) analysis, and app development.
Python Development Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Python developers, which are grouped under software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, are projected to experience a positive growth rate of 25 percent between 2021 and 2031. This means there is a huge demand for Python developers. During this period, there will be 411,400 software development job openings per year.
Python Development Salary
According to data presented by Indeed, the average Python entry-level salary in the US is $78,336. The average salary for Python developers is $116,904. This shows that, as you progress in your career, you’ll be able to increase your salary significantly.
How to Become a Python Developer
To become a Python developer, you’ll need to get the right training, practice consistently, and gain as much experience as you can. See below for the steps you should take to become a developer and master this language.
Step One: Get the Right Education
Your first step to becoming a Python programmer is to enroll in some form of training. You can enroll in a college degree program where Python might be a small component. You can also gain the necessary skills by enrolling in a Python coding bootcamp, which will make you job ready in the span of a few weeks or months.
Step Two: Practice Your Skills
Whatever training you choose, make sure you practice everything you learn. You can try your hand at different Python projects for beginners. This will help you solidify your theoretical skills, help you gain confidence, and help you learn from your mistakes and setbacks.
Step Three: Build a Portfolio and Resume
You then need to build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills. Use all the projects you completed during school, your bootcamp, or your independent study. Select the best ones and present them in a way that demonstrates to employers that you have what it takes to get the job done.
To land Python coding jobs, spend some time crafting a strong resume. Remember to showcase your skills and personalize your resume according to the specific role you’re applying for to improve your chances of being selected for an interview.
Step Four: Gain Relevant Work Experience
When you start getting freelance projects or land an entry-level job, make sure to get involved and be as hands-on as possible. If you’re part of a team, make sure to contribute and ask questions. Do your best to get involved in different types of projects and gain experience to advance your career in Python. This will help you gain access to better job opportunities and higher salaries down the line.
What Education Do I Need to Become a Python Developer?
You could launch your career in Python development with the aid of a computer science or software engineering bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You can also build your technical developer skills and launch your Python career using a certification or diploma from an online course or coding bootcamp. This means that several educational pathways can help you break into the Python software development field.
Can I Get a Python Development Job Without a Degree?
Yes, you can get a Python development job without a degree, as long as you can convince the hiring manager you’re the right fit by providing a professional portfolio or work history. While having a structured education is important, it doesn’t always have to be from a college degree program. Python jobs for beginners are available to coding bootcamp grads and self-taught students.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Job in Python Development?
Yes, the best coding bootcamps can help you get entry-level Python developer jobs. Coding bootcamps are designed to prepare students for accelerated careers in the tech industry. Coding bootcamps can make your transition into a Python professional very easy, whether you’re a busy adult or a high school graduate with no coding expertise.
Bootcamps offer rigorous curricula, designed to transform students into Python professionals within a short period. If you enroll in a coding bootcamp, you’ll be taught by experienced instructors and program advisors. These developers will give you the guidance you need to build a strong portfolio and professional profile, so you can land high-paying Python development job roles when you graduate.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Job in Python Development?
It could take you anywhere between one month and four years to build the skills and portfolio you need to get a job in Python development. Your programming job success is based on the education path you choose, your learning speed, and the efficiency of the job site you choose. Online courses are the shortest learning paths, but they are not as comprehensive.
You can master software development in Python in a few months through a coding bootcamp, which is much less time than following a degree path. Associate degrees take up to two years, while bachelor’s degrees take three to four years. Building your portfolio and resume could take a few additional weeks.
Common Python Development Education Paths
As an aspiring Python developer, you can use any of these recognized education paths to build in-depth knowledge you need to succeed in the Python development field.
Python Development Bootcamps
Python development bootcamps are popular training platforms for Python developers. These onsite and online schools offer short-term, fast-paced, career-oriented education to interested students. You’ll learn, through structured curricula, a basic understanding and the advanced concepts of Python. You’ll also discover the various ways to apply the Python programming language to solving diverse, real-world problems.
Community College
Learning at an accredited college makes it easy to secure the trust of your potential employer. Students enrolled in either Python development certificate programs or computer science degrees learn the skills they need to launch successful careers through a broad range of topics and courses in Python programming, software development, and web development.
Python Development Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees are one of the most recognized pathways for developers. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with four-year college degrees, and, as such, enrolling in a degree program is a good investment. To get the education you need for a career as a Python developer, you should enroll in a computer science bachelor’s program or any other computer science-related program.
Students who choose to pursue master’s-level programs in specialized niches, like machine learning or software engineering, have better recruitment and earning opportunities with top employers in the industry.
Key Python Development Skills to List on Your Resume
Below are some of the top Python developer skills you need to succeed in this field. Although not included in this list, soft skills like communication and problem-solving are equally important as a developer.
Python Programming
Python is a general-purpose high-level programming language. It comes with a flexible and readable code syntax that facilitates its application across diverse projects. Python comes with several inbuilt functions that enable you to write fewer lines of code. As an aspiring Python developer, you should learn how to write clear and concise code in Python.
You should also be familiar with the various Python frameworks such as Django, Flask, CherryPy, and Dash, as well as their uses. You also need to be familiar with the various Python libraries as most of the real-world projects you’ll work on will involve them.
Version Control
Version control is the process of code tracking. It involves keeping records of the various source code changes that occur while developing a program. A version control system, or a source control system, takes notes of the historical changes and stores the changes as code files that can be accessed and reviewed at will.
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Knowing how to use a version control system for your Python projects is essential if you’re planning on becoming a professional Python developer. As both your career and programming skills evolve, you’ll work on complex projects, sometimes with teammates. Version control systems like Git and Mercurial manage large-scale projects and facilitate collaboration between teammates.
Object Relational Mapping
Object relational mapping (ORM) is a programming technique that facilitates the conversion of data between incompatible type systems, using object oriented programming languages. This technique helps to create a layer between the object code and a relational database, allowing a programmer to manipulate the data form.
In-depth knowledge of ORM libraries and frameworks is essential for Python developers, as you’ll be working with many incompatible type-systems. You should build familiarity with ORM tools like Django ORM, PonyORM, and SQLAlchemy ORM, which make creating a virtual object database easy.
Where to Find Python Development Jobs
Finding and landing a Python development job can be challenging if you don’t go through the right platforms, like job boards and developer forums. Below are the best job sites and online platforms for landing Python developer positions.
Python Software Foundation Job Board
The Python Software Foundation is a non-profit organization that owns the intellectual property rights to the Python language. This foundation is the ideal place to learn about Python, build relevant projects, and land high-paying Python development jobs. It provides members access to real-time Python jobs from different parts of the US. All the job roles posted on this platform are verified.
Remote Python
Remote Python is a popular job site for remote Python jobs in different parts of the world. Interested users can simply log on to the site to review and apply to the available jobs posted on the platform. To increase your chances of being hired, you can subscribe for real-time email updates or RSS feeds. The jobs posted on the platform come with no charges and are also verified.
Upwork
If you’re looking for one-time, part-time, or contract jobs in this field, Upwork can help you achieve your goals. You can make money on Upwork as a freelancer by pitching to clients who need Python developers for different types of projects.
Are There Remote Python Jobs?
Yes, there are many remote Python jobs available in all kinds of industries. Top tech companies hire remote developers all over the world. You can rely on the best remote job boards to find opportunities that fit your interests and career goals. You can also find part-time Python jobs if you’re interested in added flexibility.
How to Prepare for Your Python Development Interview
To ensure you succeed in your next interview for a Python developer position, you need to practice with Python programming exercises, quizzes, and personal projects. These learning tools help you develop a deeper understanding of the practical aspect of Python and can help you stay fluent when displaying your technical knowledge to recruiters and hiring managers.
Python Development Interview Questions
- List the unique features of the Python programming language.
- How do you tackle runtime errors in Python?
- What do compilation and linking mean in Python?
- What is the “dogpile effect”?
The Five Highest-Paying Python Development Jobs
| Python Development Jobs | Average Salary | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Python Architect | $154,518 | 25% |
| Full Stack Python Developer | $124,557 | 25% |
| Python Machine Learning Engineer | $129,135 | 25% |
| Python Engineer | $129,957 | 25% |
| Python Django Developer | $121,496 | 25% |
Python Architect
Salary: $154,518
Python architects are senior-level professionals who oversee the development efforts of the programming and development teams, down to the deployment and maintenance stage. Python architects specify the development requirements for the Python products by designing architectural models such as the code design, API, and database schema.
Full Stack Python Developer
Salary: $124,557
Full stack Python developers are skilled in both front end and backend programming using the Python language. These professionals use the Python language to design and develop both the server-side and client-side web components, such as servers, databases, APIs, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs). They are also familiar with the various Python libraries and frameworks.
Python Machine Learning Engineer
Salary: $129,135
Python machine learning engineers are technical programmers and developers who use the Python programming language to code programs and algorithms. These algorithms enable self-directed artificial intelligence software to automate predicate models that assist humans in completing defined tasks.
Python Engineer
Salary: $129,957
Python engineers, like software engineers, are professionals who integrate software engineering processes into the development of software programs. The difference is that Python programmers achieve their programming goals with the aid of this specific language. Python syntax, libraries, and frameworks are what they use to design the architectural models and source code for a product.
Python Django Developer
Salary: $121,496
Python Django developers are backend developers that specialize in writing Python scripts and building APIs using the Django framework. The Django framework is one of Python’s high-level web frameworks used in building scalable backend applications. It comes with a robust set of libraries that make it easy to integrate server-side components into the front end applications.
Python Development Career Path
Learning Python exposes you to different high-paying career paths. Below are some of the growth opportunities you can take advantage of when you master this language and start down a Python developer career path.
Entry-Level Python Development Jobs
- Entry-Level Software Developer – Entry-level software developers use Python to create, test, and debug software systems.
- Backend Web Developer – Backend web developers write the code that makes websites run. They create and debug code to make sure the site runs well.
- Junior Data Analyst – Junior data analysts work with experienced developers and analysts to collect and analyze data. They then use this data to provide insight to businesses on how they can improve their processes.
Mid-Level Python Development Jobs
- Systems Engineer – Systems engineers look at the current computer systems being used by a business or organization and suggest improvements.
- DevOps Engineer – Python is used for automation and automation is very helpful for development operations (DevOps) engineers. DevOps engineers use Python to create automated scripting tasks.
- Python Developer – Python developers are full stack developers. They can choose to work in machine learning and AI, or software and web development.
Senior-Level Python Development Jobs
- Principal Software Developer – Principal software developers are the lead developers on Python-based projects. They lead a team of junior and entry-level developers to work on development projects and technical initiatives. They oversee the entire software development cycle from conception to completion.
- Senior Data Scientist – Senior data scientists oversee a team of data scientists and other data professionals. They use Python for natural language processing and data analysis.
- Machine Learning Engineer – Machine learning engineers create plans, build, and test automated machines. Machine learning is the process through which machines and software programs can make predictions and perform tasks without being told to.
Python Development Certifications
A professional certification makes your resume more enticing to a potential employer. Python development certifications have industry recognition and are a good way to boost your professional leverage, especially in relation to salary increases and promotions. Below are some of the most relevant certifications in this field.
Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
This professional certification is offered by the Python Institute for entry-level Python programmers. This certification is preceded by an examination that tests your knowledge of Python concepts and your ability to complete coding tasks in the Python language. There are no prerequisites for individuals interested in this certification.
Certified Associate in Python Programming
The Certified Associate in Python Programming is an intermediate certification that shows that you’re familiar with both Python 3 syntax and object oriented programming, and that you can begin a career in Python development.
Certified Professional in Python Programming
This certification is for individuals who can competently display proficiency in performing coding tasks using advanced Python programming. These professionals are familiar with advanced Python techniques, Python frameworks, and a different range of libraries. They can also perform GUI programming and network programming using the Python language.
Tips on How to Get a Job in Python Development
Even after you have perfected your skills and developed an impressive resume and portfolio, your journey to becoming a Python developer is not over. To increase your chances of securing high-paying job roles in the tech industry, these are the best tips to implement.
Learn How to Write and Read Python Code
Working as a Python developer means knowing how to expertly write and read Python code. If you’re interested in getting started in this field, you have to choose a comprehensive learning pathway. You should read Python articles and books, follow up with Python tutorials, take Python courses from sites like Udemy and Codecademy, or attend a Python bootcamp.
Join a Python Developer Community
Joining a Python developer community comes with several benefits. Some of these communities provide discussion forums, blogs, and job boards for members as a way to promote their growth. You can find mentorships, personal project ideas, and programming job opportunities. Communities such as GitHub, Stack Overflow, and the Python Software Foundation are ideal options.
Try to Replicate Different Python Projects
One of the best ways to prove your job competence to tech companies is through a comprehensive personal project portfolio. Python is a versatile programming language. It can be applied to creating several products. You can express your creativity to hiring managers through innovative projects. You can find relevant Python project ideas from different sources on the web.
Build a Professional Resume
To apply to most Python jobs, you need a professional resume. Your resume communicates essential details about your professional career to your hiring manager. If it is well constructed, it sends a positive message to the recruiter that you’re the right fit for the job. If you can’t create a professional resume yourself, contact resume experts online.
Start Sending Out Applications
If you’ve followed the other steps in this list, you can start applying to prospective employers. You can do this by researching top tech companies that hire Python developers, along with expected entry-level Python developer salaries so you can apply directly to their job openings. You could also apply through third-party recruiters, which may provide broader career options.
Should You Get a Job in Python Development?
Yes, getting a job in Python development is a good career move. Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. According to Statista, in 2021, Python was the third most popular language in the world, behind JavaScript and HTML/CSS. To get a job in Python, you need to learn the fundamentals, get as much hands-on experience as possible, and start applying to entry-level jobs.
Python Developer FAQ
How much Python you need to know will depend on the specific job. However, you’ll need a basic understanding of Python syntax, data structures, and knowledge of libraries such as Pandas and NumPy. Knowledge of frameworks such as Django and Flask can also help you land a role.
Python developers typically work on tasks such as building secure and scalable web applications, writing code that is efficient and reusable, and creating data analysis and visualization solutions. They use their coding skills and their knowledge of this language to find solutions to complex problems in a wide variety of fields and for different purposes.
To get a Python job with no experience, you will need to invest some time learning the fundamentals of Python syntax, structures, and libraries. Then, you will need to practice through hands-on projects to demonstrate your skills. While you don’t need a degree or extensive coding experience, you will need to prove to potential employers that you know how to solve problems and complete projects with Python if you want to land a job.
No, Python developer is not a hard job once you master the fundamentals and get hands-on experience. In fact, this language is widely regarded as one of the easiest to learn. However, you will need to dedicate enough time to learning and practicing before coding with Python becomes easy for you.
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