Are you considering starting with programming? Or are you already a programmer, and are you thinking about learning some language? The programming language you choose to master can significantly impact your earning potential. As industries evolve and demand for certain skills escalates, developers find themselves in a position to consider innovation and income. In this exploration, we unveil the highest paying programming languages in 2024, where a lot of job opportunities are available. You will not make a mistake if you choose one of them.
The Highest Paying Programming Languages
Let’s get straight the list, you can find the top 8 highest paying programming languages in 2024:
Python: The Dominant powerhouse in AI and data science:
Python, popular for its simplicity and versatility, has become a dominant force in the programming world. Its applications include web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and many others. The demand for Python developers continues to surge, resulting in competitive salaries and open positions in top-tier tech companies.
Average salary in the US: $105,000 per year
Java: A Stalwart in Enterprise Solutions:
Renowned for its reliability and scalability, Java still maintains a strong foothold in enterprise-level applications. Nowadays, companies constantly rely on Java for building and maintaining robust, secure, and high-performance systems. Consequently, Java developers command competitive salaries, particularly in industries where stability and certainty are paramount.
Average salary in the US: $100,000 per year
C++: The Pillar of Performance and System Development:
C++, a stalwart in the lower-level world, stands as the pillar of performance and system development. Known for its efficiency, versatility, and ability to easily interface with hardware, C++ is the language of choice for projects demanding high-performance execution. From operating systems to game development, C++ plays an important role in the creation of complex and resource-intensive applications. Developers proficient in C++ find themselves in demand across various industries, commanding competitive salaries and plenty of job offers. Just keep in mind that C++ is not one of the easiest languages to learn.
Average salary in the US: $120,000 per year
C#: The Foundation of Windows Development
C# is known as a versatile and powerful programming language developed by Microsoft, with a primary focus on Windows development. It is supported by a robust set of libraries and frameworks, making it a popular choice to develop desktop, web, and mobile applications. As the language behind the .NET framework, C# enables developers to create scalable and secure solutions across various platforms. As a result, C# developers find themselves at the forefront of innovation, requiring competitive salaries for their proficiency in crafting applications for several platforms.
Average salary in the US: $118,000 per year
Swift: Powering the Apple Ecosystem:
Swift, a programming language for Apple environments such as iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, holds a unique position in the programming hierarchy. Developers proficient in Swift are in high demand due to the continued growth of the Apple ecosystem, with salaries reflecting the specialization required for this platform.
Average salary in the US: $116,000 per year
Go (Golang): The Engine of Scalability and Simplicity:
Go, also known as Golang, has emerged as a programming language synonymous with scalability and simplicity. Developed by Google, Go prioritizes efficiency and readability, making it a favorite for building scalable and concurrent applications. Due to that, its popularity has increased especially in cloud-based and distributed systems. Developers well-versed in Go find themselves in demand, thanks to the possibility of creating efficient systems separated into simpler tasks.
Average salary in the US: $125,000 per year
Ruby on Rails: Streamlining Web Development:
Ruby on Rails, celebrated for its elegant syntax and emphasis on convention over configuration, has streamlined web development processes. Startups but also established companies alike favor this framework, leading to a demand for skilled Ruby on Rails developers. This implies also attractive compensation packages and many job offers.
Average salary in the US: $112,000 per year
JavaScript: The Backbone of the Web:
As the backbone of web development, JavaScript remains a star in the programming world. With the rise of interactive and dynamic web applications, the demand for skilled JavaScript developers is still increasing. Salaries reflect this demand, making JavaScript proficiency a Vital skill set in the coding ecosystem. You can find a lot of learning opportunities and a mass of entry-level positions.
Average salary in the US: $108,000 per year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the highest paid programming language?
There is no clear answer, as it depends on many factors. Nowadays, the best highest paid programming languages are Go, C#, C++ or Swift.
Which programming language to learn in 2024?
All from the above list are worth learning in 2024 promising very good earnings and high job demand. Check the explanation in a separate article.
Will be programmers replaced by AI?
The simple answer is no, artificial intelligence will not simply replace programmers. Learning how to code is and will be still worth it 🙂 However, the topic is quite complex, you can read the whole prediction explained in this article.
Can I use AI for learning a programming language?
Yes, you can definitely use AI for learning a programming language. Check out the article about ChatGPT and the best AI coding extensions for VS Code.
Which programming language should I learn?
Please, don’t make your decision only based on the highest paid programming languages. You should consider a lof of aspects, such as job demand, the purpose of the language, or its complexity. It is essential to follow your personal interest and passion.
How much can software developer earn in Europe? Which European country pays developers the most?
The average salary is around $40-50,000 per year, but it strongly depends on the country. Some of them are willing to pay even 100,000 per year for good software developers.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right programming language is not just about writing code. It’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your earning potential and demand on the job market. Sure, there exists also some very specialized programming languages where the average salary is higher, but the number of job offers is quite low. In this article, we prefer to mention the highest paying programming languages, which promise also high job demand. A salary varies based on many factors, so we state the average from several sources.