Highest Paid Programming Language

Think of languages that were popular in the 20th century. Some have become outdated, and new programming languages have taken over the industry. Software engineers and programmers are used to these changes because new integrations to these integral coding chunks are often standard.

The Top 10 Highest Paying Programming Languages 2023

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently projected a 25% growth in hiring software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers between 2021 and 2031. This growth is much faster than the average for other occupations (1):

“Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

– BLS

 With this kind of statistics, it is easy to tell that software engineering is among the most profitable professional fields to pursue due to the rise in demand.

However, the salary that a programmer can attract varies. And it mostly depends on the coding language they have specialized in. That explains how the vast differences in the demand for various languages exist.

The long-awaited 2023 is finally here, and a new page has opened for software development. Therefore, if you are looking forward to starting or expanding your career in software engineering, learning one or multiple new programming languages is must. While they’re many high salary programming positions out there, learning about these coding jobs for beginners is perfect for those needs direction. 

But which are the in-demand languages to follow? Check out the following high-ranking programming languages of 2023 in terms of compensation;

• Rust: An average of $122,000 annually
• Solidity: An average of $145,000 annually
• Scala: Approximately $150,000 annually
• Go: Around $110,000 annually
• Ruby: An average of $119,000 annually
• Python: Approximately $87,000 to $105,000 annually
• C/C++: An average of $106,000 annually
• Java: An average of $99,000 annually
• Swift: A salary range of $80,000 to $120,000
• Javascript: An average of $104,000 annually

Highest-Paying Programming Languages,

Since the advent of technology, we have all seen or experienced it taking a dominant position in society and the economy in one way or the other. Enterprises are constantly looking to hire programmers with the right, up-to-date skills. Therefore, there is no doubt that having a complete picture of the top paid programming languages on the global market is vital for anyone looking forward to finding a job in the programming industry. Besides that, it is also helpful to identify which language can help secure a job quickly.

That said, Sonatafy Technology has full stack software developers with years of experience in different fields. They helped us compile the following detailed list of the ten highest-paid programming languages. But before that, we thought it would be helpful to explain some basics first.

First Things First! What is a Programming Language?

Before jumping into the highest-paid programming languages, it makes sense to know the definition of programming languages. If you are new to programming languages, here is what you should know. Programming languages are instructions that programmers and software developers use to instruct a particular software or technology to operate.

More than 700 programming languages are used today to develop websites, databases, and apps. Examples include Python, Java, Ruby, C/C++, Rust, Scala, and more. Additionally, software developers and engineers use these languages to maintain digital infrastructure.

As a programming language becomes more widespread, more job opportunities open up. This scenario means hiring managers and companies also raise salaries for that specific programming language role. That’s because establishments compete to bring the best candidate on board.

Without further delay, the following are the highest-paid programming languages available today.

Rust

Rust is another advantageous programming language of the 21st century. This high-level and general-purpose programming language premiered in 2010. Although Rust features similar contributions to C++, like some commands and keywords, its developers initially launched it as a side project. The initial aim of creating this statically-typed multi-paradigm language was to solve C/C++ issues, but it performed better than expected (2):

“Rust has a foreign function interface (FFI) that can be used both to call code written in languages such as C from Rust and to call Rust code from those languages. Rust also has a library, CXX, for calling to or from C++.” 

– Wikipedia

This multi-paradigm language differs from C++ because it pays more attention to type safety, concurrency, performance, and other more advanced features. C/C++ often struggles with developing concurrent programs and memory errors.

Rust is among the fastest-growing programming languages today. And because of that, it has found a widespread implementation in huge high-performance applications. Many leading organizations like Firefox and Dropbox frequently choose Rust language when handling long-term projects.

Becoming a software developer specializing in Rust language can help you earn up to $300,000 annually. But on average, Rust developers earn around $122,000 per year.

Solidity

In the coding world, Solidity ranks high among the best-paid languages for programming. That’s the case because working as a remote Solidity developer averagely attracts a base salary of approximately $145,000 annually. On the lower side, a Solidity developer can earn a $100,000 base salary, whereas, on the upper side, they would receive a high base salary of up to $200,000 per year.

This curly-braces programming language is also statically-typed. It features a design meant to build smart contracts running on Ethereum. 2015 premiered Ethereum, a decentralized worldwide software platform, created Solidity and is currently the second-largest cryptocurrency market by capitalization.

Python, JavaScript, and C++ running on the Ethereum Virtual Machine highly influence Solidity. Additionally, this brand-new programming language supports complex user-defined programming, inheritance, and libraries.

Scala

With an annual package of approximately $150,000, there is no doubt that Scala is one of the highest-paying programming languages. This high-level coding language is also robust general-purpose and statically typed. It supports functional and object-oriented programming styles on a larger scale. Even though it is possible to run Scala on a Java Virtual Machine and compile it to Java bytecode, the programming language isn’t Java’s extension. However, it integrates with Java well, and many Java developers consider it their favorite.

When Scala was initially created, the idea was that it would help solve Java’s criticisms and flaws. Today, businesses use Scala to make their applications more productive, reliable, and scalable. Scala and Java have one thing in common: the coding process is the same for both languages. In other words, a programmer can typically code Java in a similar way they code Scala.

Go

Go is another top rewarding programming language of today. It stands for Golang and is modeled after the C programming language. You must meet specific requirements to become a Go developer and earn an annual salary of approximately $110,000.

Start by learning the basics of the Go language before mastering Go libraries and other tools. It goes all the way to understanding Go patterns and building your portfolio. Perfecting your skills in this system-level language can raise this salary to $140,000.

That’s not all! When software engineers can’t use Java or C++, they often pick Go as an ideal alternative. This language makes it easy to develop reliable, efficient, and simple software. Since this open-source programming language came into existence, many top platforms have used it.

That includes SoundCloud, Dropbox, Uber, and Netflix. In 2009, Google created Go, and since then, it has been used extensively, from large-scale network servers to extensive distributed systems.

Ruby

One of the best features many web developers love about the Ruby programming language is it is easy-to-read and write syntax. In the United States of America, a Ruby Rails developer receives an average annual pay of around $119,000. This amount translates to about $57.00 every hour. At Sonatafy Technology, we identified some cities where the Ruby programming salary is above the national average. These cities include Sunnyvale, CA, Santa Rosa, CA, and Livermore, CA.

It is also essential to mention that Ruby’s object-oriented architecture supports functional and procedural programming notation. As a dynamic and high-level programming language, Ruby was created to increase the productivity of software developers by supporting numerous programming paradigms.

You can use this popular programming language for data processing services, web development, automation tools, etc. Many software developers also use Ruby programming language to develop desktop applications. The popularity of Ruby has created more job opportunities for Ruby developers, enabling them to demand higher salaries.

Python

With a handsome annual salary range between $87,000 and $105,000, Python finds a comfortable place among the top rewarding programming languages. In fact, in the United States of America, the US average salary for a Python developer is $96,890 (3).

Becoming a Python full stack (https://sonatafy.com/python-vs-java/) developer and earning all this money involves multiple steps. Start by learning the Python language basics before writing readable code in Python, creating proper documentation, and reading other people’s code. It is also vital to do much research to grow your Python skillset and master Machine Learning and AI with Python.

This high-level, open-source coding language supports procedural, imperative, object-oriented, and functional development paradigms. Over the years, Python has also found many applications in Data Science and features a design philosophy emphasizing code readability.

C/C++

The general-purpose C++ programming language is also in the highest-paid languages category. As a C++ developer, it is possible to find a job offering an annual salary ranging from $90,000 to $110,000. On average, C++ developers in the United States of America make approximately $106,000 annually, which translates to about $50 hourly. However, these figures may only apply in some places because a C++ developer’s salary often changes with location.

Bjarne Stroustrup developed the C++ language mainly as an extension to the C language. And as a cross-platform coding language, it is possible to use C++ to develop high-performance applications. With this language, programmers and software engineers have high control over memory and system resources.

Java

Java was created in the late 20th century (1995) and currently runs on over 3 billion devices. Undoubtedly, that puts this class-based, high-level language among the most profitable and popular coding languages of the 21st century. Forbes Magazine recently reported that (4):

“…in February 2022, Java was the second most popular language in the world, and its use has grown by 1.2% compared to February 2021. This ranking is determined by analyzing requests for language tutorials on Google.”

-Forbes

In the United States of America, a Java developer receives an average income of around $99,000 per year. However, the typical range falls between $84,000 and $112,000. It is worth noting that multiple factors often make Java developer salaries vary. These factors include certifications, years of experience, education, and additional skills.

Swift

As a general-purpose, high-level, and multi-paradigm programming language, Swift is Apple’s product that premiered in 2014. Working with Swift R&D is a direct ticket to earning approximately $80,000 annually. The salary can go as high as $120,000 annually when lucky to get a high-end position to work with Swift language.

Swift remained supreme to Objective C and earned the 20th spot among the most popular programming languages of 2021. The language was also ranked 8th among the most loved coding languages. However, nowadays, there is a need for more elite Swift programmers. Therefore, as corporations compete to fill up the blanks in their R&D projects, programmers in this field enjoy the advantage of negotiating higher salaries.

It was explicitly created for macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, and Linux applications. This compiled programming language is expected to attract more attention in a few years and dominate iOS development.

Javascript

Javascript is also a high-paying and popular programming language. Since its first appearance in 1995, there is no doubt that this scripting programming language has significantly contributed to the exponential growth of the programming industry. Averagely, a Javascript developer in the U.S. earns an annual pay of approximately $104,000 in 2023. This earning works out to an approximate hourly rate of $50.

Depending on factors like experience, a Javascript developer’s salary can range from as low as $90,000 to as high as $120,000 annually. With Javascript, you can create mobile and web applications, software, games, and servers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Highest Paid Programming Language

What programming language has the highest salary?

The programming language with the highest salary is Scala which attracts an approximate annual salary of $150,000. You can make around $120,000 per year for an entry-level Scala developer position. The good news is that gaining more experience in this field increases your salary negotiating advantages, and a company can offer to pay up to $175,000 annually. Solidity, Rust, and Ruby follow closely with salary approximate of $145,000, $122,000, and $119,000, respectively.

Are Software developers in the U.S. paid well?

Yes! Software developers in the United States of America are usually paid handsomely. Software development is ranked highly among the most rewarding career paths. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineering will be among the top five highest-paying jobs in the U.S. Generally, software developers make an average annual salary of around $118,000, placing them in the top 10% of American earners.

What pays more, C++ or Python?

In many cases, C++ pays more than Python. A C++ developer in the United States of America averagely earns $106,000 annually compared to a Python developer in the same country, earning an average salary of around $90,000 annually. Additionally, the C++ language is typically faster than the Python language. That’s primarily because the language is statically typed, thus leading to a quicker code compilation. According to Forbes (5):

“Because its the abstraction other languages use to understand the physical machine. You can strut like a champ when the other programmers are still scratching their heads. And that will make you more “senior” and earn you more money in the long run.”

– Forbes

What is the highest programming language in 2022?

The highest programming language in 2022 is Scala because a programmer specializing in Scala programming earns an average income of around $135,000 per annum. These earnings work out to approximately $65 per hour. An entry-level Scaler developer earns about $120,000 annually, while a professional with more experience writing code using this language can earn up to $175,000 annually.

Why Choose Sonatafy Technology

At Sonatafy Technology, we have the resources to help you and your organization grow to the next level and achieve your set goals. Our specialists in various programming languages are always ready to build a team of software development/programming experts with you. Sonatafy is an elite software, QA, and maintenance engineering company. Our expertise in creating solutions for healthcare, clinical industries, SaaS, and life sciences is unmatched.

Contact us today and find out more about some of the successful projects our programming experts have worked on in the past. You will also discover more about Sonatafy Technology’s services and the company’s record of offering excellent software engineering services across various industries.

References:

1. Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. – BLS Quote
   https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. Rust has a foreign function interface (FFI) that can be used both to call code written in languages such as C from Rust and to call Rust code from those languages. Rust also has a library, CXX, for calling to or from C++. – Wikipedia Quote
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_(programming_language)
3. Python Developer Salaries – Glass Door
   https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/us-python-developer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,19.htm
4. …in February 2022, Java was the second most popular language in the world, and its use has grown by 1.2% compared to February 2021. This ranking is determined by analyzing requests for language tutorials on Google. – Forbes Quote
   https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/04/06/why-and-how-java-continues-to-be-one-of-the-most-popular-enterprise-coding-languages/?sh=67878b9a3616
5. Because its the abstraction other languages use to understand the physical machine. You can strut like a champ when the other programmers are still scratching their heads. And that will make you more “senior” and earn you more money in the long run. – Forbes Quote
   https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2015/06/11/to-make-the-most-money-as-a-programmer-learn-this-language/?sh=3e2934e22a4d