Which Programming Language is Best for Getting a Job in 2018? (Data-Driven Rankings & Analysis)
In 2018, the tech job market was booming, with developers in high demand across web, mobile, data science, and enterprise software. But which programming language offered the best shot at employment? Drawing from authoritative sources like Stack Overflow's 2018 Developer Survey (67,000+ responses), Indeed job postings, GitHub Octoverse, IEEE Spectrum, RedMonk rankings, and Dice Tech Jobs Report, this analysis ranks languages by job postings, developer popularity, salaries, and growth trends.
Whether you're an aspiring developer, career changer, or student, we'll break down proven recommendations--including entry-level picks, freelance gigs, bootcamp success stories, and forecasts into 2019. Expect a head-to-head on Java vs. Python vs. JavaScript, plus insights on emerging stars like Go and Kotlin.
Quick Answer: Top 5 Programming Languages for Jobs in 2018
For those scanning for the essentials: JavaScript dominated with unmatched ubiquity, followed by enterprise powerhouse Java, versatile Python, and steady performers C# and C++.
- JavaScript (65% usage in Stack Overflow survey; #1 on GitHub pull requests; 81% of Indeed postings)
- Java ($102k avg salary per Indeed; 90% Fortune 500 usage; high-volume enterprise demand)
- Python (Rising fast; 79% of data postings on Indeed; top for ML/data science growth)
- C# (Enterprise .NET staple; strong in gaming/Windows dev)
- C++ (Performance-critical systems; top 5 in Tiobe/IEEE rankings)
Key Takeaways Box:
- JavaScript: Most jobs overall (web front/back-end).
- Java: Enterprise/Android stability.
- Python: Versatile growth in data/AI.
- C#: Microsoft ecosystem lock-in.
- Focus here for 80% of opportunities.
Key Takeaways & Job Market Overview
2018 saw JavaScript as the web's backbone, Python surging in data/ML (Dice: +17% Y/Y), and mobile languages like Kotlin/Swift gaining traction. BLS occupational outlook projected strong programmer growth, while Dice highlighted data roles exploding (+50% for Data Engineers).
- Ubiquitous picks: JS for web (95% of sites), Java for enterprise.
- Growth stars: Python, Go, Kotlin (GitHub's fastest-growing).
- Decliners: PHP/Ruby seeing fewer postings.
- Mini case study: Coding Dojo's Indeed analysis pinned top 7 as JavaScript, Java, Python, SQL, C#, PHP, C++--with Java holding despite a slight dip.
Most In-Demand Languages by Job Postings (Indeed & Dice Data)
Indeed data (2014-2019 trends) showed JavaScript in 81% of postings, Python at 79% (especially data roles), and Java in high volume for back-end/APIs. Dice reported Data Engineer postings up 50% Y/Y, fueled by Python/SQL. Coding Dojo confirmed JS/Java/Python as the undisputed top trio.
Developer Popularity & "Most Loved" (Stack Overflow Survey 2018)
Stack Overflow's survey (67,441 full responses from 98k total) crowned JavaScript at 62.5-65% usage. Python/Swift/Go saw rising adoption--9-11% planning migrations. "Most loved" favored Rust/Elixir, but job volume skewed to JS/Python.
Detailed Rankings: Top Programming Languages by Employability in 2018
Cross-referencing Stack Overflow, GitHub (JS #1 pull requests, Kotlin fastest-growing), Tiobe (Java/C top), IEEE Spectrum, and RedMonk:
| Rank | Language | Key Stats | Pros | Cons | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JavaScript | 65% SO usage; GitHub #1; 81% Indeed | Web ubiquity (front/back via Node) | Callback hell (pre-ES6) | Web apps, full-stack |
| 2 | Java | $102k salary; 90% Fortune 500; Android driver | Enterprise scale, cross-platform | Verbose | Enterprise, Android |
| 3 | Python | 79% data postings; +17% Dice growth | Readable, versatile (data/ML) | Slower runtime | Data science, automation |
| 4 | C# | Top 5 popularity; .NET growth | Productive, Windows/gaming | Microsoft-centric | Enterprise, Unity |
| 5 | C++ | Tiobe #3; performance king | Speed/control | Complex | Systems, games |
| 6 | PHP | Web legacy (WordPress 90%) but declining | Quick scripts | Security rep | CMS sites |
| 7+ | Go (rising), Rust (startups/loved), Kotlin (Android #3 platform), Swift (iOS) | GitHub growth; SO migrations | Efficiency/safety | Niche | Cloud (Go), mobile |
Mini case studies: Java powers 90% Fortune 500; Kotlin exploded on GitHub as Android's preferred language.
Salary Comparison: Which Pays Most?
Stack Overflow/Indeed pegged Java at $102k avg (USA). High-end: Scala/Rust/Elixir topped surveys (Rust #2 worldwide).
| Language | Avg US Salary (2018) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Java | $102,000 | Indeed |
| Scala | Top 10 (US #1) | SO |
| Rust | #2 worldwide | SO |
| Elixir | #3 worldwide | SO |
| Python | $95k+ (data roles) | Dice |
| JavaScript | $90k+ | Indeed |
| C# | $98k | Various |
Java vs Python vs JavaScript: Job Market Battle 2018
The big three clashed: Stack Overflow put JS #1 (65%), Indeed tied Python/JS (79-81%), GitHub echoed JS dominance.
| Aspect | JavaScript | Python | Java |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Volume | Highest (web) | Data/ML surge | Enterprise/Android |
| Pros | Ubiquitous, full-stack | Readable, libraries | Stable, scalable |
| Cons | Browser quirks | Performance | Boilerplate |
| Trends (USA) | 81% postings | +17% Y/Y | High volume, slight dip |
| Winner? | JS for sheer jobs | Python for growth | Java for salary/stability |
JS wins volume; Python growth; Java pays/enterprise.
Emerging Languages & Declining Trends
Growth: Go (simplicity since 2009; SO loved); Kotlin (GitHub fastest, Android #3 per SO); Swift (iOS demand, 11% migrations); Rust (startups, #2 salary).
Decline: PHP (legacy web down); Scala (-2 RedMonk); Ruby on Rails (fewer gigs). GitHub Octoverse/forecasts predicted Go/Kotlin acceleration into 2019.
Mini case study: Go's efficiency drove cloud adoption; Kotlin boosted Android over Java.
Entry-Level, Freelance & Bootcamp: Best Languages to Start
Entry-level checklist:
- Master JS or Python (most postings).
- Build portfolio (GitHub projects).
- Join bootcamp (Coding Dojo: Java/Python focus, high placement).
- Apply via Indeed (target JS/Java).
- Network on Stack Overflow/LinkedIn.
Freelance: JS/PHP (quick web gigs). Bootcamps: Java/Python for 80% placements.
Job Forecasts: 2018 Trends to 2019 & Beyond
BLS eyed programmer growth; Dice projected Python +17%, data +28%. Mobile rose (Kotlin/Swift); Go optimistic (loved). Cautious on PHP decline. 2019 previews: JS/Python hold, Kotlin/Go expand.
FAQ
Which coding language gets the most jobs in 2018?
JavaScript--65% SO usage, 81% Indeed postings.
Java vs Python vs JavaScript job market 2018: Which wins?
JS for volume, Python growth, Java stability/salary.
What are the top programming languages for entry-level jobs 2018?
JS, Python, Java--per Indeed/Coding Dojo.
Is Go or Rust worth learning for jobs in 2018?
Yes--Go rising (cloud), Rust startups/high-pay (SO #2 salary).
PHP job opportunities 2018: Still viable?
Yes for legacy web, but declining vs. JS/Python.
Best languages for freelance programming gigs 2018?
JS, PHP, Python--quick web/data projects.