How Long Does it Take to Learn Python and Land a Gig in 2025?

There’s no fixed timeline for learning Python or landing a Python job. It depends on key factors like your current coding skills and learning goals. 

Let’s unpack this.

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On average, it takes 2-6 months to learn Python basics and 6-12 months to become job-ready, depending on your dedication and background.

What affects how quickly you learn:

• Your experience with other programming languages: The more coding experience you have, the faster you’ll learn Python.

• Your goals for learning Python: For example, learning it to get a job requires more time and depth than using it to automate basic tasks.

• How much time you can commit: Learning full-time will speed up progress compared to part-time learning alongside other commitments.

• Your learning method: Guided learning (e.g., bootcamps, courses, mentorship) is often more efficient than self-teaching.

In this guide, we’ll break down realistic timelines for learning Python and share tips to help you master it faster in 2025. All based on our experience with hundreds of Python learners.

Table of Contents

How long does it take to learn Python basics?
How long does it take to learn advanced Python?
How long does it take to land a Python job?
Is Python hard to learn?
Should you learn Python in 2025?
Tips for learning Python faster in 2025
  1. Set clear goals and map out the learning path
  2. Practice with assignments and simple projects
  3. Explore Python libraries and frameworks
  4. Join the Python community and start working on real-life projects

FAQs
  Can You Learn Python on Your Own?
  Is two hours a day enough to learn Python?
  Is one year enough to learn Python?
  Can you learn Python in a month?
  How long does it take to learn Python for data science?
  Is Python easier to learn than Java?
  Is Python harder to learn than C++?
  Is Python enough to get a job?
  How fast can you become a Python developer?

Learn Python and land a job

How long does it take to learn Python basics?

It takes beginners about 2-6 months to learn Python fundamentals with 5-10 hours of weekly practice. 

Your pace may be faster or slower based on prior experience and how consistently you practice.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Complete beginners (no coding experience): 2-3 months with 5-10 hours of weekly practice
• People with programming experience: 3-6 weeks with a similar time investment
• Part-time learners (2-3 hours/week): 4-6 months to grasp the basics
• Full-time intensive learners (40+ hours/week): As little as 2-4 weeks

During this beginner phase, you’ll learn essential Python basics like syntax, data types, variables, control structures, functions, and basic data structures. 

You’ll also build simple Python projects like calculators, to-do apps, or basic automation scripts.

How long does it take to learn advanced Python?

Learning advanced Python typically takes 6-12 months with 10-15 hours of weekly practice after mastering the basics.

The timeline also depends on a few factors, like:

• Project complexity: More challenging projects help you learn advanced concepts faster.

• Specialization area: For example, Data science usually takes longer to learn than web development.

• Practice consistency: Regular coding beats cramming every time.

The advanced learning stage is where you move from basic scripts to building complete applications and solving complex problems. 

You’ll tackle object-oriented programming, work with data structures and algorithms, and learn web frameworks like Django or Flask.

You might also explore data analysis with Pandas or machine learning with Scikit-learn.

How long does it take to land a Python job?

Becoming job-ready with Python typically takes 3-12 months, depending on your background and the role you want to get.

The exact timeline often comes down to your starting point:

• Complete beginners: 6-12 months to learn enough Python and build a portfolio that employers will take seriously.

• Experienced developers: 1-4 months to add Python to your existing programming skills.

• Related field professionals (e.g., engineering, analytics): 3-6 months to gain enough Python skills for technical roles in your industry.

• Data-adjacent roles (e.g., marketing, finance): 1-3 months to learn basic Python for automating tasks in marketing, finance, or operations.

The key thing to keep in mind?

Most Python developer positions require more than just knowing the language itself. 

You’ll need to show practical experience with real-world projects, understand how to work with databases, and be familiar with relevant frameworks for your field.

Is Python hard to learn?

In short: not really. As long as you put in the effort. 

Python is actually one of the easiest programming languages to learn, especially for beginners.

Here’s what makes it relatively easy to learn:

• Simple, readable syntax that resembles English and uses whitespace instead of brackets or semicolons.

• Beginner-friendly design with fewer complex rules compared to languages like C++ or Java.

• Massive community support with abundant tutorials, forums, and documentation for troubleshooting.

• Flexibility that lets you use Python for various use cases, from building web apps to data analysis.

That said, your experience learning Python will vary depending on the context.

Complete beginners to programming may still find some concepts challenging, like object-oriented programming or certain data structures. 

Learning Python for specialized fields like machine learning or data science adds additional complexity beyond just the language itself.

However, most of our students find that learning Python basics takes less time than other programming languages. 

Should you learn Python in 2025?

Yes, learning Python in 2025 is absolutely worth your time and effort.

First, Python remains one of the most popular programming languages in 2025. 

It consistently ranks at the top of the TIOBE Index due to its simplicity and versatility.

Second, the job market for Python skills is booming. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software development roles will grow 17% from 2022-2032. That’s much faster than many other occupations.

Python developers earn excellent salaries too. The average Python developer makes $124,237 per year in the United States.

The best part about Python?

You can do pretty much anything with it.

For example, use it for web development with Django, analyze data with Pandas, automate tasks, or build machine learning models with scikit-learn.

Tips for learning Python faster in 2025

Exploring Python can be straightforward and fast if you follow best practices. 

Below, we share some of the top steps you can take.

1. Set clear goals and map out the learning path

Always start with your goals. 

Are you looking for a Python-focused job or want to upgrade your skills and get a promotion? 

Your answer defines both what and how long you’ll need to learn.

For example, aspiring data scientists should focus on libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Scikit-Learn. 

But if you simply want to automate daily tasks, learn basic scripting and web scraping instead.

The best advice we can give you? 

Find your passion. 

For instance, if you love gaming, learn Python to develop simple games using Pygame. 

Your motivation will make the learning process faster and more enjoyable.

2. Practice with assignments and simple projects

The best way to learn Python is by doing (specifically, by coding).

Practice with beginner Python assignments and simple projects to build a portfolio and learn faster.

For example, you could create a:

• Calculator
• To-do list app
• Web scraper

Coding platforms like Mimo make it easy to practice directly in your browser. It offers guided exercises and instant AI feedback as you build real code.

Use it to build various Python projects like this food ordering app:

3. Explore Python libraries and frameworks

Python’s strength lies in its libraries and frameworks. 

These tools help you create projects faster and add powerful features without writing everything from scratch.

The most useful Python frameworks and libraries are:

• NumPy: For numerical calculations and data arrays
• Pandas: For data analysis and manipulation
• Requests: For working with APIs and web data
• Django: For web applications
• Flask: For simpler web projects
• Matplotlib: For creating data visualizations
• TensorFlow/PyTorch: For machine learning projects

4. Join the Python community and start working on real-life projects

There are many communities you can join to learn Python programming. 

They’re perfect for connecting with developers who share challenges, progress on projects, motivation, and insights with each other. 

As a member of a community, you can ask questions and learn from the experience of others. 

The top communities you could try include:

• Mimo’s private coding community: A supportive space for learners using the Mimo app

• r/learnpython on Reddit: Great for beginners with tons of Q&A and project inspiration

• Stack Overflow: A space to ask technical questions and explore Python-related threads

• Python Discord: Active chats, events, and beginner-friendly channels

• Dev.to: Developer blog platform with Python tutorials and discussions

• GitHub: Collaborate on open-source Python projects or browse others’ code

FAQs

Can You Learn Python on Your Own?

It is absolutely possible to learn Python on your own. 

There are lots of free resources and materials available you can use. These range from books, blogs, and forums to podcasts, videos, free online Python courses, and bootcamps.

It is way better, however, to learn Python through guided learning.

For this, you can use various Python courses with certificates, including Mimo’s Python Career Track and Python course. 

Such courses help you learn faster and get a professional certificate to show to your potential employers and clients.

Is two hours a day enough to learn Python?

Dedicating 2 hours a day to learning Python is a great start.

With consistent effort, you can make visible progress and understand the basics within a few months.

Practice regularly and apply what you learn through small projects and coding exercises.

Is one year enough to learn Python?

Overall, one year is plenty of time to learn Python. 

Within this timeframe, you can cover both the basics and advanced topics. 

You can also build a strong portfolio of projects to showcase your skills to potential employers.

However, the result will depend on how much time you dedicate to Python each week and how much you practice.

Can you learn Python in a month?

Learning Python in a month is challenging but possible, especially with prior programming experience.

Focus on the fundamentals, practice daily, and use intensive learning resources. 

While you probably won’t master advanced concepts, one month might be enough to cover Python basics.

How long does it take to learn Python for data science?

Learning Python for data science typically takes 6-9 months with consistent practice. 

You’ll need to:

• Learn Python basics (2-3 months)
• Master specialized libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib (2-3 months)
• Explore machine learning tools like scikit-learn (2-3 months).

Is Python easier to learn than Java?

Many find Python easier to learn than Java thanks to its simpler syntax and readability. 

Python’s design emphasizes ease of use and quick development, making it a popular choice for beginners.

However, both languages have unique strengths and are worth learning, depending on your goals.

Is Python harder to learn than C++?

Python is generally considered easier to learn and use than C++. 

Python’s syntax is more straightforward and user-friendly, while C++ requires a deeper understanding of concepts like memory management and pointers. 

Is Python enough to get a job?

Python alone can be enough to get an entry-level job, especially in areas like data analysis, QA automation, or backend development. 

Over time, you’ll also need complementary skills like SQL, Git, frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask), or data tools (e.g., Pandas, Excel, or APIs).

How fast can you become a Python developer?

Becoming a Python developer can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your learning pace and prior experience. 

Consistent practice, building projects, and engaging in coding challenges will help you move faster.

Learn Python and land a job 

Let’s sum it up.

The time it takes to master Python varies depending on your goals, current skills, and learning methods. 

Here’s a quick summary:

• It typically takes 2-6 months to learn Python basics.
• You will also spend an additional 6-12 months mastering advanced Python.

Finally, landing a Python job might take anywhere from a few months to a year. 

Ready to get started?

Try Mimo’s Python Career Path for free! Acquire essential Python skills faster and easier, and build a competitive coding portfolio.