A developer's salary depends on many factors, such as location, type of work (remote or face-to-face), specialty, experience, and the developer's ability to negotiate.
Salary by Developer Type
Developer Type | Focus | Total Pay (USD) |
Frontend | User interface and experience | $70,000 - $110,000 |
Backend | Server-side logic, databases, APIs | $75,000 - $120,000 |
Full-Stack | Both frontend and backend development | $80,000 - $130,000 |
Mobile App | Mobile device applications | $75,000 - $120,000 |
Desktop Software | Software applications that run on desktop computers | $70,000 - $115,000 |
Data Scientist / Big Data | Analyzing large data sets to uncover insights | $90,000 - $140,000 |
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Developer | Development of intelligent systems and algorithms | $100,000 - $150,000 |
Game | Video game development | $70,000 - $110,000 |
DevOps | Automation of software development and deployment processes | $90,000 - $140,000 |
Security | Ensuring the security of software systems and applications | $85,000 - $130,000 |
Sources: Glassdoor, payscale, indeed, personal and friend's experience.
Bonuses and Extras Explained
Compensation packages extend beyond basic salaries to include bonuses and extras such as company shares, expense accounts, overtime, and more. Experience plays a significant role in determining salary, with entry-level positions starting at the lower end of the salary range and senior positions at the higher end. For instance, in Greece, the salary range for a Frontend Developer is between €23,000 and €40,000. An entry-level position might offer around €25,000, while a senior role could offer around €35,000. This comparison highlights how significantly specialties affect salaries. For more insights into this, check out our article on Developer Specialties | Responsibilities, Skills, Compensation.
What's the Starting Salary for a Developer in 2024?
If we were to estimate the starting salary you could expect in Greece in 2024, it would be between €750 to €1250 net per month, plus gifts and any bonuses the company might offer. In larger companies, your compensation might include bonuses like supermarket cards, fuel, mobile phones, insurance, etc. In startups, a standard bonus might include company shares.
It's crucial to research market salaries for positions similar to yours using online platforms (glassdoor, payscale, etc.), forums, and articles like this to get a good idea of what to expect.
Be realistic about your expectations but ready to negotiate based on the skills and value you bring to the company. At the start of your career, gaining experience and knowledge is more important than earning a higher salary. If you're skilled, programming is a field where your salary can increase significantly as you progress.
You might start with a certain salary and ask for a raise after a few months. If you're valuable, contribute to the company, and demonstrate your worth, you'll be better positioned to negotiate better compensation. However, I want to emphasize again that gaining experience and developing your skills are more critical at the start of your career. Therefore, choosing a position that offers less money makes sense if it will develop you more.
