Software Engineering: Best Countries to Work
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Best Countries for Software Engineers
Data Last Updated: August 26, 2025
Applies to the table below:
- 1 USD ≈ Rs.83.45 (August 26, 2025).
- Salary figures are mid-career averages or typical ranges; actual pay varies by city, role, experience, specialization, and company.
- "Job demand" and "Work-life balance" are qualitative snapshots from market reports and OECD data.
Job Market Comparison
(Click Headers to Sort)
| Country | Salary (USD, k=thousand) |
Salary (INR, approx.) |
Job demand | Work-life balance | Official language(s) |
Widely spoken 2nd language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $120k – $173k | Rs.100 L – Rs.144 L | High | Moderate | English (de facto), None (federally) |
Spanish |
| Switzerland | $103k – $155k | Rs.86 L – Rs.1.29 Cr | High | High |
German, French, Italian, Romansh |
English, French |
| Denmark | $85k – $127k | Rs.71 L – Rs.1.06 Cr | High | Excellent | Danish | English (86%+) |
| Israel | $85k – $146k | Rs.71 L – Rs.1.22 Cr | High | Moderate | Hebrew | Arabic, English |
| Netherlands | $72k – $130k | Rs.60 L – Rs.1.08 Cr | High | Excellent | Dutch | English (90%+) |
| Australia | $70k – $110k | Rs.58 L – Rs.92 L | High | High | English (de facto), None (federally) |
English |
| Canada | $67k – $102k | Rs.56 L – Rs.85 L | High | High | English, French | English |
| Germany | $68k – $115k | Rs.57 L – Rs.96 L | High | Moderate | German | English |
| United Kingdom | $54k – $84k | Rs.45 L – Rs.70 L | High | Moderate | English | Polish |
| Norway | $86k – $129k | Rs.72 L – Rs.1.08 Cr | High | High | Norwegian | English |
| Sweden | $50k – $89k | Rs.42 L – Rs.74 L | High | High | Swedish | English |
Above is the document based on the latest available data from sources like Relocate.me (published June 18, 2025), Index.dev (published May 7, 2025), and GetGIS (published approximately 3 weeks ago as of August 26, 2025). I've standardized salary ranges to reflect mid-career averages or typical bands for software engineers (factoring in experience levels, specializations like AI/cybersecurity, and regional variations), corrected inconsistencies (e.g., aligning with 2025 data showing US averages around $145,000, Switzerland around $108,000–$120,000, and Norway/Denmark in the $86,000–$88,000 range), merged highlights for clarity, and ensured a consistent exchange rate based on current approximations.
Quick Market Highlights
- United States: Projected job growth for software developers is 25% (2023–2033), with AI, cybersecurity, and senior engineers highly sought after; regional hubs like Silicon Valley drive higher pay.
- Canada: Tech sector expanding rapidly with government support via grants, tax incentives, and a $20 billion fund for net-zero/clean tech; features flexible work hours and generous parental leave.
- Denmark & Netherlands: OECD leaders for work-life balance, with 37-hour work weeks, excellent conditions, and generous leave policies.
- Germany: Europe's largest tech market with strong demand for AI, cybersecurity, and data science specialists; average salaries around €56,800–€71,500 annually.
- Israel & Switzerland: Globally competitive compensation, especially for high-demand roles in AI and cybersecurity; both offer unique benefits despite varying costs of living.
Notes:
- United States: Average salary around $145,000, with ranges reflecting regional variations (e.g., Silicon Valley up to $173,000, New York around $146,000, Seattle around $136,000); top earners can reach $205,000.
- Switzerland: Mid-career averages CHF 94,300–CHF 158,700 (~$103,000–$174,000), with seniors up to CHF 152,006 (~$167,000) and total compensation averaging CHF 120,446 (~$132,000).
- Israel: Averages around $85,000, with seniors earning $97,000–$146,000; mid-career often ₪257,439 (~$70,000), but high-demand roles push higher.
- Netherlands: Typical for mid-level €61,750–€105,000 (~$65,000–$111,000), with seniors up to €126,000 (~$133,000) or $123,000+.
- Australia: Ranges AUD 105,000–AUD 165,000 (~$70,000–$110,000), varying by location and experience.
- Canada: Entry-level around C$67,000 (~$49,000), experienced up to C$102,000 (~$74,000); averages $125,000 CAD (~$91,000), with seniors to $156,000 CAD (~$113,000).
- Denmark: Mid-level 500,000–650,000 DKK (~$72,000–$94,000), seniors over 800,000 DKK (~$115,000); averages around $86,000.
- Germany: Averages €56,800–€81,500 (~$60,000–$86,000), with highs in tech hubs like Berlin.
- United Kingdom: Expected £45,000–£70,000 (~$57,000–$89,000) in 2025, with seniors exceeding £70,000 (~$89,000).
- Norway: Mid-level 690,000–880,000 NOK (~$65,000–$83,000), seniors 800,000–1,400,000 NOK (~$75,000–$132,000); averages $88,000.
- Sweden: Entry-level ~501,000 kr (~$48,000), seniors ~890,000 kr (~$85,000); gross average ~717,000 kr (~$68,000).
- All data reflects 2025 market trends; actual compensation varies significantly based on experience, specialization, company size, and location.