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By Kirstie McDermott
The demand for software engineers remains high and this is a trend that will continue, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
It predicts that employment for software developers, QA analysts, and testers will grow 25% through 2031, which is a significantly higher growth rate than the average for all occupations.
There are a number of reasons why this is the case. One is the rapid rebound in digitalization accelerated by the pandemic. Experience in innovative software development is now required by most companies, including organizations that would previously have been considered non-tech, such as restaurants or grocery stores.
8 jobs to consider now
- Data Engineer (FSP), DCI Solutions, Washington ($200,000 – $300,000)
- Software Engineer II (AWS, Python), The Travelers Companies, Inc. Hartford ($117,200 – $193,400)
- Principal Engineer (Core Java) – Hybrid, S&P Global, Princeton ($115,000 – $160,000)
- Senior Software Engineer, Fullstack, Vorto Operations LLC, Denver ($105,000 – $150,000)
- Senior Application Developer, Vantage West Credit Union, Tucson ($82,623 – $108,442)
- Software Engineer, Medium, Booz Allen, Annapolis Junction, ($67,700 – $154,000)
- Senior Developer, Software Development (UI) – Noke, Janus International Group, Atlanta
- Full Stack Developer (Java/Angular), Bachelor’s Degree, Remote
Organizations that rely on software for their daily operations also need to keep that code up to date, which requires development talent. The rise in cybercrime is another major factor in the need to hire and retain software developers.
AI is another factor and according to a salary report from middle Robert, “Technology hiring managers are looking for experience in AI-powered systems, cybersecurity, application development, and cloud technologies.”
Most developers will already be aware of the fact that there is an attractive job market for their skills. However, getting back to the detail, which languages are the ones that will allow you to earn the most money this year?
GitHub’s most recent Octoverse report indicates that the most popular programming languages in 2024 were Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C#, C++, PHP, Shell, C, and Go.
GitHub creates its ranking based on total activity across commits, issues, pull requests, discussions, submitted code, and more, within its developer community.
Best paid languages
This ranking essentially offers a snapshot of the adoption and popularity of various languages within the industry and organizations, and is a good starting point if you are considering changing jobs in 2025.
Python, for example, leads the field for several reasons. He Tiobe index It says it gained 9.3% in popularity in 2024 and much of this has to do with its artificial intelligence capabilities. Python is the leading language for artificial intelligence and machine learning, and also has adaptability for automation and data science.
As you might expect, Python developers are paid well. The average salary for a Python developer in the US is $125,740 per year, according to recent salary data. Entry-level positions start at $105,206 and experienced workers earn around $157,607.
JavaScript also remains at the top because it is a core technology for web development and is used to power interactive websites and applications. Additionally, its frameworks like React and Node.js enhance its capabilities for both front-end and back-end development.
The average JavaScript developer in the US can expect to earn between $117,002 and $154,956, with a starting compensation of $97,029.
According payment informationTypeScript developers do it even better. Support for JavaScript and its ability to improve code quality are driving demand. Large organizations like Microsoft, for example, along with frameworks like Angular and React have also adopted TypeScript.
The average TypeScript developer salary in the US is $131,956 per year or $63.44 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $114,206 per year, while more experienced workers earn up to $163,280 per year.
Java’s platform independence, its dominance in Android development, and its strong presence in enterprise environments such as banking and healthcare contribute to its continued demand. Experienced Java developers can expect earn between $117,037 and $150,000 a year.
When it comes to C#, the average salary is $112,515, rising to $147,806 for the most experienced developers. And, according to Fact dataC++ developers fare even better, earning a median salary of $129,571, which increases to $249,970 for those with more experience.
PHP developers are looking for a range between $102,302 and $134,253, depending on their level, and Shell developers are looking for a maximum salary of $140,925. C developers receive an average base salary of $76,304, and Go salaries average about $146,879 per year.
Robert Half’s US Tech Salary Report offers a prominent reminder on how to make the most money. “Most technology professionals expect initial salary increases, but organizations reserve salary increases for the most qualified candidates who can best help meet core business needs,” he says.
As a result, changing jobs can often be the best way to get a quick and noticeable pay rise. If that’s what you’re looking for, checking out VentureBeat’s job board is a great first step.
Ready to find your next job in technology? Visit VentureBeat’s job board today to discover thousands of positions at companies actively hiring.
