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How much does a Python developer actually make? If you're thinking about learning Python or switching careers, you probably want to know if it’s worth the time. The answer isn’t simple-it depends on where you live, how much experience you have, and what kind of work you do. But here’s the truth: Python developers are among the highest-paid coders in 2025, especially in places like New Zealand, the U.S., and Western Europe.
Entry-Level Python Developers
If you’re just starting out, expect to earn between $60,000 and $75,000 per year in New Zealand. That’s after a bootcamp, a coding course, or a computer science degree. Some companies pay less if you’re in a small town or working for a startup with tight budgets. But in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, most entry-level roles pay at least $65,000.
What do you actually do at this level? You write scripts to automate reports, fix bugs in existing code, and help build small web apps using Flask or Django. You’re not designing systems-you’re learning how to work in a team. Your salary isn’t about genius-level coding. It’s about being reliable, asking good questions, and showing up on time.
Mid-Level Python Developers
After two to four years, you move into mid-level. That’s when your pay jumps. In New Zealand, most mid-level Python developers earn between $85,000 and $110,000. In Australia or the U.S., that number can hit $120,000 or more.
At this stage, you’re not just fixing code-you’re owning features. Maybe you built the backend for a customer portal. Or you integrated an AI model into a product. You might be mentoring juniors or helping design database schemas. You’re expected to know more than just Python. You need to understand APIs, cloud tools like AWS or Azure, and basic DevOps practices like Docker and Git.
One developer I know in Wellington moved from $70,000 to $105,000 in 18 months. How? He didn’t wait for a promotion. He started contributing to open-source projects, learned how to write tests properly, and volunteered to lead a small project. Companies notice that kind of initiative.
Senior Python Developers
Senior roles start around five years in. These aren’t just coders-they’re technical leaders. In New Zealand, senior Python developers make $115,000 to $145,000. In larger tech hubs like San Francisco or London, it’s not unusual to see $160,000+.
What’s different? You’re no longer writing most of the code yourself. You’re making decisions: Which framework should we use? Should we migrate to Kubernetes? How do we handle data privacy under NZ’s Privacy Act? You’re also working closely with product managers and stakeholders. Your job is to reduce risk, not just write features.
Some seniors become architects. Others lead teams. A few even start their own consulting firms. One senior dev in Auckland left his job at a fintech company and now runs a small agency helping local businesses automate their inventory systems. He charges $120 an hour and works three days a week.
Specializations That Pay More
Not all Python jobs are the same. Some areas pay significantly more because they’re harder to fill.
- Data Science & AI: If you’re building machine learning models, predicting customer behavior, or training neural networks, you can earn $130,000-$170,000 in New Zealand. Companies like Xero, Fisher & Paykel, and Spark are hiring for this.
- DevOps & Automation: If you write Python scripts to deploy code automatically, monitor servers, or manage cloud infrastructure, your salary jumps. These roles often pay $120,000-$150,000.
- Web Development: Django and FastAPI developers are in demand, but the pay is more standard-$90,000-$120,000. It’s competitive, but not the highest-paying path.
- Quantitative Finance: If you work for a hedge fund or trading firm, Python skills can earn you $180,000+-even in Auckland. These roles are rare, but they exist.
One thing to remember: Specializing doesn’t mean you need a PhD. Many data scientists I’ve met learned Python through free courses on Kaggle and built portfolios with real datasets. They didn’t wait for permission-they just started.
How Location Affects Pay
Salary isn’t just about skill-it’s about geography. In New Zealand, Auckland pays the most. Smaller cities like Dunedin or Palmerston North pay 10-15% less. But the cost of living is lower, so your real purchasing power might be similar.
Compare that to Australia: Sydney and Melbourne pay 20-30% more than Auckland. But rent there is 40% higher. In the U.S., a junior Python developer in Austin makes $80,000. In Silicon Valley, it’s $110,000. But the cost of housing? Astronomical.
Remote work has changed the game. A developer in Tauranga can now work for a company in London or Toronto. That means you’re not stuck with local pay scales. But you also compete with global talent. So you need to stand out-not just with skills, but with communication, reliability, and portfolio.
What Companies Look For
Python is everywhere. But not every company wants the same thing.
Startups care about speed. They want someone who can build a prototype in a week. They’ll pay less upfront but offer equity. Big companies like Air New Zealand or ANZ Bank want stability. They need clean, documented code that lasts five years. They pay more and offer benefits-superannuation, health insurance, flexible hours.
Here’s what actually gets you hired:
- A GitHub profile with real projects-not just tutorials
- Experience with testing (pytest or unittest)
- Understanding of version control (Git, branching, pull requests)
- Ability to explain how your code works to non-tech people
- Some exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure)
One developer I spoke with got hired at a health tech startup because she built a tool that analyzed hospital wait times using public data. She didn’t have a degree. She had a blog and a working app. That’s what mattered.
Is Learning Python Still Worth It?
Yes. But not because it’s easy. It’s worth it because it opens doors.
You don’t need to become a senior developer to make $70,000 a year. Even a junior role with Python skills beats many office jobs. And the demand isn’t slowing down. The New Zealand government’s Digital Economy Strategy lists software development as a key growth area. Companies are hiring faster than they can train people.
Python is the gateway. Once you know it, you can move into data, AI, automation, or even cybersecurity. It’s not the end goal-it’s the first tool in a long toolkit.
If you’re serious, start small. Build one project. Put it online. Learn to write tests. Ask for feedback. Don’t wait for the perfect course. Just begin.
How to Get Started
If you’re new, here’s a realistic path:
- Learn the basics of Python (variables, loops, functions) using free resources like freeCodeCamp or Codecademy.
- Build a simple project: a to-do list app, a weather checker, or a script that organizes your downloads.
- Learn Git and create a GitHub account. Push your code there.
- Learn one web framework-Django or Flask. Build a second project.
- Learn how to write tests. Even one test is better than none.
- Apply for internships or junior roles. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
Most people who succeed don’t have perfect skills. They just started earlier than others.
Is Python the highest-paying programming language?
Not always. Languages like Go, Rust, and Scala often pay more at senior levels, especially in finance or systems engineering. But Python is easier to learn and has more job openings. For most people, it’s the best balance of pay, demand, and accessibility.
Do I need a degree to get a Python job?
No. Many developers in New Zealand and abroad got their first job without a computer science degree. What matters is your ability to solve problems, write clean code, and show you’ve built something real. Employers care more about your GitHub and portfolio than your transcript.
How long does it take to get a Python developer job?
With consistent effort-about 6 to 12 months. If you study 15-20 hours a week, build two solid projects, and practice interviewing, you can land an entry-level role in under a year. Some people do it faster. Others take longer. It’s not about speed-it’s about consistency.
Can I work remotely as a Python developer in New Zealand?
Yes. Many New Zealand companies now hire remote developers locally or internationally. You can work for a U.S. startup while living in Queenstown. But remote roles often require strong communication skills and overlap with business hours. Time zones matter more than you think.
Are Python jobs safe from AI replacement?
Junior coding tasks are being automated-things like writing basic CRUD apps or fixing syntax errors. But the human parts aren’t going away: understanding business needs, designing systems, debugging complex issues, and communicating with teams. AI helps you work faster, but it doesn’t replace your judgment.
Final Thoughts
Python developer salaries in 2025 are strong, especially if you’re willing to grow. The money isn’t the only reason to learn it-but it’s a good one. More than pay, it’s about freedom: the freedom to work remotely, to switch industries, to build things that matter.
If you’re reading this and thinking, "I’m too old," or "I’m not smart enough," stop. The best Python developers I know weren’t the ones who aced math class. They were the ones who kept going after their first project failed. They asked for help. They built again. And they didn’t quit.
Start today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today.
