Salary Guide

Software Engineer Cost Comparison

Hiring a software engineer costs dramatically different amounts depending on location. A senior full-stack engineer costs $150,000-200,000/year fully loaded in the US, but just $35,000-55,000/year in Pakistan. This comprehensive comparison helps you make data-driven decisions about where to hire.

SALARY BY ROLE & LEVEL

Role

Junior

Mid-Level

Senior

Lead

Full-Stack Developer

$50-80K (US) / $12-20K (PK)

$90-130K (US) / $22-38K (PK)

$130-180K (US) / $38-60K (PK)

$160-220K (US) / $55-80K (PK)

Frontend Developer

$45-70K (US) / $12-18K (PK)

$75-115K (US) / $20-32K (PK)

$115-165K (US) / $32-52K (PK)

$145-200K (US) / $48-72K (PK)

Backend Developer

$50-80K (US) / $12-22K (PK)

$85-125K (US) / $22-38K (PK)

$125-175K (US) / $38-60K (PK)

$160-220K (US) / $55-80K (PK)

* US-based salaries (annual). Rates vary by city, company size, and remote vs on-site.

RATES BY REGION

San Francisco / NYC

Highest globally — $130K-250K+ fully loaded

London / Berlin

$70K-160K fully loaded

Eastern Europe (Poland, Ukraine)

$30K-70K fully loaded

India

$12K-40K fully loaded

Pakistan (via Volods)

$12K-60K fully loaded

Latin America (Brazil, Argentina)

$25K-65K fully loaded

MARKET TRENDS

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Fully loaded cost (salary + benefits + overhead) is 1.3-1.5x base salary in the US

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Remote hiring has compressed salary differences by 10-15% globally

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Specialized skills (AI/ML, blockchain) command 20-40% premium across all regions

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Staff augmentation eliminates the 30-50% overhead cost of full-time employment

MORE SALARY GUIDES

HIRE AT
COMPETITIVE RATES

Access top talent at rates 50-70% lower than US market. Same quality, better value.