One after another, with the continuous updates and trends in technology and programming languages, are on the go. On the other hand, programmers have the dilemma of choosing a language that can be lucrative and rewarding in the future. From React to Scala, Python to Java, and many others, there is much to unpack before we finally say, ‘Yes this is the one to choose’.
However, the debate does not end here, as there are other factors that you need to consider before choosing one programming language.
Top 15 Highest Paying Programming Languages (Ranked Bottom to Top)
The top highest paying programming languages include Python, JavaScript, C, C++, TypeScript, R, Golang, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, MATLAB, PHP, Rust, and Perl.
Let’s discuss them below.
15. Perl
It is an open-source, high-level, dynamic, and general-purpose programming language that was developed 36 years ago. It supports both procedural and object-oriented programming. With its syntax similar to C, it is easier to understand those who have knowledge of C and C++.
The first idea to develop this programming language was based on its usability. Speaking of the Pearl syntax, it uses variables and keywords to store expressions that execute the code.
When programmers write the line of code in Pearl, they start with the following shebang line.
#!/usr/bin/perl
What is the average salary of a Perl Developer?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a Perl developer is $110,605 per year.
Pros and Cons of Using Perl
The pros and cons of Perl are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for text processing | Can be hard to read and maintain |
| Versatile for scripting tasks | Outdated for modern web development |
| Strong community and libraries | Slower performance compared to newer languages |
| Great for system administration | Limited appeal for new developers |
14. MATLAB
Another prominent name in the highest paying programming languages is MATLAB. It is a high-level programming language that is designed for engineers and analysts.
MATLAB stands for Matrix Laboratory was first developed in the 1970s for researchers and engineers to help them with matrix computations. The foundations of MATLAB were laid by Clever Moler who developed it to give access to his students to the LINPACK and EISPACK libraries without having to write the FORTRAN code.
But, with time, MATLAB has evolved into a powerful platform that is used for academia engineering, and scientific research.
What is the average salary of a MATLAB Developer?
The salary of MATLAB developers in the United States ranges between $91,327 to $123,967 per year. If we talk about the hourly rate, it starts from $54.61 in the United States.
Pros and Cons of MATLAB
The pros and cons of MATLAB are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for numerical computing and data analysis. | Expensive licensing and not open source. |
| Rich library support for scientific and engineering tasks. | Slower execution compared to compiled languages. |
| Great visualization tools for creating detailed plots. | Limited use outside academic and research settings. |
| Built-in support for matrix operations and linear algebra. | Not ideal for general-purpose programming. |
| Easy integration with hardware and other languages. | Smaller user community compared to more general languages. |
13. Rust
It is a systems-level programming language that was created by Mozilla in 2010. It was developed to provide memory safety and prevent common bugs while delivering high performance without compromising on speed.
Why is Rust One of the Highest Paying Programming Languages?
It is considered one of the highest paying programming languages as the demand for Rust has grown exponentially in the last few years. It is most common among those industries that require high performance and security such as FinTech, blockchain, and cloud computing.
Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Dropbox are investing heavily in Rust-based systems for their reliability and scalability. The rust gives the perfect combination of technical advantages and high demand in cutting-edge industries making it not just a language for building exceptional software, but also a pathway to a highly lucrative career.
Pros and Cons of Rust
The pros and cons of Rust are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Memory safety with zero-cost abstractions. | Steeper learning curve for beginners. |
| High performance and control over system resources. | Longer development time compared to simpler languages. |
| Excellent for systems programming and embedded applications. | Complex syntax for some use cases. |
| Strong community and growing ecosystem. | Limited library support compared to older languages. |
| The built-in concurrency model prevents common errors. | Tooling and debugging experience can be less user-friendly. |
12. PHP
PHP i.e., Hypertext Preprocessor is a widely used open-source scripting language that is designed for dynamic web development. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is used by popular platforms like WordPress, Facebook, and Wikipedia. It’s a server-side language embedded in HTML, making it easy to integrate with web pages and databases for dynamic content generation.
Why Does PHP Rank Among the Best-Paying Languages?
PHP developers are in high demand as the number of features grows and continues to benefit mobile and web app solutions. These days businesses continuously seek custom solutions for their websites, eCommerce platforms, CMS platforms, and enterprise systems so in order to get these PHP comes as a stop choice.
While PHP salaries may not always top the charts from other languages such as Rust, its versatility and uniquity make steady job opportunities and competitive compensation. The average salary of PHP developer is 71,400 USD and 150,000 USD per year. However, mid-level PHP developers earn around 107,500 USD per year.
PHP Pros and Cons
The pros and Cons of PHP are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely used for web development, especially CMS like WordPress. | Perceived as outdated for modern applications. |
| Easy to learn and has extensive documentation. | Inconsistent naming conventions and functions. |
| Large community with a vast number of frameworks. | Performance can be slower than newer server-side languages. |
| Great for rapid prototyping and small projects. | Security issues if not properly handled. |
| Cross-platform compatibility for server deployment. | Less relevant for non-web-based applications. |
11. Kotlin
It is a modern and statistically typed programming language that is known for safety, simplicity, and performance. Kotlin is developed by JetBrains and is also officially supported by Google for Android development.
Why Does Kotlin Rank Among the Best-Paying Languages?
What sets it apart is its developer-friendly features, such as null safety, which helps eliminate null pointer exceptions, and its concise syntax that reduces boilerplate code, enhancing productivity. It has become one of the most in-demand programming languages which has made it the top-paying language.
The average salary of a Kotlin developer in the United States is $111,500 is the 25th percentile. The most experienced Kotlin developers can earn up to $155,200 per year. And the hourly rate of Kotlin developers starts from $61.
Pros and Cons of Kotlin
The pros and cons of Kotlin are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Officially supported for Android app development. | Smaller ecosystem compared to Java. |
| Interoperable with Java, enabling easy migration. | Slower compile time for complex projects. |
| Concise and expressive syntax reduces boilerplate. | Steeper learning curve for developers coming from non-Java backgrounds. |
| Strong type system improves reliability. | Limited adoption in enterprise environments. |
| Active community and growing adoption. | Less mature tooling compared to Java. |
10. Swift
It is one of the highest paying programming languages and is known for its clean and concise syntax, making it an ideal choice for beginners as well as experienced developers. It is developed by Apple for building applications across its ecosystem, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. However, with its open-source nature, it has gone beyond the limitations of Apple, with applications in Linux and server-side development.
What sets Swift Apart and Makes it Top Paying Programming Languages?
The factor that separates Kotlin from other programming languages is its seamless integration with Apple’s tools, frameworks, and SDKs makes Swift the ideal choice for creating apps that are deeply optimized for Apple devices. And this is why it has become a lucrative career when it comes to programming languages as it is pivotal in creating applications for Apple’s lucrative ecosystem.
The average salary of a Swift developer in the United States is approximately $97,512, with a typical range between $86,555 and $110,381.
Pros and Cons of Swift
The pros and cons of Swift are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Official language for Apple app development. | Limited to Apple ecosystem for most use cases. |
| Modern, clean syntax that’s easy to read and write. | Frequent updates can cause compatibility issues. |
| Strong performance for mobile and desktop apps. | Smaller developer community compared to other major languages. |
| Safe by design, reducing runtime errors. | Less suitable for cross-platform development. |
| Rich integration with iOS and macOS frameworks. | Limited use cases outside Apple platforms. |
9. Ruby
Developed by Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto in the mid-1990s, it is a dynamic, high-level, and open-source programming language. It is beginner-friendly due to its similarity with natural language and elegant syntax.
What sets Ruby apart from other programming languages is it offers great flexibility, allowing developers to prototype quickly and adapt to changing requirements. Moreover, it also offers robust community support along with focusing on best practices such as convention over configuration (CoC) and don’t repeat yourself (DRY), which have influenced modern software development standards.
Why Ruby is Among High Paying Programming Languages?
It is used in high-traffic website development such as Shopify, Airbnb, and GitHub. The developers for this technology are scarce and this contributes to the lucrative career developers get in this language. On average, Ruby developers earn somewhere around $126,800 per year. However, the range for Ruby developers ranges from 84,600 USD and 170,000 USD per year.
Pros and Cons of Ruby
The pros and cons of Ruby are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Known for its simplicity and productivity in web development. | Slower runtime compared to compiled languages. |
| Rails framework simplifies building web applications. | Lower performance in resource-intensive applications. |
| Strong emphasis on developer happiness. | Declining popularity with the rise of newer frameworks. |
| Flexible and dynamic, making it easy to prototype. | It can be harder to debug due to dynamic typing. |
| Large library of gems for added functionality. | Less suitable for non-web-related programming tasks. |
8. Go (Golang)
It is developed by Google engineers (Robert Griesemer, Rob Pike, and Ken Thompson) in 2009. Golang is used for developing highly efficient and concurrent systems. The main features of Golang are simplicity, scalability, and performance.
The most distinguish features of Golang include its concurrency model in which lightweight goroutines and channel-based communication make it exceptional for handling concurrent tasks, essential for modern distributed systems. Other notable features include high performance, simplicity, reliability, and built-in tooling. It is used by other top companies like Uber, Netflix, and Docker.
Why Go is Among High-Paying Programming Languages?
In recent years, Golang developers have been in high demand as it is used in building high-performing websites such as finance, cloud, eCommerce, and computing. The average salary of a Golang developer is around 137,500 USD. However, the range of Golang developers ranges between 110,000 USD and 193,800 USD per year.
Pros and Cons of Golang
The pros and cons of Golang are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High performance and simplicity in syntax. | Limited library ecosystem compared to older languages. |
| Excellent for concurrent programming with goroutines. | Not as flexible for large, complex applications. |
| Strong community support for cloud and backend services. | Lacks generics, making some tasks repetitive. |
| Compiles to a single binary, easing deployment. | Minimal support for GUI development. |
| Fast compile times and efficient execution. | Error handling can feel verbose and manual. |
7. React
It was developed for Facebook to create interactive and dynamic interfaces. It is built on a component-based architecture that allows developers to use the already-created components that manage their state efficiently.
The factors that make React unique are its rich ecosystem and community, virtual DOM, ability to bridge web and mobile development (via React Native), and long-term scalability.
Why Are React Developers Among the Highest Paid?
With time, web development trends are continuously changing. Static websites are not so much in trend and with that being said the demand for React developers is increasing. It is also adopted by globally recognized firms such as Facebook, Netflix, Airbnb, and Instagram.
The average salary of a React developer in the United States is $120,000 per year, and the average hourly rate is around $57. Entry-level positions earn around 90,000 USD, and for high positions, entry-level positions earn around 90,000 USD and for high positions it goes up to 179,700 USD per year.
Pros and Cons of React
The pros and cons of React are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reusable components ensure consistency. | JSX syntax can be confusing for beginners. |
| Virtual DOM enhances application speed. | Focuses only on the view layer of applications. |
| A rich ecosystem simplifies development. | Frequent updates may cause compatibility issues. |
| A strong community offers abundant support. | Requires additional libraries for advanced features. |
| Enables cross-platform app development. | SEO optimization requires extra configuration. |
6. TypeScript
Being a superset of JavaScript, it introduces static typing to enhance error checking and improve developer productivity. The factors that make TypeScript stand out are its type-checking capabilities reduce runtime errors and make refactoring safer and more efficient, making it a favorite for long-term projects, robust tools, and easy integration with already developed projects.
What makes TypeScript One of the Highest Paying Programming Languages?
In addition to that above factor, its ability to write more predictable, maintainable, and scalable code with TypeScript makes developers skilled in it highly sought after which has made it the best-paid programming language.
The average salary of a Typescript developer in the United States is $91,340 per year. If we speak for the normal range of TypeScript developers then it ranges somewhere between $100,000 to $200,000.
Pros and Cons of TypeScript
The pros and cons of TypeScript are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Known for its simplicity and productivity in web development. | Slower runtime compared to compiled languages. |
| Rails framework simplifies building web applications. | Lower performance in resource-intensive applications. |
| Strong emphasis on developer happiness. | Declining popularity with the rise of newer frameworks. |
| Flexible and dynamic, making it easy to prototype. | It can be harder to debug due to dynamic typing. |
| Large library of gems for added functionality. | Less suitable for non-web-related programming tasks. |
5. C
It is a general-purpose programming language that gives basis and foundation for other key programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python. If we talk about its history then it was developed by Dennis Richie in the early 1970s (yes, it dates a lot back than we would have thought). Basically, it serves as a bridge between high-level languages and assembly-level programming, offering both abstraction and hardware-level control. If you are looking for a versatile and efficient programming language in 2025 then C stands out as one of the best.
What makes C the highest paying coding language?
Well, with the abundance of other highest paying coding languages, what makes it stand out is that it is widely used in industries. Some well-known industries in which the working of C language is used are embedded systems, telecommunications, and system development.
The factor is that C is highly efficient and lightweight with portable code that ensures its relevance in the fields where the performance and reliability of a programming language cannot be compromised.
Let’s talk about the salary of a C developer. On average amount, salary of the C Developer in the United States is $114,112 per year. Whereas the estimated salary of a C developer is $151,870 per year. The range of this yearly earning ranges from $90k to $180k and if it is less than that, you might need to ask for an increment.
Pros and Cons of C
The pros and cons of C are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-performance and close-to-hardware programming. | Lacks built-in safety features like memory management. |
| Portable across different platforms and architectures. | More error-prone due to manual memory management. |
| Widely used for system programming and embedded systems. | Difficult to learn and debug for beginners. |
| Large community and extensive resources. | Limited standard library compared to modern languages. |
| The basis for many modern languages like C++ and Rust. | Not suitable for high-level application development. |
4. C++
Built as an extension of C language, it is a general-purpose language that was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in the 1980s. Being one of the fastest programming languages It provides developers with tools to create complex and scalable software systems and is widely used for applications ranging from game development to high-performance computing and enterprise solutions.
What Makes C++ one of the top paid programming languages?
It has become one of the top paid programming languages due to its relevance in high-demand, specialized fields and the level of expertise required to master it. The average salary of a C++ developer in the US is $128,849 per year.
Pros and Cons of C++
The pros and cons of C++ are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High performance and control over system resources. | Complex syntax and steep learning curve. |
| Widely used for gaming, systems programming, and AI. | Prone to bugs due to manual memory management. |
| Large community and extensive standard library (STL). | Slower compile times for large projects. |
| Cross-platform compatibility for applications. | Can be overkill for simple programming tasks. |
| Supports object-oriented and procedural paradigms. | Debugging can be challenging for large codebases. |
3. Java
Another one of the highest paying programming languages is Java which is platform-independent and versatile. The best factor about Java is “write once, run anywhere” which enables developers to run Java on other platforms without any modification. It is done through Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The skilled Java developers are in high demand which has made it an interesting language for aspiring developers.
What Makes Java One of the Highest Paying Programming Languages?
The most noticeable factor of Java is its enterprise dominance such as systems and web applications, particularly in industries like banking, healthcare, and e-commerce. It is also used in android development which makes it a lucrative career to go for. If we talk about the average salary of a Java developer in the United States, then according to Glassdoor it is $96,160 per year.
The estimated salary of a Java developer is $117,945 per year.
Pros and Cons of Java
The pros and cons of Java are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Platform-independent with the “Write Once, Run Anywhere” principle. | Verbose syntax can slow development speed. |
| Strong community and extensive libraries. | Memory consumption is higher than lightweight languages. |
| Great for enterprise-level applications. | Performance is slower than C++ or Go. |
| Robust for large, distributed systems. | Less suitable for rapid prototyping. |
| Backward compatibility ensures long-term usability. | Limited for modern lightweight application needs. |
2. JavaScript
If we have to name a language for modern web development, then it is JavaScript. It runs natively in web browsers, allowing developers to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces. With its ability to execute on both the client and server sides (thanks to platforms like Node.js), JavaScript offers unparalleled versatility in building full-stack applications. Its ecosystem, including frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, enables developers to create scalable and responsive web applications efficiently.
Why Is JavaScript One of the Highest-Paid Programming Languages?
The factors that make it stand apart from the crowd are its growing demand and dominance in web development, its frameworks and libraries, along with non-blocking and event-driven architecture.
Due to these features, Java has become the second top highest paying programming language. The average salary of a JavaScript developer is $104,986 per year. In addition to that, the normal salary range is 87,500 USD and 171,600 USD per year.
Pros and Cons of JavaScript
The pros and cons of JavaScript are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ubiquitous in web development for both front-end and back-end. | Can lead to messy code without discipline. |
| Fast execution in modern engines like V8. | Weakly typed, leading to potential runtime errors. |
| Extensive libraries and frameworks (React, Node.js). | Security vulnerabilities in poorly written code. |
| Dynamic and flexible for rapid prototyping. | Can be challenging to debug asynchronous code. |
| Supported natively in all major browsers. | Inconsistent behavior across different browsers. |
1. Python
Known for its simplicity, readability, and versatility, Python is one of the top paying programming languages. It has syntax similar to the natural language which makes it one of the easiest programming languages for beginners to learn while remaining powerful enough for experts to build complex systems.
What sets Python apart from other programming languages is its extensive use in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
In addition to this, the standard library and thriving ecosystem of third-party libraries of Python empower developers to tackle tasks ranging from web development to machine learning with ease.
Why Is Python One of the Highest-Paid Programming Languages?
Its popularity is continuously increasing as the trends toward machine learning and data science are soaring. Its libraries like NumPy, pandas, TensorFlow, and PyTorch have become indispensable for analyzing data, building predictive models, and implementing AI-driven solutions that provide versatility.
This has led to a growing demand for Python languages. The average salary of a Python developer in the U.S. is $112,382. And normally the range of Python developer salaries is around 94,300 USD and 185,000 USD per year.
Pros and Cons of Python
The pros and cons of Python are as follows:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to learn with a clean, readable syntax. | Slower execution speed compared to compiled languages. |
| Extensive libraries for data science, AI, and web development. | Not ideal for mobile app development. |
| Strong community and vast documentation. | GIL (Global Interpreter Lock) limits multi-threading. |
| Cross-platform support and versatility. | Performance bottlenecks in resource-intensive tasks. |
| Widely adopted in academic and industry settings. | Less suitable for systems programming or low-level tasks. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which programming language pays the most?
The programming languages that pay the most include Python, JavaScript, and C++, especially when specialized in high-demand fields like AI, web development, and systems programming. Advanced skills in frameworks such as React (JavaScript), Django (Python), and TensorFlow (Python) can significantly increase earning potential.
Which is better for the future Java or C++?
If you want to keep up with the future trends, then it is better to learn both languages. However, if you want to start with a smooth learning curve then learning Java would be the right approach. If you want to go for a more specialized path such game development desktop applications, embedded systems, and more then C++ is the best option.
Which pays more, C++ or Python?
C++ pays more as compared to Python. The average salary of a Python developer is $112,382 whereas a C++ developer earns around $128,849 on average.
Which programming language will be in demand in 2026?
Even though 2026 is one year away almost, Python will remain the highest paying language as its use in data science, AI and machine learning is continuously increasing. After that JavaScript will be an essential and most important programming language for web development.
Which programming language has the highest salary?
Currently, languages like Python, JavaScript, and Golang offer the highest salaries, particularly in fields like machine learning, data science, and web development. Specialized expertise in areas like AI and cloud computing can further increase salary potential.
Which programming language is the most profitable?
The most profitable programming languages include C++, Golang, Elixir, Python, RoR, and Clojure.
