These are the best-paid programming languages for 2025

By Kirstie McDermott

Demand for software engineers remains high, and this is a trend that is set to continue, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

It predicts that employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers will grow by 25% up to 2031, which represents a growth rate significantly higher than the average across all occupations.

There are a host of reasons why this is the case. One is the rapid uptick in digitization accelerated by the pandemic. Now, a majority of companies require innovative software development expertise, including those that would have previously been considered non-tech, like 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)
• Lead 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, Mid, Booz Allen, Annapolis Junction, ($67,700 – $154,000)
• Senior Developer, Software Development (UI) – Noke, Janus International Group, Atlanta
• Full Stack Developer (Java/Angular), B.A., Remote

Organisations relying on software for their daily operations also have a need to keep that code updated, necessitating development talent. A rise in cybercrime is another leading factor in the need to hire and retain software developers.

AI is another factor and according to a salary report from Robert Half, “Technology hiring managers are looking for experience in AI-driven systems, cybersecurity, application development and cloud technologies.”

Most developers will already be aware of the fact that there exists a hot labor market for their skills. Getting granular, though, which languages are the ones that will earn you 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, pushed 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 industry and organizations, and is a good starting point if you’re considering a job move in 2025.

Python, for example, leads the field for a number of reasons. The Tiobe Index says that it gained 9.3% in popularity in 2024 and much of this is to do with its AI capabilities. Python is the leading language for AI and machine learning, and it has adaptability for automation and data science too.

Unsurprisingly, Python developers are paid well. The average python developer salary in the U.S. is $125,740 per year, according to recent salary data. Entry-level positions start at $105,206 with experienced workers earning around $157,607.

JavaScript also remains on top because it is a core technology for web development, and is used to power interactive websites and applications. Additionally, its frameworks such as React and Node.js enhance its capabilities for both front-end and back-end development.

The average JavaScript developer in the U.S. can expect to earn between $117,002 to $154,956, with entry-level compensation at $97,029.

According to pay information, TypeScript developers do even better. Compatibility with JavaScript and its ability to enhance code quality are driving demand. Major organizations like Microsoft, for example, along with frameworks like Angular and React have adopted TypeScript too.

The average TypeScript developer salary in the USA is $131,956 per year or $63.44 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $114,206 per year while most experienced workers make up to $163,280 per year.

Java’s platform independence, dominance in Android development along with a strong presence in enterprise environments, like banking and healthcare, all contribute to its continuing demand. Experienced Java developers can expect to earn between $117,037 and $150,000 per annum.

When it comes to C#, the average salary is $112,515, rising to $147,806 for more experienced developers. And, according to Indeed data, C++ developers do even better, earning an average salary of $129,571, rising to $249,970 for those with more experience.

PHP developers are looking at a range between $102,302 and $134,253, depending on their level, with Shell developers looking at a top salary range of $140,925. While C developers are looking at an average base salary of $76,304, with Go salaries averaging around $146,879 per year.