Software Developer Salaries: What to Expect

Developer salaries vary enormously by experience level, specialization, company type, and whether the role is local or remote/international — there's no single "correct" number, but there is a useful framework for estimating one.

Factors that move the number most

• Years of relevant, demonstrable experience — not just years since graduation.
• Specialization: certain in-demand stacks and skills (e.g., cloud infrastructure, specific frameworks in high demand) often command a premium.
• Company type: well-funded startups and international remote employers often pay differently from traditional local companies.
• Whether the role is local or remote for an international employer — international remote roles frequently pay significantly more than local-market rates.

How to research realistic numbers

Cross-reference multiple sources — salary aggregator sites, conversations with people actually working in similar roles, and recruiter conversations — rather than relying on a single number from any one source.

Build a portfolio that supports your ask

Salary negotiations go better when backed by evidence: a portfolio of real projects, measurable outcomes from past roles, and clear articulation of the specific value you bring.

Rather than fixating on a single "correct" number, build a realistic range based on your specific experience and target market, and use it as a genuine starting point for negotiation rather than a fixed expectation.