One-third of developers already use Python, according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey. From 2024 to 2025, this is a 7% rise. JetBrains did a survey and found that 86% of Python developers use it as their main programming language. This strong need for committed Python engineers is expected to continue, according to the software development outsourcing firm Belitsoft.
Deloitte, an analytical firm, predicted that total IT spending would go up by about 9.3% in 2025. However, investment in AI will go up by an amazing 29% every year. This implies that there will always be a need for Python developers. Business Insider says that data from the job site Indeed shows that IT job ads in the first half of 2025 also wanted people with skills in Python, SQL, and AWS. In general, you should expect severe competition if you’re wanting to employ a talented Python engineer.
Additionally, prevailing employment trends favor a global, remote labor pool. Tech organizations spend up to 40% of their time hiring engineers, and they have difficulty screening candidates from around the globe.
“Talent Cloud” solutions employ AI to quickly screen and match candidates; some claim to save over fifty hours each hire by drastically cutting down on interview time.
At the same time, research reveals employers are recruiting fewer entry-level graduates and more mid-level professionals: In 2024, Big Tech increased hiring of engineers with 2-5 years of experience by 27% while reducing hiring of recent graduates by about 25%.
The best thing to do in 2026 is to hire engineers who have proven experience and up-to-date knowledge of the latest Python technology.
Why Python Developers Are in High Demand
Web backends, automation, artificial intelligence, and data science are all part of Python’s robust ecosystem. Python is now very closely related to data analysis and machine learning. A survey found that Python, machine learning, and data analysis are becoming more and more connected.
Python is also a place where people can learn cloud and DevOps skills. When companies hire, they often look for people who have CI/CD, AWS, and DevOps skills. This is consistent with anecdotal hiring data: according to Business Insider, the most sought-after employment skill clusters for 2025 were AWS + CI/CD and Python + AI.
These trends’ practical effects are visible everywhere. The number of async, API-driven apps has grown, and so has the number of web frameworks that use FastAPI. 38% of people who answered said they used it a year ago.
Language tools are also changing. Modern programmers need to be good at both typing and async/await in order to use new Python 3.14 features like free-threading and static type-checking improvements that tools like Ty and Pyrefly make possible.
In short, the best Python developers will need to have a strong understanding of the basics as well as experience with the most recent libraries and paradigms.
The Best Python Skills for 2026
Data and Machine Learning
You should know how to use data tools like Pandas and NumPy, as well as libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn. Knowledge of how to use Python for AI, analytics, or natural language processing Python coders with knowledge of data pipelines or machine learning models are highly sought after for a variety of roles.
Cloud & DevOps
Familiarity with AWS/GCP/Azure, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and CI/CD tools is essential. Data indicates that Python is a popular skill when paired with AWS and CI/CD. Python programmers frequently create serverless functions or use cloud platforms to deliver code.
Databases
You should know how to use SQL (especially PostgreSQL, which is used by about 49% of Python developers) and have some experience with NoSQL (Redis, Elasticsearch) or ORMs (SQLAlchemy, Django ORM). Python backends often work with relational databases.
Web & API Frameworks
While knowledge of Django or Flask is still beneficial, new frameworks such as FastAPI (high-performance, async) are rapidly gaining traction. Developers with experience creating Python backend systems, microservices, and web APIs will be sought after by recruiters.
Async and Concurrency
As systems get bigger, it’s becoming increasingly important to know how to program concurrently, with multiple threads, and with async/await (a feature in future Python 3.14).
Python Tools Right Now: The ability to use code quality tools, speed improvements (like knowing how to use Rust to speed things up), and type hinting tools like mypy and Pyright is crucial. Soft skills and process skills include being able to solve problems, use version control (Git), follow the Agile process, and communicate clearly. Reviews suggest that clients reward developers who efficiently manage projects and provide transparent explanations of concerns.
Global and Remote Hiring Trends
The rise in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has made it much easier for people to apply for jobs. A recent study (via TechCrunch) found that looking for candidates in other countries can increase the number of candidates by more than 400% (for example, +430% in available developers in some cases).
Yet, a lot of businesses still struggle to hire people from other countries because of lack of best practices. Engineering leaders say that hiring takes up to 40% of their time. More and more businesses are using remote-first hiring platforms to deal with this. For example, “talent cloud” marketplaces offer to use AI to evaluate and match candidates worldwide, reducing hiring times to days. One report says that these solutions can save more than fifty hours on each technical hire by automating interviews.
When companies hire more people from other countries, they have to deal with time zones, legal payroll issues, and communication problems. The benefit, however, is having access to a far larger pool of highly skilled Python developers.
For a lot of startups and CTOs, the question has changed from whether or not to hire people from outside the company to how to do it well. With the growth of fully distributed businesses, a Python developer in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe can be just as successful as one in their home region if you have procedures in place for collaboration and onboarding (e.g., overlap hours, clear documentation, etc.).
The change in the mix of experiences is another important change. According to TechCrunch, major companies and startups are recruiting more mid-career coders while eliminating entry-level employment, partly because AI is handling repetitive tasks. This means that when hiring in 2026, people with two to five years or more of real-world experience will be given more weight than new graduates.
When creating your hiring strategy, favor candidates with proven project experience (open source contributions, past products), and dismiss those without a portfolio or code to demonstrate.
Important Steps for Hiring the Best Python Talent
Search Widely
Post on international job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn), specialized websites (StackOverflow Jobs, Python.org Jobs), and platforms that cater to remote workers. Consider Python Slack, PyLadies, or local forums. Another place to find applicants is through outsourcing companies. You can find verified Python companies on sites like G2, Gartner Peer Insights, Techreviewer, GoodFirms, or Clutch.
References and Reviews
Speak with former managers or clients. What do they say about how timely, proactive, and communicative the developer is? Vendor client reviews are frequently listed on independent review websites (Clutch, G2, GoodFirms), which can help you get a feel of what to anticipate from contractors or agencies. Following a methodical procedure and considering both technical and human considerations will dramatically boost your chances of finding an excellent Python hire.
Evaluate Past Work
Ask them about their preferred Python projects and tool selections. Strong, committed Python developers can explain how they selected specific frameworks or made sure the code was of high quality. Try a short paid trial before committing to a full-time job to see how well you do in the real world.
Gaining Knowledge from Python Vendor Customer Reviews
Prior client testimonials might offer insightful information about what characteristics to seek (and not seek) in employers or applicants.
For instance, Clutch profiles of Python programming companies always mention things like clear communication, good project management, and technical skills. One profile claims that [the firm’s] technical expertise, efficient communication, and proactive project management are often praised by clients, leading to high satisfaction.
Another review summary says that client feedback always points out their great communication skills and ability to manage projects well, and 90% of reviews praise how well they can adapt. Top-tier Python coders will actually display these traits. They keep stakeholders up to date, meet deadlines, and make changes when needed.
Value and adaptability are also regularly commended by clients. Several reviewers emphasize excellent, economical labor. One vendor said, for example, that “pricing fits our budget” and that they “provide good value for cost.” High-quality work and competitive costs are seen as major advantages, but you shouldn’t pick someone only based on their cost.
However, there are also common pain spots. Timeline delays and scope creep are issues raised by some clients. For instance, “mixed sentiments regarding project timelines… some clients expressing dissatisfaction over delays” is highlighted in some assessments.
Although it was mentioned that the rates had increased, another company received praise for its expertise: “mixed sentiment regarding overall cost… some desired more affordable options.” Some reviews say that procedures are too strict or that there isn’t enough communication. Sometimes, companies are even criticized for being too strict with their culture.
In short, good recruits and partners are those who know how to talk to each other, keep projects on track, and give you your money’s worth. It is possible to determine whether a candidate has learned from these industry lessons by looking up their previous clients or asking for instances of managing scope and timelines.
Hiring Advice and Best Practices
Use Both Behavioral and Technical Interviews
Don’t ignore cultural fit; even remote developers need to be able to function well in a team. Discuss their working style with them in a kind yet perceptive way. Ask them how they keep up with new Python tools and frameworks, since many great developers value learning new things throughout their lives. This helps you find people who are motivated to work.
Consider Flexible Engagements
If you don’t have the time to hire people internally, you can save time by using third-party vetting platforms and top software development outsourcing companies. After reviewing portfolios and administering coding tests, only the top applicants are displayed. This strategy is currently extensively utilized by firms to construct technical teams without encountering a lack of personnel. According to data from HBR, hiring offshore developers can help you identify more competent workers. Use trial periods or part-time jobs to evaluate candidates in real-world situations.
Pay and Benefits that Are Competitive
There aren’t many Python developers who know AI and ML. Use data from your field to set salary standards. Additionally, stress growth by letting them try out new libraries or make contributions to open-source projects. Forbes and Gartner regularly emphasize that highly competent tech professionals choose projects that expand their skills and portfolios. Indeed, for example, suggests that job ads should focus on “cutting-edge project opportunities.”
Final Thoughts for CTOs, Startup Founders, and Hiring Managers
In 2026, there will be plenty of opportunities to hire dedicated Python developers offshore or nearshore due to strong trends and a large pool of internationally proven talent. According to reputable studies (Stack Overflow, Deloitte) and industry sources (Wired, VentureBeat), remote teams are becoming more common, and there is a strong demand for Python skills.
Genuine client testimonials, however, serve as a reminder that successful projects require strong security and legal safeguards, competent project management, and good communication.
Combine thorough screening (technical interviews, reference checks) with strategic planning (pilot projects, complete contracts) to ensure hiring decisions are made with confidence.
Early on, take care of legal and intellectual property concerns, and integrate your committed development team into your procedures and culture.
Check in on your progress often and be ready to make changes. You can do this without losing control of your product vision and still get access to a global pool of talent.
The benefits of offshore and nearshore Python development – cost-effectiveness, scalability, and access to a wide range of expertise – can greatly outweigh the drawbacks if they are managed correctly.
By following the rules above and paying attention to what their peers have done and what research has shown, tech executives can build strong, long-lasting offshore relationships that help their projects move forward.
About the Author:
Dmitry Baraishuk is a partner and Chief Innovation Officer at a software development company Belitsoft (a Noventiq company). He has been leading a department specializing in custom software development for 20 years. The department has hundreds of successful projects in AI software development, healthcare and finance IT consulting, application modernization, cloud migration, data analytics implementation, and more for startups and enterprises in the US, UK, and Canada.
