What Are Python Developer Skills and Who Needs Them?

Python is a versatile, general-purpose programming language with a low learning curve and intuitive syntax. It can be used for data analysis, web development, game development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and many others. 

Python developers are in high demand globally. Experts anticipate the Python market to exceed 100 million USD by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 44.8 percent [1]. The demand, driven by the digitisation of various industries and the rise of technologies that support Industry 4.0, such as data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), opens the door to different career possibilities. Discover in-demand Python skills and how to start developing your career in Python.  

What does a Python developer do?

A developer uses Python to write and work on code for software and more. Python developers work in many industries, such as IT, software development, science, education, finance, health, manufacturing, banking, and more. A Python developer works in a role with that specific name. Many people also use it as an umbrella term for all computer science professionals using Python.

You may perform various tasks as a Python developer, including web, app, and game development. You might work on the back end of websites to enhance performance, or you could develop algorithms and predictive models for artificial intelligence and machine learning. While the role can be complex and varied, developing the right skills can prepare you. 

What are Python developer skills?

Whether you are deciding which courses to take or deciding which applicant to hire, you’ll find many key skills that a Python developer ought to have. Every job might call for different specialisations or other training, but in general, every Python developer ought to have the following skills:

• Core Python: (Iterators, Generators, Data structure) are Python's basic language and core elements. 

• Web Frameworks: (Django, Flask) Web frameworks are necessary for building websites. This skill is required for Python developers working on web applications. Django and Flask are popular frameworks, although many other choices are available.

• Front-End Tech: (JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3) Front-end tech supports the website's front end or the elements the user sees. Like web frameworks, this skill is more important for Python developers who work on websites.

• Object Relational Mappers (ORM): (Hibernate, Dapper) Object-relational mappers are tools used to interact with databases. Python developers who will be working with data and databases should understand ORMs. 

• Python Libraries: (NumPy, SciPy, SciKit Learn, Pandas) Python has libraries for almost anything. Whether creating a website or a video game, conducting scientific research, or managing data for an online retailer, Python libraries support whatever you do. A Python developer will need to have skills with a variety of Python libraries. 

• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: You can use Python for machine learning, such as virtual personal assistants, social media suggestions, online customer support, product recommendations, and more. 

• Audio/Visual, Natural Language Processors: Audio processors, video processors, and natural language processors are essential for Python developers in many fields, from data scientists to developers working on OTT video streaming.

• General Python developer skills: All developers, regardless of their specialisation, can benefit from analytical, design, and logical thinking skills. 

Who needs Python developer skills? 

Python developers create new websites and software, analyse data, research, and make video games. You can read on to learn about different career paths that benefit from a solid foundation in Python developer skills. 

Python developer

Python developers use Python to code or create applications, software, websites, and more. They work in various industries, including information technology, science, research, health care, and software development.

• Average India base salary: ₹5,44,579 per year [2]

• Companies that hire Python developers in India: Tata Consultancy Services, Maxgen Technologies, Fresher, Infosys, Capgemini, Wipro

Data scientist

Data scientists analyse, organise, manipulate, and study data. They work in banking, finance, media and entertainment, retail, telecommunications, the automotive industry, and marketing. Everywhere a company collects data, it needs someone to organise and analyse it.

• Average India base salary: ₹12,00,000 per year [3]

• Companies that hire data scientists in India: Tata Consultancy Services, IBM, Accenture, Mu Sigma, Infosys, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Amazon

Research analyst

Research analysts work with companies and organisations to understand what their data means. As a research analyst, you can find work in many industries. These include finance, marketing, aviation, public policy, and government. 

• Average India base salary: ₹16,85,360 per year [4]

• Companies that hire research analysts in India: FactSet, CRISIL, Decimal Point Analytics, MarketsandMarkets, Media.net, Beroe Inc., XDBS Corporation

Software engineer

A software engineer or developer creates computer programs and other applications internally for a company or organisation’s use or to sell commercially. In 2022, the IT software market in India was worth 10.51 billion USD [5].

• Average India base salary: ₹7,50,000 per year [6]

• Companies that hire software engineers in India: Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture, Tech Mahindra, HCLTech, Infosys, Capgemini, Wipro, Cognizant Technology Solutions

 DevOps engineer

A DevOps engineer works to manage the deployment of IT products. DevOps combines the words “development” and “operations.” These engineers work to increase the efficiency and accuracy of product deployment.

• Average India base salary: ₹10,41,296 per year [7]

• Companies that hire DevOps engineers in India: IBM, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Infosys, HCLTech, Amazon, Mindtree, TO THE NEW, DXC Technology

Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers work with artificial intelligence for both grand and simple. The technology provides essential tools for data scientists and various industries. For example, machine learning allows online retailers to recommend products to customers in real-time in response to their browsing data. Machine learning leads to innovation in many different industries.

• Average India base salary: ₹11,00,000 per year [8]

• Companies that hire machine learning engineers in India: Quantiphi, Tata Consultancy Services, Amazon, Mad Street Den Systems, Infocusp, Google

Python automation lead

A Python automation lead is a developer who works in manufacturing, creating and maintaining operating software for automated manufacturing processes.

• Average India base salary: ₹5,12,402 per year [9]

• Companies that hire Python automation leads in India: Mphasis, L&T Technology Services, Ciena, Capgemini, Larsen & Toubro, HCLTech

Full-stack developer

A full-stack developer can work on a website or application's “front” and “back” ends. The front end refers to the elements of the website or application that the end user can see and interact with, while the back end refers to everything else. Full-stack developers have skills on both sides. 

• Average India base salary: ₹8,20,000 per year [10]

• Companies that hire full stack developers in India: Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Infosys, IBM, Accenture, Freelancer

Site reliability engineer

Site reliability engineers improve websites' reliability and general performance. This role goes hand in hand with DevOps engineers. Once a DevOps engineer deploys a product, a site reliability engineer keeps it at optimal performance. 

• Average India base salary: ₹21,64,000 per year [11]

• Companies that hire reliability engineers in India: Crest Data Systems, Media.net, LinkedIn, Cohesity, Oracle, Cisco Systems, Adobe, IBM, VMware

How to learn Python developer skills 

Python’s popularity and worldwide use mean there are many avenues to learn It. You can start by watching free tutorial videos and trying it out yourself. Many bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes in computer science use Python as part of the coursework. You can also find online and in-person offerings to learn Python without enrolling in a degree programme.  

Next steps 

If you are interested in learning Python for the first time, you could consider a beginner-level course like Python Basics from the University of Michigan. If you’re ready to pursue a career as a Python developer, consider more advanced options like IBM’s Full Stack Software Developer Certificate or even a Master of Science Degree in Applied Analytics from Queen Mary University of London.