Should Self-Taught Programmers Earn as Much as Those with Degrees?
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CuriousCoder42
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?
Answers
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.
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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.
FairPointFiona: Absolutely! It’s crucial to be realistic about your understanding.
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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.
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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.
RealTalkRenee: Totally! After your first job, skills become your primary selling point.
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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!
NoDegreeNoProblem: Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. A lot of jobs didn’t even mention degrees in their listings!
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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.
IncomeInequality101: Makes sense! In this field, it's all about what you can demonstrate.
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CritiqueCathy: Exactly! The mentality and willingness to learn are huge factors.