The demand for software engineers is skyrocketing globally, but where can developers earn the highest salaries? A new report from CodeSubmit 2024 reveals the top-paying countries for software engineers, and the results might surprise you.
The Top 3 Highest-Paying Countries for Software Engineers
It’s no shocker that the United States dominates the list, offering an average salary of $110,140 per year—a lucrative paycheck that reflects the country’s booming tech industry. But the US isn’t the only hotspot for developers. Switzerland follows closely behind, where software engineers earn an impressive $97,518 annually. Rounding out the top three is Israel, a rapidly growing tech powerhouse, offering developers $71,559 per year.
Where Else Do Software Engineers Earn Big?
Several European nations and other tech-forward economies offer competitive salaries for developers. Here’s a look at some notable mentions:
- Denmark – $63,680
- Canada – $61,680
- Norway – $57,013
- Australia – $55,640
- United Kingdom – $55,275
- Germany – $52,275
- Sweden – $50,437
These countries not only offer high salaries but also provide strong benefits, a high quality of life, and job security.
Where is the Demand for Software Engineers the Highest?
While salary is a crucial factor, demand is just as important. According to PageGroup, Canada, Australia, and Russia have the highest demand for software developers due to labor shortages and rapid tech sector growth. High demand often translates to increased salaries and better job security.
Salaries in the US: A Breakdown by State and City
In the US, not all states offer the same compensation. Unsurprisingly, California leads with an average salary of $146,770 per year, followed by Washington ($145,150) and Maryland ($131,240). If you’re looking at cities, San Jose tops the list at $167,420 per year, making it the ultimate destination for high-paying software jobs.
Do Programming Languages Affect Salaries?
Absolutely. Some languages command significantly higher pay. Developers skilled in Go earn the most at $120,577 per year, followed by Ruby ($119,558) and Python ($114,904). Meanwhile, SQL developers earn the least, averaging $85,845 per year.
Europe: A Divided Market
In Western Europe, salaries are robust, with Switzerland ($97,518), Denmark ($63,680), and the UK ($55,275) leading the charge. However, in Eastern Europe, salaries tend to be much lower. For example, developers in Poland earn $22,740 per year, while those in Ukraine make $22,348 per year. Southern European nations such as Spain ($36,323) and Italy ($32,579) also pay significantly less than their Northern counterparts.
Final Thoughts: Where Should Developers Look for the Best Pay?
If you’re aiming for the highest salaries in software engineering, the US, Switzerland, and Israel are your best bets. However, salary is just one factor—consider cost of living, benefits, and job opportunities before making a move. As the global tech industry continues to evolve, we can expect shifts in these rankings in the years to come.
