Top 10 Highest Paying Programming Languages In US

Language is used as a form of communication between two people. One person expresses their thoughts and opinions, whereas the other listens and comprehends those words. Similarly, language is used in computers to communicate between the developer’s commands and the computer’s outputs. In order for the computer’s software to carry out a certain function, it needs to receive the instructions in the form of its programming language.

Each programming language caters to a specific type of system. Not all programming languages are supported in all software. Therefore, knowing which are the most in-demand and highest-paying programming languages in the industry is imperative to pave a lucrative and successful career.

Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career.

Most Popular and Highest Paid Programming Languages in the US

1. Clojure

It is an extensive purpose programming language. It is the most demanding programming language in US because it runs on Java Script platforms, Java Virtual Machine, and Common Language Runtime. Since it has access to all Java libraries and frameworks, both Clojure and Java programming languages can solve each other’s issues which couldn’t have been solved alone. 

It is a dialect of ‘Lisp’, which means it shares the same data and philosophy as Lisp. Most companies use Clojure as it can handle a significant amount of data. Developers use it for Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining. The average annual salary of developers who use this programming language is USD 105,000, making it one of the highest-paid programming languages. 

2. Lisp

Lisp is an abbreviation of ‘List Processing’, which helps make swift and efficient changes to data charts. It uses various dialects, and its codes can be easily interpreted. Most programming developers need a compiler to translate their source codes into machine codes or even into another programming language. 

However, Lisp doesn’t need a compiler as its vast in-built dialect deciphers each code very easily. Although it’s an old programming language, it is still quite popular since it’s easy to learn and performs well on shorter codes. The average annual salary of developers who use this programming language is USD 75,000.

3. Erlang

Erlang is one of the most used programming languages in the telecommunication industry. It executes codes and other functions on high availability without getting overworked. It has a fault-tolerant built-in support system that can troubleshoot issues, distribute information, segregate each data in the right subcategory, and perform quick actions for quick results. Most text messaging companies use this programming language, including WhatsApp, WeChat, etc. 

Unlike other programming languages, which claim to have no bugs or crashes, Erlang focuses more on how to deal with them as soon as they occur. Its lightweight processes help the developers to restart the system and provide self-healing properties. The developers can be assured that they will earn an annual median salary of USD 124,000.

4. Ruby

Ruby is an open-sourced scripting programming language. It is popular as it works on all platforms, such as Windows, all versions of UNIX, Mac OS, etc. Ruby is unique because it follows the Principle Of Least Astonishment (POLA). This feature allows Ruby to run its tasks effortlessly, minimizing complex confusion for the users and developers. It is very easy to use Ruby syntax. 

Since it supports multiple programming models, it increases the developers’ productivity. It is highly used in website development, desktop applications, automation assistance, data processing, etc. Employers who learn and use this programming language can easily expect an annual salary of USD 104,000.

5. Elixir

In order to build a scalable distributed system, a programming language must have access to various concurrent tools (where multiple computations are happening simultaneously). Elixir is one such programming language and by far one of the most powerful and reliable ones. It is very similar to the Erland programming language as they have similar characteristics for developing software. 

The average salary of a developer who uses Elixir is USD 109,000 annually. To execute data workflows, Elixir uses software known as BEAM. It helps to deal with high-volume applications and concurrencies. This language runs in the Erlang Virtual Machine, providing high performance and fault tolerance abilities.

6. Rust

Rust is one of the fastest-running typed programming languages that ensures safety. Unlike many other highest paying programming languages that are too complex and not user-friendly. Most programming languages cannot control an overwhelming workplace load and compromise efficiency. On the other hand, Rust tries to maintain a healthy balance between high technical capacity and a smooth user experience. 

It is fast and memory efficient. It has a user-friendly compiler that handles any crashes smoothly. Usually, when a programming language uses simpler codes, the quantity has to be increased to carry out more tasks. Rust supports complex codes that execute more tasks in minimal encodings. The average salary of a developer who uses Rust is USD 124,000 annually.

7. Python

It is a general-purpose scripting programming language. The developer doesn’t need to compile the codes before running it, as the interpreter executes it at runtime. Whether it’s a complex level of programming that consists of applications and server protection or simple text processing like worldwide web browsers, Python can do it all very efficiently. It runs on different hardware platforms, and unlike other programming languages, it has the same interface. It is scalable as it provides strong support to large programs. Big renowned companies like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, etc., use Python as their programming language. The average annual salary of a Python developer is around USD 76,229.

8. Scala

Scala is an object-oriented, functional programming language. In certain complex applications where fixing bugs is too chaotic, Scala troubleshoots them and provides a quick solution. It converts the codes into bytecodes and runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Each of Scala’s programs is broken down into smaller groups, and each group can be processed separately and simultaneously, making the entire process faster and more effective. 

It is an upgraded version of Java programming language, created to execute the programs in a narrow form, discarding lengthy codes. It also supports many libraries and APIs, which helps the developers with more data information. Various criticisms that were arising in Java have been addressed in Scala. Using this programming language, employees can expect an annual salary of USD 122,000.

9. Perl

It is a dynamic programming language that is object-oriented and procedural. The name PERL stands for ‘Practical Extraction and Report Language’, which is prominently used for quick prototyping and for large-scale development projects. It is a cross-platform programming language that runs on over a hundred platforms, whether a fixed mainframe or a portable structure. Any program written using the Perl language is known as ‘Perl Scripts’. It is used for text manipulation. 

It has an in-built role in shell programming, which utilizes system facilities and segregates data into various sections. The text-manipulating feature of Perl uses various tools for processing texts with XML, HTML, and various other programming languages. It is also known as the ‘duct tape of the internet.’ The average annual salary of a developer using the Perl programming language is USD 102,000.

10. Go

Go is also known as ‘Go Language’ or ‘GoLang’. It is an open-sourced and general-purpose programming language. Google was facing issues with its old and complex programming language, and that’s when Go 1.0 was launched. It soon became the most demanding programming language in US as it was very simple, efficient, and easily readable. The syntax used in this programming language is similar to the C programming language. So, most developers already familiar with C found it easy to learn and use Go. 

It can compile large amounts of data in seconds without being overburdened. Unlike other general-purpose programming languages, Go is multipurpose for cloud computing, data science, web development, and much more. Creators need a programming language that can perform large-scale automation, and Go is best suited for that. The annual salary for Go developers is USD 122,000.

How Can Learning Programming Languages Help Boost Your Career?

People who approach learning programming and codes often wonder whether the struggle with it is worth it. In today’s time, where data surrounds us all, you should know that learning these top-paying programming languages can significantly boost your career. Once you learn how to program using in-demand languages, you will find yourself in a niche where it will be easier to connect with other developers. Networking with them will open doors to ample opportunities. There are various other benefits that you should pay attention to. Read ahead:

Improves Your Data Analysis and Data Visualization Skills

Since programming languages are the core foundations of data analysis and data visualization, they will help you improve your data analysis skills. Designing complex data panels and transcripts are some of the perks of learning high-level languages such as the ones mentioned above. 

Improves Problem-solving Skills

When developers deal with complex codes, they navigate their way through them by breaking them down into smaller codes. This ultimately helps them tackle complex codes by converting them into simpler versions. The entire process can enable developers to learn problem-solving skills. In order to solve any complex situation, a methodological approach is required. It helps in bringing a new perspective towards the problem and ultimately leads to a solution. 

Allows You to Be a Part of a Revolutionary Future

Learning programming languages, codes, data science, etc., will act as your tools to contribute to innovating the future. Technological advancements such as robotics, automated technologies, and systems for cars, banks, and other areas will demand special skills. Only learned and experienced developers will be given such prosperous opportunities, so ensure you’re prepared for it.

Gives You a Fair Job Opportunity and Security

Programming languages are universal. As a developer, if you know your programming language thoroughly, you can be employed in any company in the world. You need not learn anything from scratch or worry about any technical changes in the workplace if you’re changing countries. You’ll be highly employable no matter where you choose to go. This provides fair job opportunities and ensures the security of having a job.

Conclusion

Having the right source of knowledge is as important as having the right skills. Since programming languages are a complex subject, you need a good mentor for better understanding. UpGrad offers an Advanced Certificate Programme in Blockchain, which will help you become an efficient data developer, further enhancing your programming skills and knowledge of the upcoming innovations in Blockchain technology.