While Python leads among beginners and enthusiasts, Zig is set to offer the highest salaries for experienced developers
Zig has emerged as the highest-paid programming language in the latest Stack Overflow Developer Survey, a significant achievement for the relatively new language. The survey, which polls thousands of developers annually, revealed that Zig developers earned an impressive average salary of $103,611 in 2023. This marks a notable rise, propelling Zig to the top spot and surpassing last year’s leader, Clojure, which now sits at fifth place with an average salary of $96,381.
The Zig language, which was initiated by Andrew Kelley in 2015, offers a modern alternative to C, appealing to developers for its efficiency and robust performance. This high earning potential reflects the increasing demand and value of expertise in Zig, making it an attractive option for developers seeking higher compensation in their careers.
Following Zig, Erlang, known for its use in concurrent programming, secured the second position with an earning potential of $99,492. F#, a versatile programming language, came in third with an average salary of $99,311, while Ruby, a long-standing open-source language, was fourth with $98,522. These positions highlight a shift from the previous year’s rankings, where languages like Clojure held the top spots.
In contrast, Python—while continuing its strong presence—has seen a shift in its role. Python remains the preferred language for non-professional programmers and learners, outpacing SQL in popularity among students (59% vs. 37%). However, professional developers still favor SQL slightly more than Python (52% vs. 45%), indicating a difference in language preference between learners and industry professionals.
Overall, the survey underscores the evolving landscape of programming languages, with newer entrants like Zig making significant strides in compensation and popularity. As the tech industry continues to grow and diversify, the demand for specialized skills in languages such as Zig is likely to increase, offering promising career opportunities for developers