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How much do python programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for python programmer in Richland, WA is $71.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65.34 and $75.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Python programmer?

Python Programmers are software developers who specialize in writing code using the Python programming language. They design, develop, and maintain applications or systems, often working on tasks such as web development, data analysis, machine learning, automation, and scripting. Python Programmers need strong problem-solving skills and a good understanding of programming concepts. They often collaborate with other developers, data scientists, and stakeholders to build efficient and scalable solutions.

What do Python programmers do?

A Python programmer uses the programming language called Python to write code for various applications, including big data manipulation, web servers, program scripting, and more. In this career, the software allows you to program quicker using fewer lines, which creates an easy-to-read code. You can find work in web or game development, data visualization, and analyzing data, among others. Your job duties vary based on your specialization, but they usually include working with files and extensive support libraries, creating, testing and implementing new or updated applications, and examining the code to spot problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Python programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Python Programmer, you need strong proficiency in Python programming, understanding of algorithms, and a background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with development tools like Git, testing frameworks such as PyTest, and experience with libraries like Django or Flask are typically required. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the development of reliable, scalable software solutions and smooth collaboration within technical teams.

What are some common challenges Python programmers face when working on large-scale projects, and how can they overcome them?

Python Programmers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing code maintainability, optimizing performance, and coordinating with cross-functional teams. To address these, it’s essential to follow best practices like modular programming, using virtual environments, and employing version control systems such as Git. Regular code reviews and clear communication within the team help maintain code quality and ensure everyone is aligned. Leveraging frameworks and libraries effectively can also streamline development and reduce repetitive tasks.

What is the difference between Python Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectPython ProgrammerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field; proficiency in PythonDegree in Computer Science or related; proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python
Work EnvironmentOften in tech companies, startups, or freelance projects focused on Python-based tasksIn various industries, working on full software solutions, often across multiple languages and platforms
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, data analysis, automation projectsSoftware firms, IT departments, app development

While a Python Programmer specializes in Python coding, a Software Developer works on broader software solutions, often using multiple languages. Both roles require similar foundational skills, but Software Developers typically handle more comprehensive project responsibilities.

Are Python programmers in demand?

Python programmers are in high demand across various industries due to the language's versatility, ease of learning, and widespread use in data analysis, web development, and automation. Employers often seek candidates with skills in frameworks like Django or Flask and familiarity with tools such as Git and cloud platforms. The demand is expected to grow as Python continues to be a key language in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Is Python Programmer still in demand in 2026?

Python programmers continue to be in high demand in 2026 due to the language's versatility in web development, data analysis, machine learning, and automation. Proficiency with frameworks like Django or Flask and knowledge of data science tools increase employability in various industries.
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Python Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Python Programmer job openings in Richland, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, and 71% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $148,071 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer IV

Richland, WA • On-site

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Pacific Northwest National Laboratoryexternal

$161.30 - $255/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview

PNNL’s AI & Data Analytics Division, part of the National Security Directorate, focuses on developing computational solutions for national security challenges.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Software Engineer to architect and build next‑generation AI systems that span agentic AI platforms, large‑scale data orchestration, and real‑time intelligence processing.

Who You Are

An experienced engineer who bridges infrastructure, AI/ML, and production software. You have built highly scalable systems from scratch, led impactful initiatives, and turned complex problems into solutions. You are comfortable architecting distributed systems and fine‑tuning large language models.

What You’ll Build

  • AI‑Native Systems: Agentic AI with dynamic reasoning, LLM orchestration, MLOps platforms, and multimodal reasoning pipelines
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Microservices across security enclaves, real‑time streaming, petabyte‑scale ETL, data lake/mesh architectures, and Kubernetes/CI‑CD for classified & edge environments
  • Production Systems: Secure AI deployments, observability across enclaves, ethical AI compliance, and geospatial/time‑series intelligence data fusion
  • Technical Leadership: Lead engineers on high‑impact, ambiguous scope; drive architecture and strategy; build roadmaps from cutting‑edge research; mentor teams

What You Bring

  • Engineering Leadership: Expert Python and another language (C#/.NET, Go, C++); experience establishing best practices, advanced CI/CD, and architecting distributed systems
  • AI/ML Architecture: Production agentic AI experience; deep expertise with PyTorch/TensorFlow/JAX and LLM orchestration; LLM optimization and end‑to‑end ML platform design
  • Cloud & Distributed Systems: Enterprise‑scale architecture across AWS/Azure/GCP; Docker, Kubernetes, IaC; event‑driven systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ); API design mastery; polyglot persistence
  • Data Platform Engineering: Cloud‑native pipelines & orchestration (Airflow, Prefect); data lakehouse architectures; distributed computing (Spark, Flink, Ray); petabyte‑scale optimization and modern data formats
  • Leadership & Communication: Mentoring teams, articulating strategy to executives, balancing delivery with technical excellence, and driving cross‑functional collaboration

What Makes This Role Unique

You will work at the intersection of cutting‑edge AI research and production engineering, building platforms that process the nation's most sensitive intelligence data while shaping technical strategy.

National Interest Project Examples

  • Detect and prevent smuggling of drugs and contraband at ports of entry
  • Develop large data pipelines to thwart funding for terrorists, nuclear proliferators, drug cartels, and rogue leaders
  • Applying big data solutions to national security problems
  • Applying image classification for nuclear forensics analysis
  • Develop capabilities for scalable geospatial analytics

Location

This position is based in Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence Monday through Thursday, with Friday as required by business needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD and 3 years of Software Engineering experience
  • MS/MA and 5 years of Software Engineering experience
  • BS/BA and 7 years of Software Engineering experience
  • AA and 16 years of Software Engineering experience
  • HS/GED and 18 years of Software Engineering experience in designing, architecting, programming, deploying, and automating software solutions for scientific research or consumer products
  • Current, hands‑on software development experience using Python

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Actively using Python for the previous five years
  • Expert‑level Python: Architecting production frameworks and large multilanguage codebases at scale
  • Enterprise ETL/data platform leadership: Designing petabyte‑scale pipelines, orchestration (Airflow, Prefect), and data lakehouse architectures
  • Advanced cloud architecture: Multi‑cloud strategy across AWS, Azure, or GCP with Kubernetes and Infrastructure as Code at enterprise scale
  • FFRDC or national laboratory experience
  • National security / intelligence experience in classified environments
  • Production agentic AI / advanced LLM experience
  • Distributed ML at scale
  • Technical team leadership experience through ambiguous, high‑impact scope
Additional Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PNNL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Minimum and Maximum Salary

Minimum Salary: USD $161,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary: USD $255,000.00/Yr.

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About Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a premier research institution based in Richland, Washington, US. Operated by Battelle Memorial Institute under contract to the US Department of Energy (DOE), it is one of the DOE's seventeen national laboratories. PNNL primarily specializes in fields such as environmental science, energy, nuclear science, and national security. Founded in 1965, the lab has since been committed to its core values of integrity, creativity, collaboration, impact, and courage. Their mission is "to transform the world through courageous discovery and innovation." Notable achievements include significant contributions to projects like the Human Genome Project and the development of grid-friendly appliances.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Richland, WA, US

Year founded

1965

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