Dive into the diverse world of industries by leveraging the versatility of Python! From tech giants, financial companies to healthcare and space agencies, Python developers are in demand everywhere.
With almost 3 decades of experience, Python has become one of the reference languages in the world of software development. There are several reasons: the language is easy to learn and use, it is highly versatile, it has impressive performance and can even be used to power cutting-edge projects using artificial intelligence and big data.
If you combine this with its robust community, the huge amount of libraries and frameworks available to it, and its many online resources, it's easy to see why Python is consistently ranked among the top programming languages in the world. This also explains why so many companies across all types of industries are interested in hiring Python developers for their IT teams.
Interested in getting into Python development? Then you have come to the right place. Here you will find the current status of the language, its future prospects, suggestions for aspiring Python engineers, and a list of top development companies hiring Python developers.
Are Python developers in demand?
According to recent research conducted during the third quarter of 2020, Python is among the most in-demand skills in the IT industry (sharing the honors with other programming languages such as Java and JavaScript). Meanwhile, Python's popularity reached an all-time high, ranking 2nd on the TIOBE Index , surpassing Java for the first time since the Index's creation. To get the full picture, it's worth noting that 30% of developers in Stack Overflow's 2020 survey want to learn the language, making it the most sought-after language for the 4th year in a row.
These numbers should speak for themselves and allow us to say that Python engineers are in high demand – and that the development community is looking to meet that demand. Python's popularity among businesses and developers isn't surprising, to be honest. The language's capabilities, especially for newer technologies, place it in an unbeatable position as the language of choice for engineering teams looking to leverage their digital infrastructures.
Is Python the future?
While predicting the future in the highly dynamic world of software development is a pipe dream, there are signs that can help you better understand where a given technology is headed. In the case of Python, we should take a look at its potential competition and the language's possibilities for cutting-edge projects.
As for competition, it all depends on your focus. Python serves many purposes in the development area, which means it can have different alternatives depending on the type of project you are interested in developing. Thus, some of Python's most notable competitors include:
- JavaScript, Java and Ruby for web development
- R and SAS for data analysis
- C and R for machine learning
- Perl and Ruby for writing scripts
- Swift/Cocoa and C#/WPF for GUI development
As you can see, the competition is a mix of well-established languages that have been around for years and some relatively new languages. This means that developers from different industries turn to new and renowned tools, so despite the competition, Python has a bright future in this regard.
In cutting-edge projects, Python has already proven its value, especially when it comes to solutions that require artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis and scripting. All of these things are essential to the development of the digital world to come, so Python's popularity is unlikely to drop overnight. In fact, much of the popularity that the language enjoys today comes from the interest of companies in developing this type of projects.
Is Python Developer a good career?
Deciding whether Python engineering is the right career choice for you largely depends on the same things you would consider when analyzing any career: demand, salary, required skills, and scope of work. Understanding all of these aspects can give you better insight into what it means to be a Python developer and whether it's right for you.
We've already covered the (high) demand for Python in the current market, which is a good sign for anyone interested in learning the language. We'll take a more in-depth look at salary later, but since software development is a highly sought after job, you can be sure you'll be paid well for it (considering the average software developer salary in the US in 2020 is $ 77 thousand).
As for the skills required, this is where things get interesting. It's good to know that you will probably find a job as a Python engineer and that you will be paid very well for it, but in return you will have to learn a list of necessary skills (both technical and soft) to become a good Python developer. Some of the skills you need to learn are:
- Basic knowledge of Python
- Python debugging
- Data knowledge (including algorithms and structure)
- Knowledge of Python frameworks and libraries
- Object-oriented programming
- Communication
- Team collaboration
- Task management
- Creative thinking
- Problems solution
You could add a second programming language to this list, as learning an alternative can improve your understanding of programming as a whole and give you new ways to approach projects, even if you're using Python instead of another language. This means that there are many things involved in becoming a Python developer and you must be comfortable with all of them.
Finally, there's the scope of work (aka what kind of projects you'll work on as a Python engineer). Since virtually every company with development needs is looking for Python developers, you will certainly be able to find a job in your preferred industry. As for the tasks themselves, here are some of the most common ones you'll perform with Python:
- Build and develop websites
- Tune data algorithms to improve performance
- Solve data analysis challenges
- Create security and data protection solutions
- Develop applications for various purposes
- Work on cutting-edge projects, especially those that use AI
Being a Python engineer brings many challenges and opportunities and is the perfect career for anyone with enough curiosity, motivation, creativity and logical thinking to tackle different issues. If this sounds like you, learning Python is a smart move.
How can I get hired as a Python developer?
Choosing to become a Python developer is one thing, but getting hired as such is a very different story. This is because companies that hire Python engineers are not looking for the same type of professionals, but rather people who best suit their sector and the requirements of their project. Furthermore, the market is getting competitive as more and more professionals are learning Python and becoming Python developers themselves.
Don't be discouraged by this, however. There are things you can do to get noticed and hired. Firstly, you must decide whether you want to obtain a formal degree in computer science or not. Simply put, earning a degree is mostly recommended for people who have the time and interest in diving deep into computer science theory. For some companies, having one is mandatory, but they may waive this requirement if you have robust experience and a portfolio. This means that a degree may be desirable, but not required, to get hired.
Who hires Python developers?
If you set aside the formal education path, you can always attend developmental training. Through it, you can access hands-on experience that lasts months and provides a solid foundation for coding with Python. Bootcamps are also great for networking, as you'll meet peers who can open a door for you in the future, as well as mentors who can help you get a job after the bootcamp ends. While these things are possible, one thing is certain: a boot camp will help you build a portfolio that can serve you well in an interview for a junior role.
As you've no doubt realized, the key to getting a job is more than just learning Python – it's about building things. Therefore, you should also consider taking online classes to enhance the skills you acquired in training. There is something undeniable here: a computer science degree is more complete than an online training or program, so you will never get the comprehensive knowledge in these shorter paths.
However, the idea is that you make an effort and set aside time every day to build and improve your portfolio. After all, the only thing that matters to companies hiring Python developers is that you know the language well, not your background.
How much do Python developers earn?
According to Glassdoor, a Python developer in the US earns an average of $76,526 , about the average for a software developer. However, this estimate doesn't really paint the full picture. A quick look at the same platform can show that there are highly lucrative jobs for Python engineers, with salaries well above $100,000 per year.
Naturally, this is just an estimate based on anonymous and voluntary contributions from platform users. There are plenty of opportunities for developers of all experience levels, but for reference, expect to earn this much (or a little less if you're a junior developer without much experience)
Top 10 Python Development Companies
Now that you know pretty much everything you need to know about becoming a Python developer (and what you can expect when you become one), it's time to list the top 10 Python development companies currently hiring Python engineers. However, there are a few things we need to say before we get into that.
First, given Python's popularity and versatility, there are many companies looking for Python developers, from giants like Google and Microsoft to local development agencies. Of course, the type of company you apply to will depend on many factors, including your location and experience. We do not include large companies or small development companies here, as they have very specific requirements for hiring them.
Instead, we focus on development companies that have a strong reputation serving large companies across many industries. To decide which ones to include, we focus on their size, experience, portfolio and accolades. Additionally, we consider companies that offer remote work, mainly because the development world, in general, tends to use it as a standard work model.
Without further ado, let's dive into the list.
#2 Overall: Toptal is a little different from the companies on this list in that it helps connect Python developers with companies that need them. So, companies that want Python engineers go to the Toptal website, upload their requirements and wait for the company to present the best candidates to fill the position. It's a good alternative if you want to work for a job rather than for a company.
#3 Merixstudio: A renowned company from Poland, Merixstudio is always looking for Python developers who can help it with its wide range of projects, including custom software development, web design, and mobile app development. Although it is not as comprehensive as previous alternatives, Merixstudio is a good option for those who want a job that values quality work and can offer partnerships with big names like Volkswagen and Toshiba.
#4 ScienceSoft: ScienceSoft is a highly respected Texas company that has built a strong reputation as a reference in IT consulting. Its team of over 700 has many Python developers who can help companies of all sizes with everything from developing a small product to implementing enterprise-level AI. This has led ScienceSoft to work with clients such as Baxter, IBM, eBay and PerkinElmer.
#5 IntelectoSoft: If you are looking to work for a niche company, IntellecSoft is a good choice. This digital transformation and software development consulting firm focuses on cutting-edge solutions for enterprise clients looking to adopt IoT, Blockchain, XR, and AI. Naturally, this means you'll need more experience as a Python developer to work with them, but it can certainly be worth it – you could end up working with Jaguar, Guinness or Harley Davidson.
#6 Flexion: After a few decades since its inception, Iflexion has established itself as a development powerhouse in the Colorado area. Focused on digital transformation solutions, the company mainly works in web and mobile development, as well as BI and AI solutions for brands like Phillips, Adidas and PayPal. They can be picky when selecting their Python developers, but they choose the best talent possible to maintain your high quality standards.
#7 Netguru: Another big company from Poland, Netguru is a custom software development company that leverages the skills of Python engineers to help Fortune 500 companies and startups with their digital innovation processes. The company mainly focuses on mobile, web and machine learning development and has contributed value to projects from Volkswagen, SolarisBank and Babbel.
#8 Think Sys: India is another region that has a strong presence in the development world and is always hiring Python developers. This is what warrants the inclusion of ThinkSys here – a boutique software development company specializing in backend implementations to improve the capability of business systems. High quality is a priority for them, which has led ThinkSys to work with companies like Shutterstock and Corbis.
#9 Viron TI: Do you want to develop digital solutions for the MedTech and Fintech industries? Then VironIT is perfect for you. This company provides IT outsourcing services for all types of businesses and projects. However, it shines in mobile development, AR, and blockchain. VironIT has risen to the top of the development industry in California, a difficult task made possible by working with clients like Sport.com and Meetville.
#10 Intetics: With a strong focus on custom software and mobile development, product evaluation and systems consulting, Intetics has grown over 20 years to offer its unique predictive engineering model. Through it, they redesign projects to “rescue” them and make them add value again. If what you want is an innovative approach to Python development, you should really check it out.
Become a Python developer and start working now
All of the above should teach you a thing or two about Python development. First, investing time and effort in learning Python is really worth it as you can make a career out of it, given the high demand for Python services across the world. So, it's not enough to learn the language itself – you must also develop a range of complementary skills that will better prepare you for real-life development scenarios.
Additionally, there are many companies that hire Python developers, from large enterprises that need these professionals to drive their growth and support their services to Python outsourcing companies and niche agencies that provide digital acceleration services to other companies. Naturally, they all need Python engineers with varying degrees of experience, so it's always worth checking them out to see which one best suits your needs.
In short, Python has become one of the dominant languages in the development field due to its versatility that allows its engineers to work on all types of projects, from web applications to AI-based platforms. If all of this appeals to you, then you've already taken the first step – reading this brief guide has already shown you the path you need to follow to become a master of Python. Good luck!
If you liked this article, check out one of our other Python articles.
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