I've been thinking about how much a self-taught programmer should earn compared to someone with a degree. If someone learns programming on their own in just a few months and has a solid portfolio along with in-demand skills, shouldn't they earn a decent salary too? Personally, I believe that a self-taught programmer should start at around $54,000 per year, which feels like a survival wage. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you're self-taught, how much did you earn in your first job?
6 Answers
Honestly, having a degree doesn’t guarantee a high salary in software. Many companies value practical experience far more. When hiring, I’d choose someone with proven skills over a graduate any day. If you’re self-taught and can negotiate well, you can earn quite a bit, but you need to show what makes you special.
In my experience, companies often don’t care about degrees as long as your skills shine through. At my job, we focus more on what candidates can do than whether they have a degree. Sure, degrees are helpful, but if you can show your worth, the pay reflects that. By the way, I think the job market is increasingly open to self-taught applicants!
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. A lot of jobs didn’t even mention degrees in their listings!
While I believe in equal pay for equal work, it’s important to consider experience too. I’ve been around long enough to see that practical experience takes precedence after a while. Once you’ve got a few years under your belt, no employer really cares about degrees anymore. Your skillset is what matters.
Totally! After your first job, skills become your primary selling point.
I’m self-taught too! My first job paid around $50k, and I was able to negotiate my salary to almost double it in just a few years. So, I say go for it! Look for opportunities that match your skills and don’t shy away from asking for what you’re worth.
If you really believe you’ve got the knowledge, why not ask for the salary you think you deserve? Just keep in mind that a few months of self-study likely won’t equate to the depth of knowledge someone gains from a 4-year degree, especially in foundational topics.
Absolutely! It’s crucial to be realistic about your understanding.
Absolutely, if someone demonstrates they can perform the same role effectively, they should be offered the same salary. In fact, I find those who are self-taught might be even more appealing because it shows real drive and independence in learning. But I do think there’s a difference in what someone with just a few months of learning can earn versus someone with years of study behind them.
Exactly! The mentality and willingness to learn are huge factors.
Makes sense! In this field, it's all about what you can demonstrate.