Which pays more, Java or Python? Salary comparison for developers in 2026

When you’re learning to code, one of the first questions that pops up is: Which pays more, Java or Python? It’s not just about which language feels easier or more fun-it’s about your paycheck, your career path, and how long it takes to get there. The answer isn’t simple, but it’s not magic either. Let’s break it down with real numbers, real jobs, and what’s actually happening in 2026.

Java still rules enterprise systems

Java isn’t going away. Not even close. If you walk into a bank, an insurance company, or a big airline’s tech department, you’ll find Java running most of their core systems. These aren’t startups. These are institutions that can’t afford to rewrite everything because a new language got popular. They need stability, security, and scalability-and Java delivers.

In Australia, Java developers with 3-5 years of experience earn between AUD $95,000 and $130,000 annually. Senior roles, especially in finance or government tech, often hit $150,000+. That’s not unusual. Companies like Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, and ANZ still rely on Java for their transaction systems, backend services, and mobile banking apps. The demand isn’t flashy, but it’s steady. And because there’s a shortage of skilled Java engineers who understand legacy systems, salaries stay high.

Java’s strength isn’t speed-it’s endurance. It’s the language that keeps the lights on. If you’re okay with working on large, complex systems and don’t mind slower iteration cycles, Java offers a reliable, high-paying career.

Python’s growth is explosive

Python’s rise didn’t come from enterprise apps. It came from data, AI, and automation. In 2026, Python is the default language for machine learning engineers, data analysts, and automation specialists. If you’re building a recommendation engine, training a model to predict customer churn, or writing scripts to pull data from 50 different APIs, you’re probably using Python.

Entry-level Python developers in Sydney start around AUD $80,000. But here’s the catch: those with skills in libraries like TensorFlow, Pandas, or Scikit-learn can jump to $110,000-$140,000 in under three years. Roles in fintech, health tech, and AI startups are booming. Companies like Atlassian, Canva, and even the Australian Bureau of Statistics hire Python devs to handle massive datasets and build predictive tools.

What makes Python different is how fast you can grow. You don’t need to master 10 frameworks to land a good job. Learn how to clean data, build a simple neural net, and automate a report-and you’re already ahead of many Java grads. The barrier to entry is lower, but the ceiling? It’s sky-high if you dive into AI.

It’s not just the language-it’s the role

Here’s the truth most tutorials won’t tell you: Java and Python don’t pay because they’re languages. They pay because of the problems they solve.

A Java developer working on a trading platform at a hedge fund makes more than a Python developer writing scripts for internal tools-even if the Python dev has more skills. Why? Because the Java role handles millions of dollars in real-time transactions. The risk and responsibility are higher. The pay reflects that.

On the flip side, a Python developer building AI models for a medical imaging startup might earn less than a Java engineer at a bank… but their work could be the reason a cancer diagnosis gets made 6 months earlier. That kind of impact doesn’t always show up in salary brackets, but it changes careers.

So if you’re asking which pays more, you’re really asking: Do you want to work on stable, high-stakes systems-or on fast-moving, innovation-driven projects?

Market demand in Australia: Java vs Python

Job listings on Seek and LinkedIn in early 2026 show a clear split:

• Java: 3,200+ active job postings, mostly in banking, insurance, and government sectors.
• Python: 5,800+ active job postings, with 40% in AI/ML roles, 25% in data analysis, and the rest in web dev and automation.

Python has more openings. Java has fewer-but they’re harder to fill. Companies are desperate for Java engineers who understand Spring Boot, Hibernate, and microservices architecture. The average time to fill a Java role is 42 days. For Python, it’s 28 days.

That means: if you’re a Java developer, you have more leverage in salary negotiations. If you’re a Python developer, you have more options. More companies. More startups. More chances to switch roles.

What’s the long-term view?

Some people think Python will replace Java. That’s not happening. Java is too embedded. But Python is growing faster. By 2030, the number of Python developers in Australia could be double what it is today. Java’s growth? Flat.

That doesn’t mean Java’s dead. It means its future is different. Java will stay in the backend, the core, the systems that can’t afford to fail. Python will be everywhere else-on the edge, in the cloud, in the lab, in the startup.

If you’re starting out, and you’re not sure where you’ll end up, Python gives you more doors. But if you want to lock in a high salary fast and work in a field that rarely changes, Java is your ticket.

Which should you learn first?

If you’re new to coding and you care about money, here’s the practical path:

1. Start with Python. It’s easier to learn. You’ll build things faster. You’ll get feedback sooner. That keeps you motivated.
2. After 6-12 months, if you’re interested in finance, enterprise software, or large-scale systems, learn Java. Many companies now want developers who can do both.
3. If you’re drawn to AI, data, or automation-stick with Python. Specialize. Build a portfolio. You’ll be in demand.
4. If you’re drawn to banking, logistics, or government tech-learn Java after your basics. You’ll be hired faster than most.

There’s no wrong choice. But there’s a smarter path. Learn Python first. It opens doors. Then, if you want to climb higher in enterprise, add Java. That combo? It’s rare. And it pays well.

Real salary numbers in Australia (2026)

Here’s what actual job postings are offering right now:

Average Annual Salaries for Java and Python Developers in Australia, 2026

Experience Level	Java Developer	Python Developer
Entry-level (0-2 years)	AUD $80,000-$95,000	AUD $75,000-$90,000
Mid-level (3-5 years)	AUD $95,000-$130,000	AUD $100,000-$140,000
Senior (6+ years)	AUD $130,000-$160,000+	AUD $120,000-$170,000+
AI/ML Specialist (Python)	N/A	AUD $140,000-$190,000+
Enterprise Architect (Java)	AUD $150,000-$200,000+	N/A

Notice something? Python catches up fast. By mid-level, Python devs are earning more on average. And in AI roles? They’re pulling ahead by a wide margin. Java’s edge is in senior architecture roles-where you’re designing systems, not writing code.

What’s the catch?

Python’s flexibility is also its weakness. Many junior devs think “I know Python” means they can do anything. But the market is getting smarter. Employers now ask for specific skills: “Show me a model you trained,” “Can you optimize this Pandas script?” If you can’t demonstrate real work, you’re just another person who did a Udemy course.

Java’s catch? It’s harder to learn. The syntax is stricter. The ecosystem is complex. You need to understand dependency management, JVM tuning, and enterprise patterns. It takes longer to become useful. But once you do, you’re not replaceable.

Final answer: Which pays more?

In 2026, Python pays more overall-especially if you go into AI, data, or automation. But Java still wins in high-stakes enterprise roles. The highest earners? The ones who know both.

Don’t pick one because it’s trending. Pick one because it solves the kind of problems you care about. Then learn the other. That’s how you win.