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Interactive technology comparison · 32 languages & frameworks

R vs. Python: Comparison, differences & use cases

R and Python compared: differences, strengths and use cases – with the job market live from real postings and suitability per use case.

Python vs. Java Python vs. JavaScript Python vs. TypeScript React vs. Angular React vs. Vue React vs. Next.js
Active jobs
60
Since
1993
Typing
dynamisch
VS
Active jobs
1,170
Since
1991
Typing
dynamisch

Python leads in 8 of 8 use cases.

Live from 7,804 jobs

Who wins on the job market?

Real figures from all IT jobs currently published on Jobriver – not estimates. Every number states its basis.

Open positions

Python is sought in 20 times as many job ads.

Remote or hybrid

R 37 %
Python 44 %

Basis: 60 and 1,170 jobs respectively

Senior & lead

R 10 %
Python 21 %

Junior jobs: 9 and 83 respectively

Salary according to job ads

R €61,500n = 46
Python €62,000n = 952

Editorial assessment

Suitability by use case

0 to 100 per use case. Hover over an axis for the values – everything is listed as a table below.

0:8use cases ahead

Web backend 1 Frontend & dashboards 2 Data science & ML 3 Mobile apps 4 Systems programming 5 Scripting & automation 6 Game development 7 DevOps & cloud 8
Suitability per use case
Use caseRPython
1Web backend 20less suitable 72good fit
2Frontend & dashboards 15less suitable 20less suitable
3Data science & ML 95excellent fit 98excellent fit
4Mobile apps 5less suitable 25less suitable
5Systems programming 10less suitable 30less suitable
6Scripting & automation 60suitable 95excellent fit
7Game development 5less suitable 40suitable
8DevOps & cloud 20less suitable 85excellent fit

Profile

Side by side.

RPython
1993 Year released 1991
Funktional, statistisch Paradigm Multiparadigma (OOP, funktional, prozedural)
dynamisch Typing dynamisch
Performance
Popularity
Learning curve (lower = easier)

R ist auf Statistik, Datenanalyse und Visualisierung spezialisiert. In Forschung und Data Science weit verbreitet, außerhalb davon kaum.

Python ist eine dynamisch typisierte, sehr gut lesbare Sprache mit riesigem Ökosystem. Dominiert Data Science, ML und Automatisierung und ist auch im Web-Backend stark vertreten.

Market demand is based on real, active IT job ads on Jobriver. The 1-5 ratings are editorial assessments.

Strengths & weaknesses

What speaks for which?

R

Pros

  • Unschlagbar für Statistik & Visualisierung
  • Riesiges Paket-Ökosystem (CRAN)
  • Standard in Forschung & Data Science
  • Schnelle explorative Datenanalyse

Cons

  • Außerhalb von Statistik kaum nutzbar
  • Performance bei großen Daten begrenzt
  • Eigenwillige Syntax
View R jobs

Python

Pros

  • Sehr gut lesbar, ideal für Einsteiger
  • Unschlagbares Ökosystem für Data Science & ML
  • Riesige Community und Bibliotheksauswahl
  • Schnelle Entwicklung und Prototyping

Cons

  • Langsamer als kompilierte Sprachen
  • Schwach im Frontend und auf Mobile
  • Dynamische Typen erschweren große Codebasen
View Python jobs

Finder

Which one suits you?

What do you want to build?
What matters to you?
Type

How we calculate: average suitability for your use cases, +15 % weight per selected priority (learning curve, performance, jobs relative to the leader). Tie → alphabetical.

    More match-ups

    How else does R fare?

    vs R vs. Java Der robuste Enterprise-Klassiker Compare vs R vs. JavaScript Die Sprache des Web - überall lauffähig Compare vs R vs. TypeScript JavaScript mit statischen Typen Compare vs R vs. C# Microsofts vielseitige .NET-Sprache Compare vs R vs. PHP Die pragmatische Sprache des Webs Compare vs R vs. C Die Mutter der Systemsprachen Compare

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about R and Python

    Salary comparison by role · IT skill trends

    What is the difference between R and Python?

    In the suitability comparison R leads in 0 and Python in 8 of 8 use cases; in the rest both are level. R fits Data science & ML best, Python fits Data science & ML best.

    How many jobs are there for R and Python?

    Currently 60 open IT jobs on Jobriver mention R, and 1,170 mention Python. Of these, 22 and 517 respectively are remote or hybrid.

    Is R or Python better for starting a career?

    For career starters there are currently 9 jobs with R and 83 jobs with Python; for senior and lead roles there are 6 and 246.

    Where are most jobs for R and Python?

    Most R jobs are in Berlin, most Python jobs are in Berlin.

    What do you earn with R compared to Python?

    In job ads with a salary, the median annual salary for R is EUR 61,500 gross and for Python EUR 62,000 gross (median of 46 and 952 ads).

    Decided? Then on to the job.

    Active IT jobs with exactly this technology – with salary, remote share and tech stack.

    R jobs Python jobs