I've been working as a software engineer for about 10 years, mainly from home for various companies globally. I've noticed a significant salary gap based on location. In the US, software developers often earn around $100,000 a year, whereas in many parts of Europe and Asia, that figure can drop to about $30,000, even if the skills and abilities are comparable. For those living in the US or Canada, I'm curious: are higher salaries mainly due to advanced technical skills, or do networking, certifications, and location play a bigger role? And what advice can you give to someone outside the US looking to earn closer to US developer salaries? I'd really appreciate any insights you have!
5 Answers
Also, keep in mind, with the right experience, I've seen senior roles in Europe earn over 100k. Just avoid lowball offers. If you're getting offered 30k with 10 years of experience, you're either asking in the wrong places or being undervalued.
If you're in the U.S., nailing your resume and smashing coding challenges are vital for landing high-paying roles. Tech skills are essential during the interview process, but don't underestimate the power of networking. Also, while certifications can help, too many can raise red flags since companies usually prioritize degrees over certificates.
Honestly, pay in Europe is often less across the board. I took a major paycut when I moved to Europe but saw my salary soar back when I returned to the US. Most companies adjust pay based on your location, and while a handful might not, they’re few and far between.
Wow, that's a pretty big jump! Was it the same job and everything?
Market and location really drive salaries more than skill alone. If you want US salary, moving to the US is usually the only clear path. Companies in the US are very competitive and willing to pay top dollar for tech talent, unlike many companies overseas.
Salaries in the US are often inflated due to the high cost of living, especially in major cities. That said, this is less of an issue elsewhere, where the standards and costs are different. It's also worth noting that US companies generally require employees to come to the office, which adds to living expenses.
Yes, but isn't the cost of living not the whole story? In the US, you often earn much more but may have lower costs for certain goods. Wouldn't you say that salaries also reflect productivity and company success?
What do you mean by 'too many certs is a red flag'? That sounds interesting!