Top Paying Programming Technologies 2024
Tags: programming, programmers, productivity, discuss
Published: 2024-03-06 13:48:48

Delve into the realm of high-paying programming technologies as we explore the top earners in the field. Consider whether acquiring expertise in these technologies aligns with your goals for advancing your development skills.

## 1. [ZIG](https://ziglang.org/) - $103,611

Frustrated with C's complexity but still crave its performance? Zig might be the language for you. Designed as a modern C successor, Zig offers a simpler and safer experience while maintaining C's low-level control and speed. It ditches error-prone features like macros and preprocessors, and includes safeguards against memory leaks and buffer overflows that plague C development. Zig integrates seamlessly with existing C code, so you can leverage your C libraries or even write Zig code usable from C programs. Unlike some languages, Zig doesn't force external dependencies. Its built-in toolchain handles building and managing your project, streamlining development. Performance-focused features like manual memory management and low-level control give you fine-tuned efficiency in your programs. To top it off, Zig boasts powerful compile-time features for generic and efficient code. Overall, Zig provides a compelling alternative for system programming, embedded development, or any task where C's performance is desired with a more modern and safer approach.

## 2. [Erlang](https://www.erlang.org/) - $99,492

Erlang is a unique language designed for building large, reliable systems that need to be constantly available. Imagine massive telecommunication networks or always-on messaging apps – that's Erlang's sweet spot. It excels at handling concurrency, meaning it can manage many tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Erlang's secret weapon is its lightweight processes that can be easily restarted if they encounter errors. This "let it crash" philosophy ensures the overall system keeps running smoothly. Plus, Erlang is built for distribution, allowing you to spread your application across multiple machines for even greater scalability. If you're looking to build fault-tolerant, high-performance systems that can't afford downtime, Erlang's a powerful tool to consider.

## 3. [F#](https://fsharp.org/) - $99,311

F# is a versatile programming language that combines the best of multiple worlds. It blends functional programming with object-oriented features, offering a clean and concise way to write code. Unlike traditional languages where data can be constantly modified, F# emphasizes immutability, meaning data remains unchanged after creation. This leads to fewer errors and easier reasoning about how your code behaves. F# shines in areas like data manipulation, asynchronous programming (handling multiple tasks at once), and building robust systems. Its focus on clarity and correctness makes it a favorite for complex financial applications, scientific computing, and functional programming enthusiasts.

## 4. [RUBY](https://www.ruby-lang.org/en/) - $98,522

Ruby is a programmer-friendly language known for its simplicity and readability. Unlike some languages that require mountains of code, Ruby lets you achieve complex tasks with fewer lines. This focus on developer productivity makes it a great choice for beginners and experienced programmers alike. Ruby is also quite versatile. It tackles web development with frameworks like Rails, but its uses extend to data analysis, automation tools, and even creating desktop applications. If you're looking for a language that's easy to learn, fun to use, and powerful enough for various projects, Ruby is a strong contender.

## 5. [Clojure](https://clojure.org/) - $96,381

Clojure offers a unique blend of power and expressiveness for programmers. It's a dialect of Lisp, which means code can be treated as data, allowing for flexible manipulation. But Clojure's core is functional programming, where you avoid modifying data and instead create new versions. This leads to cleaner, less error-prone code. Despite its functional heart, Clojure allows for mutations when needed. It also integrates seamlessly with Java, making it a great choice for working with existing Java libraries and tools. So, if you value clean, expressive code, functional programming benefits, and the ability to leverage the Java ecosystem, Clojure might be worth exploring.

## 6. [Elixir](https://elixir-lang.org/) - $96,381

Elixir is a language designed to build robust and scalable applications. It combines the strengths of two worlds: Erlang, known for its fault tolerance and concurrency, and Ruby, famous for its developer friendliness. Elixir inherits Erlang's ability to handle many tasks simultaneously and self-heal from errors. This makes it ideal for constantly running systems like chat applications or e-commerce platforms. On the other hand, Elixir borrows Ruby's clean syntax and focus on programmer productivity. This makes it easier to learn and write than Erlang, while still offering the power and reliability needed for large-scale projects. So, if you're looking for a language that balances ease of development with the ability to build fault-tolerant, scalable applications, Elixir is a great choice.

## 7. [Lisp](https://lisp-lang.org/) - $96,381

Lisp (List Processor) is a unique and influential programming language that stands out from the crowd. Unlike most languages that use different structures for code and data, Lisp relies on "lists" for everything. This makes Lisp incredibly flexible, as you can manipulate programs like data and even modify them on the fly. This very feature made Lisp a forerunner in Artificial Intelligence research, where symbolic manipulation and easy code changes were crucial.

## 8. [Scala](https://www.scala-lang.org/) - $96,381

Scala is a powerful programming language designed to address limitations in Java. It combines object-oriented and functional programming paradigms, offering flexibility and expressiveness. Scala is known for its conciseness, allowing you to write less code to achieve more.

One of its strengths is safety. Scala is statically typed, which means the compiler catches errors before you even run the program. Additionally, features like immutable data structures help prevent bugs.

Scala integrates seamlessly with Java, so you can leverage existing Java libraries and even mix Scala and Java code within the same project.

If you're looking for a language that's powerful, concise, safe, and plays well with Java, Scala is a great option for web development, data analysis, or building scalable applications.

## 9. [Perl](https://www.perl.org/) - $94,540

Perl is a veteran scripting language known for its versatility and text manipulation prowess. It's particularly adept at handling complex text data, making it a favorite for tasks like web scraping, data munging, and system administration. Perl's claim to fame is its powerful regular expressions, which are like supercharged search patterns for sifting through text.

However, Perl's flexibility can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Its code can be concise but also cryptic for beginners due to its shorthand syntax. Despite its age, Perl still sees use in web development, bioinformatics, and system automation, but for new projects, languages like Python might be more approachable due to their clearer syntax.

## 10. [Go](https://go.dev/) - $92,760

Go, also sometimes called Golang, is a relatively young language created at Google. It prioritizes simplicity, reliability, and performance. Go is designed to be easy to learn and use, with a clean and concise syntax. This focus on readability makes code easier to maintain and collaborate on. Despite its simplicity, Go is a powerful language well-suited for building backend systems, web applications, and even command-line tools. One of its strengths is concurrency, which allows your program to handle many tasks simultaneously without a struggle. Go also excels at performance, offering fast execution speeds thanks to its compiled nature. If you're looking for a language that balances ease of use, performance, and concurrency for building modern applications, Go is a great choice.

## 11. [OCaml](https://ocaml.org/) - $91,026

OCaml (pronounced oh-CAML) is a powerful language that blends multiple programming paradigms. It combines functional programming, with its emphasis on immutability and pure functions, with object-oriented features for structured code organization. This fusion offers a balance between flexibility and reliability. OCaml is known for its strong static typing system, which catches errors early in the development process, leading to more robust and secure applications.

Performance is another perk. OCaml compiles to efficient machine code, making it suitable for tasks where speed matters, like system programming, financial applications, and scientific computing. Beyond its technical strengths, OCaml boasts a mature ecosystem with a wide range of libraries and tools, making development smoother. If you're looking for a versatile language that prioritizes safety, performance, and offers a blend of functional and object-oriented features, OCaml is definitely worth considering.

## 12. [Objective-C](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/ProgrammingWithObjectiveC/Introduction/Introduction.html) - $90,000

Objective-C, once a dominant force in mobile development, is a powerful language specifically designed for Apple's operating systems, like iOS and macOS. It bridges the gap between high-level languages and the underlying hardware, giving programmers more control over system resources. This fine-grained control was essential in the early days of mobile development, allowing developers to optimize performance and squeeze the most out of limited device resources.

However, Objective-C's complexity can be a drawback. Its syntax can be verbose and error-prone, making code challenging to maintain and debug. Additionally, its reliance on manual memory management can lead to memory leaks if not handled carefully.

With the rise of Swift, Apple's newer language, Objective-C's popularity has declined. Still, some legacy applications and parts of Apple's own frameworks are written in Objective-C. So, if you're working on an existing iOS or macOS project with a large Objective-C codebase, or need to interact with Apple's older frameworks, understanding Objective-C remains valuable. But for new projects, Swift is generally the preferred choice due to its simpler syntax, improved safety features, and better integration with modern development practices.

## 13. [Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/) - $87,012

Rust is a powerful language gaining traction for its focus on speed, memory safety, and concurrency. Unlike some languages that prioritize ease of use over control, Rust empowers you to write efficient code while ensuring it's free of memory errors like crashes or data corruption. This makes Rust ideal for building reliable systems that need to perform well, especially in areas like embedded systems, operating systems, and high-performance web services.

While Rust's focus on safety leads to more complex syntax compared to some languages, it also offers features like automatic memory management, preventing memory leaks that plague other languages. This can save development time and improve the overall stability of your application. The Rust community is known for its helpfulness and extensive documentation, making it easier to learn and navigate the language's intricacies. So, if you're looking for a language that prioritizes performance, memory safety, and building robust applications, Rust is a compelling choice, especially for projects where control and efficiency are paramount.

## 14. [Swift](https://www.swift.org/) - $86,271

Swift is a modern programming language developed by Apple specifically for building apps on their devices. It offers a compelling alternative to the older Objective-C, aiming for simplicity, safety, and performance. Swift boasts a clean and readable syntax, making code easier to write, understand, and maintain compared to Objective-C's verbose style.

One of its key strengths is safety. Swift incorporates features to prevent common programming errors like memory leaks and crashes that can plague Objective-C development. This focus on safety reduces development headaches and leads to more reliable applications.

Despite its emphasis on safety, Swift doesn't sacrifice performance. It compiles to efficient code, making it suitable for creating fast and responsive apps for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices. Additionally, Swift plays well with existing Objective-C code, allowing you to integrate older libraries or even mix Swift and Objective-C within the same project if needed.

So, if you're looking to develop modern applications for Apple's ecosystem, Swift is the language of choice. It offers a great balance between readability, safety, and performance, making it easier to write robust and efficient apps for Apple devices.

## 15. [Groovy](https://www.groovy-lang.org/) - $86,271

Groovy is a dynamic language that rides on the coattails of Java, offering a familiar base with a more concise and readable twist. Imagine Java with less verbosity and a sprinkle of sugar. This makes Groovy a great choice for developers already familiar with Java who want to improve their productivity and write more expressive code.

Groovy seamlessly integrates with Java. You can use Groovy code within existing Java projects and leverage existing Java libraries. This smooth integration makes it a popular choice for extending Java applications or building microservices.

Beyond its Java connection, Groovy shines in web development. It works well with frameworks like Grails, which streamline the process of building web applications. Groovy also boasts powerful metaprogramming features, allowing you to write code that manipulates itself at runtime, leading to more dynamic and flexible applications.

So, if you're looking for a language that's familiar to Java developers, offers a more concise syntax, and integrates seamlessly with the Java ecosystem, Groovy is a strong contender. It's particularly well-suited for web development, scripting tasks within Java projects, and building microservices.

## 16. [Bash/Shell (all shells)](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/list-out-all-the-shells-using-linux-commands/) - $85,672

Bash, along with sh, zsh, and ksh, are all flavors of what's called a shell. Imagine them as text-based interpreters that act as the go-between for you and the operating system's core. Programmers use shells for a number of reasons. First, shells provide direct access to the operating system's kernel, the central program that controls everything. This granular control lets them manage files, run programs, and automate tasks with a high degree of precision. Shells are also great for writing scripts, which are basically lists of commands strung together. These scripts can automate repetitive tasks, saving programmers tons of time. On top of that, shells are highly customizable. You can change how they look, set up shortcuts for frequently used commands, and even create your own functions to expand their abilities. Plus, shells come standard on most Unix-based systems, including macOS and Linux, making them a universal tool for programmers regardless of their specific environment. Finally, shells are lightweight compared to graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This makes them efficient to use, even on machines with lower resources. While GUIs might be easier to learn at first, shells offer a powerful alternative for programmers thanks to their direct control, scripting abilities, and universal presence in the Unix world.

## 17. [Haskell](https://www.haskell.org/) - $85,672

Haskell is a unique breed of programming language known for its focus on functional programming. Unlike traditional languages where data can be constantly modified, Haskell emphasizes immutability – data remains unchanged after it's created. This leads to fewer errors and makes reasoning about how your code behaves much easier.

Haskell shines in areas like data manipulation, handling multiple tasks simultaneously (concurrency), and building robust systems. Its focus on clarity and correctness makes it a favorite for complex financial applications, scientific computing, and for programmers who enjoy the elegance of functional programming.

## 18. [Apex](https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/atlas.en-us.apexcode.meta/apexcode/apex_intro_what_is_apex.htm) - $81,552

Apex is a specialized language designed to work exclusively with the Salesforce platform. It combines elements of Java and Salesforce's Visualforce templating language, making it a powerful tool for customizing and extending Salesforce's capabilities. Because Apex is native to Salesforce, it integrates seamlessly with the platform's features and objects. This smooth integration allows developers to create applications that leverage the full potential of Salesforce, without worrying about compatibility issues.

Another advantage of Apex is its object-oriented approach. By utilizing object-oriented programming principles, Apex allows developers to model their code based on real-world concepts. This structure makes complex Salesforce applications easier to understand, maintain, and manage over time.

Furthermore, Apex excels at manipulating Salesforce data and automating tasks. Developers can build custom logic to trigger actions based on events, update records automatically, or integrate Salesforce with external systems. Apex's power extends beyond data manipulation. It can be used to create custom buttons, triggers, and Visualforce pages, effectively extending the Salesforce user interface. This allows developers to tailor the platform to specific business needs, improving user experience and efficiency.

In essence, Apex empowers developers to build custom applications and significantly extend the functionality of the Salesforce platform. However, it's important to note that Apex's usefulness is primarily within the Salesforce ecosystem.

## 19. [PowerShell](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/overview?view=powershell-7.4) - $81,311

PowerShell is a multi-talented tool that blends the power of a command-line interface (CLI) with the flexibility of a scripting language. Designed primarily for Windows environments, it empowers administrators and developers to automate tasks, configure systems, and manage resources efficiently.

PowerShell's strength as a programming language lies in its ability to automate repetitive tasks on Windows systems. Imagine writing scripts to handle user accounts, software installation, or system configuration settings – PowerShell lets you do this and more, saving you significant time and effort. Unlike traditional scripting languages, PowerShell operates on the concept of objects. Everything from user accounts to network settings is treated as an object, making your scripts more organized, reusable, and easier to maintain, especially for complex tasks.

PowerShell comes with a rich library of built-in commands (cmdlets) designed to interact with various aspects of Windows. You can further extend its functionality by creating custom cmdlets or leveraging existing modules from the active PowerShell community. Additionally, PowerShell integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft technologies like Active Directory and Azure, making it a natural choice for automating tasks within these environments. While its roots are in Windows, PowerShell's functionality extends to Linux and macOS as well, adding to its versatility for managing multi-platform environments.

In essence, PowerShell's automation capabilities, object-oriented approach, rich functionality, and integration with Microsoft tools make it a compelling language for scripting and programming tasks, particularly for system administration and management, especially on Windows systems.

## 20. [SAS](https://www.sas.com/en_si/training/courses/sas-programming.html) - $81,000

SAS (originally standing for Statistical Analysis System) isn't just a programming language, it's a software suite specifically designed for data enthusiasts. It empowers you to not only crunch numbers but also to manipulate, analyze, and visualize your data in powerful ways.

Imagine going beyond basic calculations like means and medians. SAS lets you perform a wide range of statistical tests, from simple analyses to complex regressions and modeling techniques. But SAS doesn't stop there. It tackles data management too, efficiently importing data from various sources, cleaning and transforming it as needed, and handling even massive datasets with ease.

If you're looking to gain insights from your data, SAS is a valuable tool. It can summarize your data into clear and concise tables and reports, and it can create informative visualizations like charts and graphs to bring your data to life. SAS even ventures into predictive analytics. By leveraging historical data, SAS can help you build models to forecast future trends or outcomes, making it a valuable asset in areas like marketing, finance, and risk management.

So, what makes SAS a popular choice for data analysis? Several factors contribute to its success. First, SAS offers a vast library of procedures and tools, providing a one-stop shop for various statistical and data manipulation needs. Second, SAS strikes a balance between power and ease of use. While it offers a user-friendly interface for basic tasks, it also provides a programming language for advanced users who crave customization and automation. Finally, SAS boasts industry-specific solutions and expertise in various domains like healthcare, finance, and government.

However, SAS can be a pricier option compared to some free, open-source alternatives. Additionally, the SAS programming language itself can have a steeper learning curve.

Overall, SAS is ideal for organizations that require a comprehensive and user-friendly suite for in-depth data analysis, business intelligence, and even venturing into predictive modeling. Its industry-specific solutions and established track record make it a trusted choice for many companies looking to unlock the power of their data.

## 21. [Lua](https://www.lua.org/) - $80,690

Lua is a lightweight and powerful scripting language designed to be embedded within other applications. Imagine a small, efficient engine that can be seamlessly integrated into existing software. This makes Lua ideal for extending the functionality of programs or adding scripting capabilities to game engines and web applications.

Despite its small size, Lua packs a punch. It's known for its speed and ease of use, with a clean and concise syntax that makes it beginner-friendly. This focus on simplicity makes Lua code easier to read, understand, and maintain. Furthermore, Lua boasts automatic memory management, freeing programmers from the burden of manual memory handling, which can lead to errors and crashes.

So, if you're looking for a language that's lightweight, fast, and easy to learn, Lua is a great option for embedding scripting capabilities into your applications. Its focus on speed and ease of use makes it a popular choice for game development, web applications, and even extending the functionality of existing software.

## 22. [Nim](https://nim-lang.org/) - $80,000

Nim is a versatile programming language designed to be efficient, expressive, and elegant. It combines the strengths of established languages like Python and Ada, offering a clean syntax and strong static typing. This focus on readability and type safety makes Nim code easier to understand, maintain, and less prone to errors.

Nim shines in various areas. For system programming tasks that require close control over hardware resources, Nim's efficiency and ability to compile to native code make it a compelling choice. On the other hand, Nim's expressiveness and metaprogramming features allow developers to write concise and flexible code. This makes it well-suited for building web applications and even scripting tasks.

Another perk of Nim is its ability to compile to various targets, including C, C++, and JavaScript. This allows developers to leverage existing libraries written in these languages and seamlessly integrate Nim code into different environments.

Overall, Nim offers a compelling combination of readability, efficiency, and versatility. Whether you're building system-level applications, web services, or scripting tools, Nim is a language worth considering, especially if you value clean syntax, strong typing, and the ability to target multiple platforms.

## 23. [Raku](https://raku.org/) - $79,448

Raku (formerly Perl 6) is a versatile language offering a unique blend of features. It excels at text processing with built-in regular expressions, but also embraces object-oriented, functional, and metaprogramming paradigms. This flexibility allows developers to tackle various tasks, from web development and data analysis to system scripting and automation. Raku's focus on readability with a clean syntax and optional static typing makes code easier to understand and maintain, while its powerful features empower you to write concise and expressive programs.

## 24. [Python](https://www.python.org/) - $78,331

Python's readability and versatility make it a popular choice for beginners and experts alike. This general-purpose language is known for its clear syntax, resembling plain English, making it easier to learn and write code. Beyond its beginner-friendliness, Python excels in web development, data science, automation, and scripting thanks to its vast libraries and frameworks. Whether you're building a simple website, analyzing complex data, or automating tasks, Python's ease of use and extensive capabilities make it a powerful tool for programmers of all levels.

## 25. [Kotlin](https://kotlinlang.org/) - $78,207

Kotlin is a modern, general-purpose language designed for building cross-platform applications. It offers a concise and expressive syntax, making code cleaner and easier to write compared to Java. Kotlin integrates seamlessly with Java, allowing you to leverage existing Java libraries and even mix Kotlin and Java code within the same project. This makes it a popular choice for Android development, but its strengths extend to web development, desktop applications, and more, attracting programmers who value readability, safety, and the ability to build modern applications for various platforms.

## 26. [APL](https://xpqz.github.io/learnapl/intro.html) - $77,500

APL, known for its unique set of symbols, condenses complex operations into concise expressions. This focus on brevity makes APL ideal for mathematicians and data scientists who value expressing complex logic in a compact way. However, its unconventional syntax can be challenging to learn for beginners.

## 27. [Crystal](https://crystal-lang.org/) - $77,104

Crystal is a general-purpose language aiming to bridge the gap between readability and performance. Inspired by Ruby's syntax, it offers a familiar feel for Ruby developers. But unlike Ruby, Crystal compiles to native code, making it much faster. This speed advantage, combined with its readable syntax and growing ecosystem, makes Crystal a compelling choice for those who want to build performant applications without sacrificing code clarity.

## 28. [TypeScript](https://www.typescriptlang.org/) - $77,104

TypeScript is an extension of JavaScript that adds optional static typing. This means you can define the data types your variables will hold, making your code more reliable and easier to understand. Think of it as JavaScript with a safety net – you get the flexibility of JavaScript with the ability to catch errors early in the development process, leading to more robust and maintainable applications.

## 29. [Assembly](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/assembly_programming/index.htm) - $77,010

Assembly language is a low-level programming language for a computer or other programmable device specific to a particular computer architecture in contrast to most high-level programming languages, which are generally portable across multiple systems. Assembly language is converted into executable machine code by a utility program referred to as an assembler like NASM, MASM, etc.

## 30. [Fortran](https://fortran-lang.org/) - $76,104

Fortran, a pioneer in scientific computing, remains a popular language for high-performance applications. Its clean syntax and efficient compilation make it ideal for numerical computations, simulations, and scientific data analysis. Even today, Fortran is a dominant force in scientific computing, used for tasks like weather prediction and engineering simulations, thanks to its speed and extensive libraries of specialized functions.

## 31. [Cobol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COBOL) - $76,000

COBOL, though not as widely used as some modern languages, is still a critical player in the business world. Designed specifically for business applications, COBOL boasts a clear, English-like syntax that makes it readable even for non-programmers. This readability, along with its robust data handling capabilities, makes it ideal for managing vast amounts of business data. The real power of COBOL lies in its legacy. Many core financial systems, government programs, and enterprise applications are built on COBOL, and due to their critical nature, they continue to be maintained and updated. So, COBOL remains relevant for programmers who need to work with these existing systems or develop new applications that seamlessly integrate with them.

## 32. [C#](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/languages/csharp) - $74,963

C#, pronounced "C-Sharp", is a versatile object-oriented language popular for building modern applications. Its clean syntax and strong typing make code readable and maintainable. C# integrates seamlessly with the .NET framework, offering a vast library of tools and features for web development, desktop applications, mobile apps, and games. This combination of readability, safety, and rich functionality makes C# a compelling choice for programmers of all levels.

## 33. [C++](https://www.w3schools.com/cpp/cpp_intro.asp) - $74,963

C++, known as "C plus plus", is a powerful language balancing high performance with versatility. It offers more control over system resources compared to higher-level languages, making it ideal for performance-critical applications like game development, system programming, and scientific computing. However, this control comes with increased complexity. Despite its steeper learning curve, C++ remains a popular choice for programmers who need the fine-grained control and raw performance it provides.

## 34. [Julia](https://julialang.org/) - $74,963

Julia is a rising star in scientific computing, designed for speed and ease of use. It combines the power of a compiled language like C++ with the readability of a scripting language like Python. This makes Julia ideal for complex scientific simulations, data analysis, and machine learning tasks. Julia boasts a built-in capability for parallel computing, allowing you to harness the power of multiple cores or processors to tackle demanding computational problems efficiently.

## 35. [R](https://www.r-project.org/) - $74,963

The R Project offers an open-source environment specifically designed for statistical computing and graphics. Imagine a powerful toolbox for data analysis, visualization, and statistical modeling. R excels at tasks like data manipulation, hypothesis testing, and creating informative charts and graphs. Its vast collection of packages further expands its capabilities, making it a popular choice for researchers, data analysts, and anyone who wants to extract insights from their data.

## 36. [SQL](https://www.w3schools.com/sql/) - $74,963

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a fundamental tool for interacting with relational databases. Think of it as a universal language you can use to talk to various database systems. SQL empowers you to store, retrieve, manipulate, and manage data stored in these databases. This makes it essential for tasks like generating reports, analyzing data, and keeping web applications running smoothly by interacting with the data behind the scenes.

## 37. [C](https://www.w3schools.com/sql/) - $74,351

C is a foundational language that underpins much of modern computing. Despite its age, C remains popular for its efficiency and control over hardware resources. This fine-grained control makes it ideal for system programming, operating systems, and embedded systems where performance is critical. While higher-level languages offer more ease of use, C's ability to directly interact with hardware and its vast codebase make it a relevant language for programmers who need to squeeze maximum performance or interact with the core workings of a computer system.

## 38. [JavaScript](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/javascript) - $74,034

JavaScript (JS) is the lifeblood of interactive web pages. It adds dynamic behavior to websites, making them respond to user actions and create a more engaging experience. From handling form submissions to creating animations and adding real-time updates, JS is everywhere on the web. Its versatility extends beyond websites – JS is also used to build mobile apps, server-side applications, and even desktop software, making it a powerful and widely-used language for creating all sorts of interactive applications.

## 39. [Java](https://www.java.com/en/download/) - $72,701

Java, renowned for its "write once, run anywhere" (WORA) philosophy, is a versatile object-oriented language. Its clear syntax and robust features make it a popular choice for building various applications. Java excels in web development, enterprise software, mobile apps, and even big data thanks to its rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks. This combination of readability, portability, and extensive functionality makes Java a compelling language for programmers of all levels.

## 40. [Solidity](https://soliditylang.org/) - $72,656

Solidity is a specialty language designed for building smart contracts, self-executing programs that run on blockchains like Ethereum. These contracts automate tasks and agreements securely and transparently. Solidity's syntax resembles JavaScript, making it familiar for web developers, but it focuses on creating secure and tamper-proof code for blockchain applications. So, if you want to develop decentralized applications (dApps) that leverage the power of blockchain technology, Solidity is the language to learn.

## 41. [ADA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_(programming_language)) - $71,500

Named after Ada Lovelace, Ada is a less common language known for its focus on reliability and safety. Developed for real-time systems and embedded systems (like those in airplanes or spacecraft), Ada prioritizes features that prevent errors and ensure program correctness. While not as widely used as some languages, Ada remains relevant in specific domains where safety and reliability are paramount.

## 42. HTML/CSS - $70,148

HTML and CSS are the building blocks of web pages. **HTML** provides the structure and content, like the headings, paragraphs, images, and links that make up a web page. Think of it as the skeleton of a website. **CSS** controls the presentation, dictating how the HTML content is displayed on the screen, including fonts, colors, layouts, and visual effects. Imagine it as the styling and design that brings the web page to life. These two languages work together to create visually appealing and informative websites.

## 43. [Prolog](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/prolog-an-introduction/) - $70,000

Prolog is a logic programming language. It has important role in artificial intelligence. Unlike many other programming languages, Prolog is intended primarily as a declarative programming language. In prolog, logic is expressed as relations (called as Facts and Rules). Core heart of prolog lies at the logic being applied. Formulation or Computation is carried out by running a query over these relations.

## 44. [Delphi](https://www.embarcadero.com/products/Delphi) - $69,608

Delphi language additions including multiline string literals, Skia support in FireMonkey offering higher performance and quality in rendering graphics and UI controls across all target platforms, a new FireDAC QBE for easier data filtering, and a new JSON wizard for data mapping.

## 45. [GDScript](https://gdscript.com/) - $69,608

GDScript is the built-in scripting language for the Godot game engine. Similar to Python in its syntax, it's designed to be easy to learn and use. This makes it ideal for creating game logic, handling user input, and controlling in-game objects within your Godot projects. GDScript integrates tightly with the Godot engine, offering features like automatic memory management and seamless interaction with the engine's components. So, if you're looking for a beginner-friendly language to build games with the Godot engine, GDScript is a great choice.

## 46. [VBA](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/overview/) - $65,698

Beyond the power of scripting VBA to accelerate every-day tasks, you can use VBA to add new functionality to Office applications or to prompt and interact with the user of your documents in ways that are specific to your business needs. For example, you could write some VBA code that displays a pop up message that reminds users to save a document to a particular network drive the first time they try to save it.

## 47. [Visual Basic (.Net)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/visual-basic/) - $65,000

Visual Basic (.NET) is a descendant of the classic Visual Basic language, designed specifically to work within the .NET framework. It offers a familiar and visually-oriented approach to programming, making it easier to learn than some text-based languages. This accessibility, combined with its .NET integration, makes Visual Basic (.NET) a popular choice for building Windows desktop applications, with access to a vast library of .NET tools and features to simplify development.

## 48. [MATLAB](https://www.mathworks.com/products/matlab.html) - $61,735

MATLAB combines a desktop environment tuned for iterative analysis and design processes with a programming language that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly. It includes the Live Editor for creating scripts that combine code, output, and formatted text in an executable notebook.

## 49. [PHP](https://www.php.net/) - $58,899

PHP is a popular open-source scripting language that excels at creating dynamic web content. Imagine adding interactivity and customization to websites. PHP seamlessly integrates with HTML to generate content on-the-fly, making websites more engaging. Beyond basic web development, PHP offers features for database interaction, user authentication, and session management. This versatility, coupled with its large community and ease of use, makes PHP a compelling choice for building websites and web applications of all shapes and sizes.

## 50. [Dart](https://dart.dev/) - $55,862

Dart is a versatile language designed for building modern applications. Its clean syntax and strong typing make code readable and maintainable. The key strength of Dart lies in its ability to compile to native code or JavaScript. This means Dart code can run efficiently on various platforms, including web browsers (via compilation to JavaScript) and mobile devices (via native compilation). Additionally, Dart is the foundation of Flutter, a popular framework for building beautiful and high-performance cross-platform mobile applications. So, whether you're aiming for web, mobile, or even desktop development with a single codebase, Dart offers an efficient and feature-rich solution.

ref: [Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2023](https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2023/#technology-top-paying-technologies)

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