Question

"What programming language pays the best?"  -- Peter

My Response

Hey Peter! Thanks for the question. It's a good question and a popular one.  First, I'm going to give you a short answer, and then, I'm going to give you a better answer.

Short Answer:

The languages that pay the most are typically Python and Java.

Better Answer:

Just because a language pays the most doesn't mean you should run out and learn that language. The language that YOU should learn, personally, depends on what kind of software development excites you the most. While it's true that you may earn a little more writing code in Python than, say, C#, that doesn't mean that learning Python will lead you to a career where you'd be the happiest.  After all, money isn't everything.

• Do you want to be a mobile developer?  Then pick either Swift (Apple) or Java (Android).
• Do you like the visual creativity of user-interface development?  Stick with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Are you interested in working for some of the giants of Silicon Valley? Then learn Python.
• Do you like the idea of being a freelance contractor who creates custom software for small and medium-sized companies?  Then learning the Microsoft stack (C# and ASP.NET) might be your best bet.

Consider More Than Money

Bottom line: I'd suggest that how much earning potential any given language can provide should be one of, but not the only criteria you consider when picking a language to learn. If your selection is based primarily on the greatest earning potential, you may end up feeling stuck in an unhappy career.  On the other hand, loving your job is worth a lot! If you'd like more details on the pro's and con's of each of the most popular languages, check out the What to Learn page. And if you want to truly dig deep into what language might satisfy you the most, I cover a wide variety of career options in the book, The Byte Guide. Thank you for the question, Peter! -- Casey Crookston