Do Coders Get a Lot of Money? Real Pay in 2025

Ever scrolled through social media and seen someone bragging about their $150,000 salary after six months of coding bootcamp? It sounds amazing. But is that the norm? Or just the loudest voices in the room? The truth about how much coders make isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on where you live, what you build, who you work for, and how deep your skills go.

Entry-Level Coders: It’s Not All Paychecks

If you’re just starting out after a coding class or bootcamp, don’t expect a six-figure salary right away. In New Zealand, entry-level developers typically earn between NZ$55,000 and NZ$75,000 a year. In the U.S., it’s $65,000 to $85,000. That’s not bad for someone who started from zero six months ago-but it’s not luxury either. Rent, bills, student loans, and groceries eat into that.

Many new coders land junior roles at small startups or agencies. These jobs pay less but give you real-world experience. You’ll fix bugs, write simple features, and learn how teams actually work. The money isn’t huge, but the learning curve is steep. And that’s where the real value is.

Mid-Career: The Pay Jump Happens Here

After two to four years, things start to change. You’re no longer the person asking how to use Git. You’re the one explaining it. You’re building features that impact users. You’re mentoring juniors. That’s when salaries climb.

In Wellington, a mid-level developer averages NZ$95,000 to NZ$120,000. In Auckland, it’s closer to NZ$100,000-$130,000. In the U.S., top tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle pay $110,000-$150,000. Remote roles for U.S.-based companies often pay even more, even if you’re living in New Zealand.

The biggest boost comes from specialization. Want to make more? Learn cloud infrastructure. Or cybersecurity. Or mobile apps with React Native. Or data pipelines with Python and Apache Kafka. Companies pay premiums for these skills because they’re hard to find.

Senior Developers and Leads: The Real Money

Five to eight years in? You’re either a senior engineer, a tech lead, or moving into architecture. This is where salaries start to look like what people see online.

In New Zealand, senior developers regularly earn NZ$130,000-$170,000. Some in fintech or AI startups hit $200,000, especially if they have equity. In the U.S., senior roles at big tech companies (Google, Meta, Apple) can go over $200,000 with bonuses and stock. Remote roles from U.S. firms often match this-even if you’re working from a home office in Wellington.

But here’s what no one tells you: the money isn’t just in salary. It’s in options, bonuses, profit-sharing, and flexible hours. Some developers work four days a week and still get paid 100%. Others get paid to travel. That’s the real appeal-not just the number on the payslip.

Not All Coders Make Big Money

Let’s be real: not every coder is raking in cash. Many work in government, education, or small businesses where budgets are tight. A web developer for a local council in Dunedin might make NZ$70,000. A teacher who codes on the side? Maybe NZ$60,000. They’re still coders. They still write clean code. But their pay doesn’t match Silicon Valley headlines.

Freelancers face another reality. One month they’re earning $10,000. The next, they’re scrambling for work. No sick leave. No superannuation. No paid holidays. It’s freedom-but it’s risky.

And then there’s the burnout factor. Some coders leave the field after five years because the pressure is too high, the hours too long, or the work too repetitive. The money might be good, but it’s not worth it if you’re exhausted.

What Skills Actually Pay the Most in 2025?

Not all coding skills are created equal. Here’s what employers are paying premiums for right now:

• Cloud engineering (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) - companies are moving everything online, and they need people who can manage it securely and cheaply.
• AI and machine learning - especially if you know how to train models, not just use pre-built tools.
• DevOps and automation - writing scripts that deploy code without human error saves companies millions.
• Security engineering - with cyberattacks rising, companies will pay extra to keep their data safe.
• Full-stack with mobile - someone who can build both the backend and a working iOS/Android app is rare and valuable.

Learn one of these, and you’re not just a coder-you’re a problem-solver with leverage. That’s what gets you paid more.

Coding Classes: Worth It or a Scam?

Bootcamps promise fast results: “Learn to code in 12 weeks and land a job!” Some people do. But the ones who succeed are already good at learning. They’re disciplined. They practice every day. They build projects outside class.

A coding class is a jumpstart-not a magic wand. If you think it’s a shortcut to riches, you’ll be disappointed. But if you see it as the first step in a long journey of learning, it’s one of the best investments you can make.

Look at the outcomes. Not the testimonials. Check if the program publishes real job placement data. Do graduates get roles in tech? Or just freelance gigs? Are they working in roles that pay more than $70,000 after six months? If not, keep looking.

Is Coding Still a Good Career in 2025?

Yes-but not because it’s easy. It’s good because demand is still growing. Every industry needs software: healthcare, farming, finance, even museums. The jobs aren’t disappearing. They’re evolving.

The people who thrive aren’t the ones who learned JavaScript last year. They’re the ones who keep learning. They read documentation. They contribute to open source. They ask questions. They build things that solve real problems.

If you’re willing to put in the work, the money follows. Not always fast. Not always fair. But it follows.

What If You Don’t Want to Code Full-Time?

You don’t have to become a software engineer to benefit from coding. Many people use coding skills in other roles:

• Marketing analysts who automate reports with Python
• Designers who build interactive prototypes with Figma + JavaScript
• Researchers who clean data and run stats with R
• Teachers who create custom learning tools for their students

These people aren’t called “coders.” But they’re using code to make their jobs easier, faster, and more impactful. And they often earn more than their peers who don’t know how to code.

Final Thought: Money Isn’t the Only Reward

Yes, coders can make good money. But the real payoff isn’t just the salary. It’s the power to build things. To fix broken systems. To create tools that help people. To work from anywhere. To say, “I made this,” and mean it.

If you’re doing it just for the money, you’ll burn out. But if you’re doing it because you love solving puzzles, building things, and seeing your work help others? Then the money becomes a bonus-not the goal.