A Python programmer is responsible for the development and maintenance of powerful and scalable web solutions. These experts work in emerging specialties such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Web Development. What does a Python programmer do?
Job Profile
More than 30 years after its creation, Python has become one of the most widely used programming languages by companies and programmers alike, both in the development of projects and in the training of new professionals.
In terms of business, the demand for Python programmers continues to rise. It is primarily due to the growth of two sectors – Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, where this programming language is widely used.
The reasons behind the popularity of Python are complex and varied. However, they can be summarized down below:
- Active and extensive community of programmers, willing to share knowledge, practical advice and experience
- Availability of free or low cost online resources for programming and learning
- Intuitive, fast and simple programming
- Very favorable to object-oriented programming
- Attractive job opportunities in fast growing industries
Employment Opportunities for a Python programmer
Interestingly, Python is not a widely used language in the development of mobile applications and, therefore, many people still doubt the potential and relevance of this language in the job market. However, there are loads of employment opportunities for Python programmers. Here are the areas of expertise that a Python programmer can work on:
#1 Data Science
Python is the most widely used programming language in data science. This is because it allows the handling of large volumes of information as well as automating the extraction and analysis of data.
Additionally, an open source language like Python is more accessible and adaptable for the academic community and scientists who are interested in programming more powerful specialized solutions.
# 2 Artificial Intelligence
Virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant are examples of the type of technology that can be developed in the area of Artificial Intelligence.
In this field, Python is particularly useful in Deep Learning, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing.
Programs developed in this sector allow a more precise analysis of voice commands greater and even “train” computers through voice and text.
# 3 Web Development
Web development has been transformed thanks to the presence of no-code solutions. However, Python offers web programmers the opportunity to break the mold.
Python-based frameworks make it easy to develop web applications, with extensive libraries and resources for programming back-end solutions (e.g. Django, Flask, Pylons).
Additionally, Python has proven to be very important for scraping – a powerful technique for extracting, processing and displaying information available on different web pages.
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An example of advanced scraping in Python are price comparison, rate and user feedback engines, available for different sectors such as insurance, hospitality, e-commerce, among others.
#4 DevOps
Python is one of the most used languages for backend development and scripting. It should come as no surprise then that Python is behind the workflow automations and visualization boards used by DevOps teams.
Additionally, thanks to the fact that it is an intuitive and robust language, it facilitates the collaboration and co-creation necessary to integrate and unify efforts under the DevOps philosophy.
Responsibilities of a Python programmer
Depending on the function and the area of specialization chosen, a Python programmer’s roles and responsibilities may differ. However, one is generally responsible for the development, maintenance and debugging of software, applications and solutions for the web.
They also develop and program integrations with third-party solutions. This happens, in most cases, because web and data science solutions need to be able to extract and process the data available on other platforms.
In the area of automation and AI, a Python programmer is responsible for the development, maintenance and testing of solutions.
These professionals also improve the functionality of any existing systems, assess feature requests, and are in charge of developing back-end components to improve responsiveness and overall performance.
What are the responsibilities of a Python programmer?
- Develop, maintain and debug software, applications and solutions for the web
- Develop quality coding
- Prepare prototypes and coordinate tests
- Guarantee the quality of projects, according to the specifications and requirements of the client
- Work on the development of Python libraries and corresponding frameworks like Flask, Django, Pylons, Pyramid, etc
- Develop back-end components for better performance
- Test Python solutions with Machine and/or Deep Learning capabilities
- Prepare technical documentation
- Improve functionality of any existing systems
- Assess feature requests
- Develop back-end components to improve responsiveness and overall performance
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Skills of a Python programmer
Python programmers have strong knowledge when it comes to Python libraries and are familiar both with their resources and limitations.
These programmers also have expert knowledge of frameworks related to Python including Django and Flask. They are familiar with front-end technologies like JavaScript and HTML5 and have knowledge of object-relational mapping (ORM).
Python programmers also possess the ability to integrate multiple data sources into a single system and are quite familiar with testing tools.
In terms of soft skills, these programmers have the ability to generate new ideas, test them, and transform them into solutions. They also have advanced analytical thinking and are able to communicate well with other people.
What are the skills of a Python programmer?
- Strong knowledge of Python and its libraries
- Knowledge of Python’s resources and limitations
- Expert knowledge of frameworks related to Python including Django and Flask
- Familiarity with front-end technologies like JavaScript and HTML5
- Knowledge of object-relational mapping (ORM)
- Ability to integrate multiple data sources into a single system
- Familiarity with testing tools
- Ability to generate new ideas
- Test and transform new ideas into solutions
- Advance analytical thinking skills
- Strong communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
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Background and education
Typically, a Python programmer has a Bachelor’s degree in the field of software engineer, computer science, mathematics, or something related. However, in the field of Artificial Intelligence, it is not uncommon to find cognitive scientists using Python.
The same goes for data scientists. They can have more varied professional careers, related to the specific field of application, such as economics, epidemiology, social sciences, etc.
The only common point then is the professional mastery of Python as a programming language. Here are some course suggestions and resources to master this interesting language:
- Complete Python programmer in 2022: Zero to Mastery
- Python Courses for Beginners
- Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL Specialization
- Applied Data Science with Python Specialization
- The Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Applications
Salary of a Python programmer
A Python programmer has an average annual salary of $77,000. A junior professional can expect a salary of $58,000 whereas a more experienced programmer can expect a salary of around $107,000.
The experience, sector and size of a company significantly influences the salary of a Python programmer.
In Germany, salaries range from €20,000 – €70,000 for Python programmers whereas in the UK, it ranges from £42,500 – £80,000.
How much does a Python programmer earn?
| US | $77,000 – $107,000 |
| Germany | €20,000 – €70,000 |
| UK | £42,500 – £80,000 |
How much does a freelance Python programmer earn?
| Average Hourly Rate of Freelance Python Programmers | $74/hour |
Freelance Python programmers charge an average of $74/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in November 2022).
Considering an 8-hour working day, the daily rate for programmers would be around $592/day.
Freelance rates in Python range between $31 and $89 for the majority of freelancers.
