Do Coding Jobs Pay Well? Real Salaries in 2025

When you hear someone say they learned to code and now make six figures, it’s easy to wonder: is that real? Or is it just the hype from YouTube ads and bootcamp brochures? The truth is, coding jobs don’t just pay well-they often pay better than most other careers that don’t require a four-year degree. But not all coding jobs are the same. Pay depends on where you are, what you code, and how much experience you have.

How much do entry-level coders make?

If you’re just starting out, don’t expect to land a $120,000 job right away. But you also won’t be stuck making minimum wage. In Australia, an entry-level software developer with six months to a year of experience typically earns between $65,000 and $85,000 a year. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, that number often hits $80,000. Even in Adelaide, where the cost of living is lower, you can still expect $70,000-$78,000.

Compare that to average entry-level salaries in retail, hospitality, or admin roles-usually $50,000-$60,000-and the difference is clear. You don’t need a university degree to get there either. Many people land their first coding job after a 6-month bootcamp or self-study with free resources like freeCodeCamp or The Odin Project.

What kind of coding jobs pay the most?

Not all coding jobs are created equal. Some roles pay significantly more because they’re in high demand or require specialized skills. Here’s what’s paying well in 2025:

• Cloud engineers - $110,000-$150,000. Companies need people who can manage AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud systems. This isn’t just writing code-it’s setting up secure, scalable infrastructure.
• AI/ML engineers - $120,000-$180,000. If you’re building models that predict customer behavior or automate tasks, you’re in high demand. Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch are the big tools here.
• DevOps engineers - $105,000-$145,000. These are the people who make sure apps stay online and update smoothly. They mix coding with system administration and automation.
• Full-stack developers - $85,000-$120,000. You build both the front-end (what users see) and back-end (the server, database, logic). This versatility makes you valuable.
• Mobile developers (iOS/Android) - $80,000-$115,000. Apps still dominate how people interact with services. If you can build for both platforms, your pay goes up.

Specialization pays. Learning React or Node.js gets you a job. Learning how to deploy those apps on Kubernetes or optimize them for AI inference? That’s where the big numbers kick in.

Does location matter?

Yes. A lot.

If you live in Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll see higher salaries because there are more tech companies, bigger budgets, and more competition for talent. But if you’re in regional Australia-say, Darwin, Townsville, or even Adelaide-you can still earn $75,000-$95,000 working remotely for a Sydney-based startup or a U.S. company.

Remote work changed the game. You don’t need to move to Silicon Valley to get paid like you’re there. Many Australian companies now hire coders from anywhere in the country. Some even pay U.S.-level salaries if you’re working for an American client.

For example, a developer in Adelaide working full-time for a San Francisco fintech startup might earn $110,000 AUD-even though they never set foot in California.

What about freelance and contract work?

Freelancing isn’t for everyone, but it can pay extremely well if you know how to position yourself. A skilled freelance developer in Australia can charge $70-$120 per hour. That’s $140,000-$240,000 a year if you’re working full-time (40 hours a week).

But here’s the catch: freelancers don’t get paid vacation, sick leave, or superannuation. You have to manage your own taxes, invoices, and client pipelines. The high pay comes with high responsibility.

Many coders start with full-time jobs to build experience, then move into contract work after 2-3 years. That’s when they start seeing their hourly rate climb past $100.

What skills actually get you paid more?

It’s not just about knowing JavaScript or Python. Employers pay more for skills that solve real business problems:

• Cloud certification - AWS Certified Developer or Azure Fundamentals add $10,000-$20,000 to your salary.
• Security knowledge - Understanding OWASP, encryption, or secure API design is rare and valuable.
• Testing and automation - Writing unit tests, CI/CD pipelines, and automated deployments separates juniors from seniors.
• Communication - Being able to explain technical problems to non-tech people? That’s a superpower. Teams pay more for developers who can collaborate, not just code.
• Domain expertise - Knowing healthcare systems, finance regulations, or logistics software? That’s worth a premium. Coding in isolation isn’t enough.

One developer in Brisbane told me he doubled his salary after learning how to integrate payment gateways with PCI-DSS compliance. He didn’t just write code-he learned the rules around handling credit card data. That’s the kind of depth that gets you noticed.

How fast can you start earning?

You don’t need years of school to make good money. People who start coding at 18 or 25 often land their first job within 6-12 months. The key is consistency: building real projects, not just watching tutorials.

Here’s a realistic timeline:

1. Months 1-3: Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Build a personal website or simple app.
2. Months 4-6: Learn a back-end language (Python or Node.js). Connect it to a database.
3. Months 7-9: Build a full project (e.g., a task manager with user login). Put it on GitHub.
4. Month 10: Start applying for junior roles. Even if you don’t have a degree, your portfolio speaks louder.
5. Month 12: Land your first job. Start at $65,000-$80,000.

That’s one year from zero to a salary that beats most university graduates.

Is it worth it if you’re older?

Yes. People in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s are switching to coding every year. They bring experience from other fields-teaching, nursing, construction, sales-and that helps them stand out.

A 42-year-old former electrician in Perth learned Python and now builds automation tools for solar companies. He makes $95,000 a year. His background in wiring systems gave him insight into how hardware and software interact-something a 22-year-old fresh out of coding bootcamp wouldn’t know.

Age isn’t a barrier. Maturity, problem-solving skills, and work ethic are what employers value most.

What’s the downside?

It’s not all easy money. Coding jobs can be stressful. Deadlines are tight. Systems break at 2 a.m. You’ll spend hours debugging something that should’ve taken five minutes. Some companies expect you to be on call.

Also, the tech world moves fast. What’s hot today-like React or Flutter-might be replaced by something new in three years. You need to keep learning. That’s not a flaw-it’s part of the job.

But here’s the thing: if you’re okay with constant learning and you like solving puzzles, the pay and flexibility make it worth it.

Final thought: It’s not magic. It’s work.

Coding jobs pay well because they solve real problems. Companies will pay top dollar for people who can build software that saves them time, money, or headaches. It’s not about being a genius. It’s about showing up, practicing, and delivering results.

If you’re thinking about starting, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just begin. Build something small. Push it to GitHub. Apply for one job. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know enough to get started-and then keep going.