Best Programming Languages to Learn for High Paying Tech Jobs in 2025
Written by Massa Medi
Finding the right programming language is overwhelming with so many options popping up every year. If you’re aiming for a high paying tech job and want to make an informed, strategic decision, this comprehensive guide is for you. Drawing from the analysis of over 150 up-to-date LinkedIn job postings, we’ll break down nine of the hottest engineering roles, their average salaries, and most importantly the best programming languages to crack into each coveted position. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career transition, you’ll discover which coding languages and skills companies actually demand right now, not just what’s trending on social media.
Will AI Replace Coders? The Truth for Aspiring Programmers
Let’s get this burning question out of the way:
Is artificial intelligence going to replace software engineers and developers?
With AI evolving faster than your favorite app gets updates, it’s natural to worry. But here’s the honest answer: Think of AI as a supercharged calculator. Calculators didn’t erase the need for learning math; they made it easier to apply. You still need to understand the basics like what addition or multiplication does before you’ll ever use a calculator effectively. AI is following the same pattern in programming.
Learning to code is a foundational skill that will empower you, not replace you. In fact, as AI based tools become integral to the tech industry, developers who understand code will leverage these tools to amplify their productivity and creativity. If you want to go deeper on this topic, check out my dedicated video analyzing AI’s role in shaping the future of software jobs. For now, just remember: your coding skills are your ticket to staying in control in the age of AI.
How to Choose the Right Programming Language for Your Tech Career
Before you hunt for which language tops the list or which job title sounds flashiest, step back and ask yourself:
- What kind of tech work actually excites you?
- Where do you want to see yourself not just this year, but a decade from now?
- Which industries, companies, or types of projects motivate you?
- What daily tasks and challenges would you truly enjoy?
Remember, tech blogs and recruiting posts often skip the gritty realities of tech work. Sure, big tech companies toss around perks like free lunches and spiffy offices, but there’s also long hours of problem solving, debugging, and relentless learning. If you’re unsure what a job is really like, reach out to real engineers. Ask about their daily routines, the best parts of their work, and the tough spots too. No connections yet? No problem! Explore my interviews with engineers; they’ll give you the unfiltered stories that job descriptions never do.
One more myth to bust: Learning a hot programming language isn’t a golden ticket to overnight job offers. It’s just the beginning. You’ll need real-world skills, a portfolio, and the grit to keep learning but by choosing the right starting language, you won’t waste valuable time backtracking or learning irrelevant tech.
Top Programming Languages for High Paying Tech Jobs (Role By Role Breakdown)
Based on extensive research analyzing 150 LinkedIn job postings, here’s what employers are actually seeking in today’s market. Plus, we’ll cover average salary expectations for each role, so you can prioritize your efforts for maximum impact.
Mobile Engineering: Android vs. iOS Development
Mobile engineering is a fiercely competitive field, but also one of the most lucrative starting points in tech.
Android Developer: Skills & Salary
- Average Salary: $104,000/year
- Kotlin: 92% of job postings require proficiency in Kotlin. It’s a modern, versatile language that simplifies Android development and enables cross-platform capability.
- Java: While Java is still the native language for Android, most companies now prefer Kotlin because it’s more concise, safer, and makes your apps run smoother.
Visual context: Picture modern app interfaces built with concise Kotlin code that’s easy to maintain and upgrade, as opposed to legacy Java projects which can be more complex and error prone.
iOS Developer: Skills & Salary
- Average Salary: $112,000/year
- Swift: 100% of job postings specified Swift as the required skill. Swift is fast, readable, and tightly integrated within the Apple ecosystem.
- Objective-C: Still used in some legacy applications, but Swift has firmly taken the lead for new iOS projects.
Visual context: Imagine a sleek, intuitive iPhone app coded in Swift, seamlessly interacting with Apple’s hardware and services.
Pro tip: Choose mobile development if you’re fascinated by smartphone user experiences and want to see your work in everyone’s pocket. But beware platforms like Apple and Google frequently update standards, which can mean lots of code rewrites!
Web Development: Frontend, Backend, and Full Stack
Web development is all about creating and optimizing the websites and web apps you use every day. It branches into two main areas that often merge into the sought-after “full stack” profile.
Frontend Development: Languages & Salary
- Average Salary: $116,000/year
- JavaScript: 90% of frontend job postings require it. It drives all interactive website behavior think dynamic menus, instant search, and seamless forms.
- React: The powerhouse JavaScript library for building complex, component based UIs efficiently.
- HTML: The backbone framework structuring all web content.
How they work together: HTML creates the page structure (the text, forms, and images), JavaScript makes them interactive (like pop-up messages or updating content without reloading), and React is an advanced toolkit for organizing larger projects, letting developers create reusable building blocks for features and widgets.
Backend Development: Languages & Tools
- Average Salary: $110,000/year
- Python: Frequently requested for backend frameworks and data handling.
- Java: Valued for enterprise-scale, reliable projects.
- AWS (Amazon Web Services): Not a programming language, but an essential cloud platform allowing you to build, deploy, and scale backend systems efficiently.
Visual context: The backend is the hidden engine: it manages databases, user accounts, server responses, and processes your requests when you click “buy now,” ensuring the site (and business) runs smoothly.
Full Stack Development: Do It All (and Earn More)
- Average Salary: $137,000/year
- Mastery of both frontend and backend tech JavaScript, React, Python, Java, HTML, and tools like AWS.
Career insight: With advancements in AI-powered web design, standalone frontend roles might fade over time. Full Stack Developers who can build the whole product, from interface to database will only become more valuable.
Data Focused Engineering Roles
Data Scientist: Unlocking Business Intelligence
- Average Salary: $116,000/year
- Python: Needed in 100% of roles for data analysis and machine learning.
- Statistics: Not a programming language, but critical for analyzing trends, validating hypotheses, and presenting insights.
- Tableau & Other Visualization Tools: Frequently required for turning raw data into meaningful graphs, dashboards, and presentations.
Visual context: Imagine using Python to sift through millions of data rows, then using Tableau to create a dashboard revealing company wide trends at a glance.
Data Analyst: The Entry Point for Data Careers
- Average Salary: $95,000/year
- SQL: Mastery of querying and manipulating databases.
- Python: For automating data tasks and basic analysis.
Insider tip: Many data scientists start as data analysts. Build SQL and Python skills early to fast-track your move into higher roles.
AI and Machine Learning Engineering: The Future Proof Hotspot
- Machine Learning Engineer Salary: $112,000+/year
- AI Engineer Salary: $132,000+/year
AI and machine learning are today’s most in demand, future proof roles with high salary ceilings.
Key Programming Language for Both: Python reigns supreme because of its robust libraries (like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit learn), readability, and versatility across fields.
For Machine Learning Engineers: Companies seek experience with:
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Deep Learning libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.)
These are the foundations for building, training, and deploying complex AI systems from recommendation engines to self-driving car software.
For AI Engineers: After Python, the #2 skill is generative AI building models that create new content (think ChatGPT for text, Dall-E for images). This subfield powers everything from modern customer chatbots to AI generated artwork.
Illustrative example: Have you ever asked ChatGPT to write a poem, or watched Dall-E create an original image from your prompt? That’s the power of generative AI, fueled by neural networks and massive data sets.
Choosing Your Path: Next Steps for Aspiring Developers
No matter which language or path you choose, remember: Tech isn’t just a job, it’s a learning journey. Master the skills, stay curious, connect with real engineers, and don’t fall for “learn this one language to get rich quick” scams. True success means mixing in demand programming languages with practical, project based learning and community connections.
Get involved: Drop a comment below sharing which programming language you’re learning (or planning to learn!) for your tech career. Let’s inspire each other.
Resources to Accelerate Your Programming Career
AI and machine learning roadmap for hands on, project focused learning or check outbest Programming Language for Each Job
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best programming languages for high paying tech jobs in 2025?
The most in demand languages include Python (for data, AI/ML, backend), JavaScript and React (for web frontend), Swift and Kotlin (for mobile iOS and Android). These skills are consistently requested in high paying job listings across top tech companies.
Should I learn Python or JavaScript first for a tech career?
It depends on your interests. Start with Python if you're interested in data science, AI/machine learning, or backend development. Choose JavaScript (and React) if you're drawn to user facing web development. Full stack developers often learn both.
Can AI really replace software engineers and programmers?
While AI automates coding tasks and boosts productivity, it’s not a replacement for coders. Think of it as a tool like a calculator for math. Understanding programming remains essential to use AI tools effectively and progress in your career.
Is mobile development (Android or iOS) a good career choice?
Both fields offer strong salaries ($100K+) and high demand. Android developers should focus on Kotlin (and Java), while iOS developers must master Swift. Choose mobile if you’re passionate about smartphone apps and adapting to frequent platform changes.
What’s the difference between a data scientist and a data analyst?
Data analysts focus on data cleaning, reporting, and visualization (key skills: SQL and Python). Data scientists build predictive models and extract business insights (key skills: Python, statistics, and tools like Tableau). Analysts are often entry level, while data scientists require more advanced expertise.
What are ‘People Also Ask’ for programming language career choices?
- Which programming language has the highest salary?
- Is it better to be a full stack developer or specialize?
- How fast can I get a job after learning a programming language?
- What skills besides coding are important for tech jobs?
How important is AWS for backend developers?
Extremely important! AWS (Amazon Web Services) enables scalable, modern cloud development and appears in most backend role requirements. Learning AWS alongside Python or Java increases your job opportunities and earning potential.
How long does it take to become job ready in programming?
It varies but with dedicated, project based learning and involvement in tech communities, many land entry level roles within 6 to 12 months. Real-world projects and networking are as important as mastering a language.