Python Developer Salary Calculator
Estimate your 2026 Python developer salary based on your experience, location, and specialization. All data reflects current market rates for Python developers worldwide.
Your Salary Estimate
Based on 2026 market data for Python developers
What You Can Do
Want to earn more? Focus on these high-demand specializations:
- Data Science Use pandas, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn to build predictive models
- DevOps Automate deployments with Docker and CI/CD pipelines
- Web Frameworks Build scalable APIs with Django or FastAPI
Ever wonder how much a Python developer actually makes? It’s not just a number-it changes based on where you are, how much experience you have, and what kind of work you’re doing. If you’re thinking about learning Python or already working with it, knowing the real pay range can help you plan your next move. Let’s cut through the noise and look at what Python developers are earning right now, in 2026.
Entry-Level Python Developers
If you’re just starting out, don’t expect to land a six-figure job right away. Entry-level Python developers-those with less than two years of experience-typically earn between $55,000 and $75,000 per year in the United States. In Australia, the range is closer to AUD $65,000 to $85,000. That might sound good, but remember: this is your first real job in tech. You’re still learning how to debug production code, work in teams, and understand how systems actually scale.
Companies like startups and small agencies often hire juniors because they’re cheaper. But don’t assume you’ll be stuck doing boring tasks. Many junior devs get assigned real features, especially if they’re working with automation scripts, data pipelines, or simple web apps. The key is to build visible projects. One developer in Adelaide told me she landed her first job after building a script that automated her old retail manager’s Excel reports. That kind of thing gets noticed.
Mid-Level Python Developers
Once you’ve got two to five years under your belt, things start to shift. Mid-level Python developers are no longer just writing code-they’re designing components, mentoring juniors, and sometimes leading small projects. Their salary jumps significantly. In the U.S., you’re looking at $85,000 to $120,000. In Australia, it’s AUD $90,000 to $130,000.
What makes the difference? It’s not just time. It’s depth. If you know how to use Django or FastAPI to build APIs that handle thousands of requests per minute, you’re more valuable. If you’ve worked with PostgreSQL or Redis in production, that’s a plus. If you’ve automated testing with PyTest or set up CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions, you’re in the top tier of mid-level devs.
I’ve seen developers get 30% raises just by learning one new skill: containerization with Docker. Not because it’s hard, but because so many companies still don’t have it set up properly. That’s the kind of gap you can fill.
Senior Python Developers
Senior roles aren’t about writing more code-they’re about making decisions that affect entire systems. Seniors are expected to choose the right tools, review architecture, and sometimes even hire and train others. In the U.S., senior Python developers earn $120,000 to $170,000. In Australia, that’s AUD $130,000 to $180,000.
What do they actually do? One senior dev I spoke with in Melbourne said his main job is saying “no.” Not to features, but to bad design. He’s the one who stops teams from building a monolithic Flask app when they should’ve used microservices. He’s the one who insists on proper logging, not just print statements. He doesn’t code every day, but when he does, it’s for the hardest parts-the ones no one else wants to touch.
Senior roles also come with non-coding responsibilities: writing technical documentation, presenting to stakeholders, and sometimes even talking to clients. If you hate meetings, this path might not be for you. But if you like solving big problems and seeing your work shape products, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Specializations That Boost Pay
Not all Python jobs are the same. Some specializations pay way more because they’re harder to fill. Here are the top three:
- Data Science and Machine Learning - If you’re using pandas, scikit-learn, or TensorFlow to build models that predict customer behavior or detect fraud, you can earn 20-40% more than a general Python dev. In the U.S., $140,000-$200,000. In Australia, AUD $150,000-$210,000.
- DevOps and Automation - Python is huge in infrastructure automation. If you’re writing scripts that deploy code across hundreds of servers, manage cloud resources with AWS or Azure, or build tools for monitoring, your pay jumps fast. Top earners here make $130,000-$190,000 in the U.S., AUD $140,000-$200,000 in Australia.
- Web Framework Experts - Django and FastAPI developers who’ve built scalable APIs for high-traffic apps (think e-commerce, fintech, or SaaS platforms) are in high demand. These devs often earn $125,000-$180,000 in the U.S. and AUD $135,000-$190,000 in Australia.
One developer I know switched from general web dev to data engineering and saw his salary go up by 50% in 18 months. He didn’t go back to school-he just built a personal project that scraped public data, cleaned it, and visualized trends. He posted it on GitHub. A recruiter saw it. That’s how it happens.
Location Matters-A Lot
Python salaries aren’t the same everywhere. In San Francisco or New York, you’ll see higher numbers-but so will rent and taxes. In cities like Adelaide, Sydney, or Melbourne, salaries are slightly lower than in the U.S., but the cost of living is often more balanced.
Here’s a quick snapshot for 2026:
| Location | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $55,000-$75,000 | $85,000-$120,000 | $120,000-$170,000 |
| Australia | AUD $65,000-$85,000 | AUD $90,000-$130,000 | AUD $130,000-$180,000 |
| Germany | €45,000-€60,000 | €65,000-€90,000 | €90,000-$120,000 |
| India | ₹500,000-₹900,000 | ₹1,000,000-₹1,800,000 | ₹1,800,000-₹3,000,000 |
| Remote (Global Companies) | $70,000-$100,000 | $100,000-$150,000 | $140,000-$200,000 |
Remote work has changed the game. A developer in Adelaide can now work for a U.S.-based startup and earn U.S. salaries. But be careful: some companies pay based on your location, not the company’s HQ. Always ask how they determine pay before accepting an offer.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re not earning what you should be, here’s what actually works:
- Build something public - GitHub isn’t just a resume. It’s proof you can ship code. Even a simple script that automates a boring task counts.
- Learn one tool deeply - Don’t chase every framework. Master one: Django for web, Pandas for data, or Ansible for automation. Depth beats breadth.
- Ask for a raise after shipping a project - If you improved a system, saved time, or reduced errors, document it. Show the numbers. “I reduced deployment time by 60%” is stronger than “I’m good at Python.”
- Network locally - Attend Python meetups. Adelaide has a strong community. You’ll meet people who know about openings before they’re posted.
One last thing: Python isn’t a magic ticket. It’s a tool. The real value comes from what you build with it-and how you solve problems others ignore.
Is Python still a good language to learn in 2026?
Yes. Python remains one of the most in-demand languages, especially for automation, data analysis, AI, and web backends. It’s not going away. Companies still need people who can write clean, maintainable Python code. The demand has shifted from just writing scripts to building scalable systems-so learning modern practices (like testing, CI/CD, and cloud integration) is key.
Do I need a computer science degree to earn a good salary as a Python developer?
No. Many top Python developers in Australia and the U.S. are self-taught or came from non-tech backgrounds. What matters is your ability to solve real problems. Employers care more about your GitHub projects, your problem-solving skills, and how you work in teams than your degree. That said, a degree can help if you’re applying to large corporations or government roles that have strict hiring filters.
How long does it take to go from beginner to earning $100k as a Python developer?
With focused effort, most people can reach that level in 3 to 5 years. The fastest paths involve landing an entry-level job quickly, then learning on the job while building side projects. Skipping the basics-like version control or debugging-will slow you down. Don’t rush. Learn the fundamentals well, and your salary will follow.
Can I work remotely as a Python developer from Adelaide?
Absolutely. Many global companies hire remote Python developers, especially in web development, DevOps, and data engineering. Adelaide’s time zone works well with European and U.S. West Coast teams. Just make sure you’re clear on pay structure-some remote jobs pay local rates, others pay U.S. or global rates. Always ask before accepting.
What’s the biggest mistake new Python developers make when trying to get hired?
They focus too much on learning syntax and not enough on real-world problems. Knowing how to write a for loop won’t get you a job. But knowing how to clean messy data, automate a manual process, or fix a slow API endpoint will. Build something useful, even if it’s small. Show you can solve problems-not just write code.