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Salary Comparison
Updated February 21, 2026
6 min read

Complete Data Analyst vs Python Developer Salary Comparison (2026)

Explore the salary differences, benefits, and career paths of Data Analysts and Python Developers in 2025 to help inform your career choices.

• Reviewed by Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen

Senior Career Advisor

12+ years in HR and recruitment

Quick Comparison

Data Analyst

$94,722

avg. annual salary

4%

Python Developer
pays more on average

Python Developer

$98,223

avg. annual salary

In today's technology-driven world, choosing the right career path can be daunting. Both Data Analysts and Python Developers play pivotal roles in organizations, but their salaries and career trajectories can vary significantly. As companies increasingly rely on data to make informed decisions, the demand for skilled professionals in data analysis and programming continues to rise. Understanding the differences in salary, benefits, and growth opportunities between Data Analysts and Python Developers can help you make a more informed career choice. In this article, we will delve into the salary benchmarks for both positions, highlight the benefits each role typically offers, and explore potential career paths for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike.

Salary by Experience Level

Data Analyst Entry
$64,167

starting salary

Python Developer Entry
$66,538

starting salary

Salary Difference
$3,501

avg. difference (4%)

Salary Overview

In 2025, the average salary for a Data Analyst is projected to be $85,000, with a salary range between $70,000 and $100,000 depending on experience and location. On the other hand, Python Developers can expect to earn an average salary of $95,000, with a range of $80,000 to $120,000.

The higher average salary for Python Developers is attributed to the technical skills required for the role and the growing demand for Python in various sectors such as web development and data science.

Benefits Offered

Both Data Analysts and Python Developers enjoy competitive benefits. Common perks include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

However, Python Developers often receive additional benefits such as bonuses for project completion and opportunities for professional development, reflecting the high demand for their skill set. In contrast, Data Analysts may benefit from flexible working hours, allowing them to adapt their schedules to accommodate data collection and reporting needs.

Career Paths

Data Analysts typically advance to positions such as Senior Data Analyst or Business Intelligence Analyst, where they can lead data projects and manage teams. On the other hand, Python Developers can transition into roles like Software Engineer or Data Engineer, which involve more complex programming tasks and responsibilities.

Both career paths offer ample opportunities for advancement, depending on skills, experience, and additional certifications.

Conclusion

Deciding between a career as a Data Analyst or Python Developer ultimately depends on your interests and skills. While both roles offer lucrative salaries and promising career paths, the choice may come down to whether you prefer working with data analytics or coding and software development.

Assessing the benefits and growth opportunities in each field can provide greater clarity in your career decision-making process.

Detailed Salary Comparison: Data Analyst vs Python Developer (2025)

### Overview In 2025, typical U. S.

salary ranges differ notably: data analysts usually earn about $65,000–$95,000, while Python developers (general software roles using Python) commonly range $95,000–$150,000. Median pay for Python developers is roughly 30–60% higher than for data analysts, depending on location and specialization.

### By experience level

  • Entry (02 years): Data Analyst $55k–$75k; Python Developer $80k–$105k.
  • Mid (36 years): Data Analyst $70k–$95k; Python Developer $105k–$135k.
  • Senior (7+ years): Data Analyst $90k–$120k (analytics lead, BI architect); Python Developer $130k–$180k (senior backend, ML engineer).

### Industry and location effects

  • Finance and tech clusters (NY, SF): +1530% vs national median.
  • Healthcare and government: often 515% below tech hubs.
  • Remote roles can add or subtract 5–10% depending on company policy.

### Skill premiums

  • SQL + Tableau/Power BI: adds ~10–15% for analysts.
  • Machine learning, cloud, or full-stack Python skills: add 15–25% for developers.

Actionable takeaways: if you want faster salary growth, focus on Python plus cloud/ML; if you prefer domain analysis with steady demand, strengthen SQL and visualization tools to raise pay by ~1015%.

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