According to madison-bridge.com, the software developer role is expected to grow by 21% in the next five years. With a good working-life balance, coupled with generous salaries, Germany is an attractive destination for software developers looking to build a career. As a result, there has been an influx of developers in the country!
Germany is a big country and as with all big industries, there are fluctuating levels of salaries in the different cities. Although almost every bigger city in Germany has good job opportunities, some of the cities are better for job-seekers in the IT industry. For example, the software engineer salary Berlin differs from the salary in Munich. Some cities are home to more startups and well-established IT giants than others. Let’s take a deeper look into the different cities and what they can offer.
Table of Contents
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Berlin
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Munich
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Hamburg
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Cologne
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Frankfurt
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Stuttgart
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Düsseldorf
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Leipzig
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Dortmund
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Essen
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bremen
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Dresden
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Hanover
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Nuremberg
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Duisburg
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bochum
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Wuppertal
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bielefeld
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bonn
- The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Münster
- Is Germany a Good Option for Software Developers?
- FAQ
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Other Cities in Germany
There are many other cities in Germany, such as Hamburg and Frankfurt, which also boast a good tech and IT industry. These are mostly local tech companies that thrive in the German industry and will often be lower-paying opportunities for developers. However, some of them are growing rapidly and offer excellent opportunities for developers to grow with the company.
The upside for software developers is that living in these cities is also relatively cheaper than some of the bigger cities in Europe and, therefore, the data scientist salary in Germany is often more rewarding. As a result, many skilled and experienced developers live in these lesser known or smaller cities.
Let’s explore some of the average annual salaries in the other cities in Germany and see how they compare to the senior software engineer salary Berlin:
From this data, it is clear that the web developer salary in Germany in other parts of the country is slightly lower. This has caused many businesses, both in Germany and around the world, to rather outsource IT jobs in Germany. The level of skill and experience are still high, while the rate to hire these experts are slightly lower.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Berlin
Top Demanded Tech Stacks
The most in-demand programming languages and tech stacks in Berlin include:
- JavaScript: Popular for front-end and full-stack development.
- Python: Widely used for data science, machine learning, and web development.
- Java: Commonly used in enterprise applications and Android development.
- Ruby: Favored for web development, particularly with Ruby on Rails.
- Go: Increasingly popular for backend systems and microservices.
Salaries for software engineers in Berlin vary by experience level:
- Junior Developers: Typically earn between €45,000 and €55,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Developers: Earn between €55,000 and €75,000 annually.
- Senior Developers: Command salaries ranging from €75,000 to €100,000+ annually.
- Average Salary: The average salary for software developers of all levels is around €65,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Munich
Munich is a major tech hub in Germany, attracting numerous multinational corporations and startups.
Open Developer Vacancies
The number of open developer vacancies in Munich has been significant over the past few years:
- 2022: Approximately 18,000 open developer positions.
- 2023: This number increased to around 22,000 open positions.
- 2024: It is predicted that the number of open developer vacancies will reach 24,000, reflecting the city’s ongoing growth in the tech sector.
Top Demanded Tech Stacks
The most in-demand programming languages and tech stacks in Munich include:
- Java: Widely used in enterprise applications, banking, and automotive industries.
- JavaScript: Essential for front-end and full-stack development.
- Python: Popular for data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C++: Frequently used in automotive, robotics, and hardware-related development.
- PHP: Commonly used in web development, especially for content management systems.
Software engineer salary Munich vary by experience level:
- Junior Developers: Typically earn between €50,000 and €60,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Developers: Earn between €60,000 and €80,000 annually.
- Senior Developers: Command salaries ranging from €80,000 to €100,000+ annually.
- Average Salary: The average salary for software developers of all levels is around €70,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Hamburg
The number of open developer vacancies in Hamburg has been steadily increasing:
- 2022: Approximately 15,000 open developer positions.
- 2023: Around 17,000 open positions.
- 2024: Predicted to reach 19,000 open developer vacancies.
Top Demanded Tech Stacks
The most in-demand programming languages and tech stacks in Hamburg include:
- JavaScript: Popular for front-end and full-stack development.
- Python: Widely used for data science, machine learning, and web development.
- Java: Commonly used in enterprise applications and Android development.
- C#: Frequently used in game development and enterprise applications.
- PHP: Often used in web development, especially for backend services.
Salaries for software engineers in Hamburg vary by experience level:
- Junior Developers: Typically earn between €45,000 and €55,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Developers: Earn between €55,000 and €75,000 annually.
- Senior Developers: Command salaries ranging from €75,000 to €100,000+ annually.
Average Salary
- Average Salary for All Levels: The average salary for software developers in Hamburg is around €65,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Cologne
Cologne, a vibrant city in western Germany, offers a flourishing tech hub. This attracts a multitude of companies, from established giants to innovative startups, creating a high demand for skilled software engineers. Here’s a breakdown of the job market and salary expectations for software engineers in Cologne:
Job Market:
- Total number of open developer vacancies:
- 2022: Precise data on the total number of vacancies might be limited, but resources like Indeed can provide a general scope.
- 2023: Estimating based on previous years’ trends and industry reports is a common approach (around 12,000 – 15,000).
- 2024: Predicted growth suggests a potential range of 13,200 – 18,000 open positions (assuming a 10-20% increase from 2023).
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Frankfurt
The number of open developer vacancies in Frankfurt has been significant and is expected to grow:
- 2022: Approximately 12,000 open developer positions.
- 2023: Around 14,000 open positions.
- 2024: Predicted to reach 16,000 open developer vacancies.
Top Demanded Tech Stacks
The most in-demand programming languages and tech stacks in Frankfurt include:
- Java: Widely used in enterprise applications and banking sectors.
- Python: Popular for data science, machine learning, and financial analysis.
- JavaScript: Essential for front-end and full-stack development.
- C#: Frequently used in enterprise applications and fintech.
- SQL: Crucial for database management and financial systems.
Software Engineer Salaries
Salaries for software engineers in Frankfurt vary by experience level:
- Junior Developers: Typically earn between €50,000 and €60,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Developers: Earn between €60,000 and €80,000 annually.
- Senior Developers: Command salaries ranging from €80,000 to €100,000+ annually.
- Average Salary: €68,000.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Stuttgart
Stuttgart, a center for the German automotive industry, also boasts a thriving tech scene. Major corporations and innovative startups alike contribute to a high demand for skilled software engineers. Here’s a breakdown of the job market and salary expectations for software engineers in Stuttgart:
Job Market:
- Total number of open developer vacancies:
- 2022: Data on the exact number of vacancies can be difficult to pinpoint, but a search on Indeed can provide a general idea.
- 2023: Estimating based on industry reports and past trends is a common practice (around 16,000 – 20,000).
- 2024: Predicted growth suggests a potential range of 17,600 – 24,000 open positions (assuming a 10-20% increase from 2023).
Top Demanded Tech Stacks:
The following tech stacks are in high demand in Stuttgart:
- C++: A powerful language widely used in performance-critical applications, especially within the automotive industry.
- Java: A cornerstone technology for enterprise software, valued for its stability and large developer ecosystem.
- Python: Popular for its readability, data science capabilities, and back-end development.
- JavaScript: Essential for front-end development, with frameworks like React and Angular in high demand.
- Embedded Systems: Expertise in developing software for microcontrollers and embedded devices is valuable in Stuttgart’s industrial landscape.
Salaries:
Software engineer salaries in Stuttgart vary depending on experience level:
- Junior Developer: €45,000 – €55,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Developer: €55,000 – €75,000 annually.
- Senior Developer: €75,000 – €100,000+ annually.
- Average Salary for All Levels: The average salary for software developers in Stuttgart is around €65,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Düsseldorf
Open Developer Vacancies
Based on industry trends and available reports:
- 2022: Approximately 10,000 open developer positions.
- 2023: Around 12,000 open positions.
- 2024: Predicted to reach 14,000 open developer vacancies.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Leipzig
Based on industry trends:
- 2022: Approximately 7,000 open developer positions.
- 2023: Around 8,500 open positions.
- 2024: Predicted to reach 10,000 open developer vacancies.
Top Demanded Tech Stacks
The most in-demand programming languages and tech stacks in Leipzig include:
- JavaScript: Popular for front-end and full-stack development.
- Python: Widely used for data science, machine learning, and web development.
- Java: Commonly used in enterprise applications and Android development.
- C#: Frequently used in game development and enterprise applications.
- Ruby: Favored for web development, particularly with Ruby on Rails.
Software Engineer Salaries
Salaries for software engineers in Leipzig vary by experience level:
- Junior Developers: Typically earn between €40,000 and €50,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Developers: Earn between €50,000 and €70,000 annually.
- Senior Developers: Command salaries ranging from €70,000 to €90,000+ annually.
- Average Salary for All Levels: The average salary for software developers in Leipzig is around €60,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Dortmund
Open Developer Vacancies
- 2022: Approximately 5,500 open developer positions.
- 2023: Around 6,500 open positions.
- 2024: Predicted to reach 7,500 open developer vacancies.
Top Demanded Tech Stacks
The most in-demand programming languages and tech stacks in Dortmund include:
- JavaScript: Popular for front-end and full-stack development.
- Python: Widely used for data science, machine learning, and web development.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Essen
2022: The job market in Essen saw approximately 1,200 open developer vacancies in 2022, reflecting a growing demand for tech professionals in the region. This data is supported by job board listings and local industry reports.
2023: In 2023, the number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,500, driven by the city’s expanding tech ecosystem and the continuous digital transformation across various industries.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest a further increase to approximately 1,800 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to rise with ongoing advancements in technology and digital initiatives in Essen.
The most demanded tech stacks in Essen include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Python: Often used for data science, machine learning, and web development.
- Java: Predominantly for enterprise-level applications.
- C#: Used in a variety of applications, particularly in game development with Unity and enterprise applications.
- PHP: Commonly used in web development.
- SQL: Essential for database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Essen is around €45,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €60,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €75,000 to €90,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Essen is about €58,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bremen
2022: Bremen had approximately 900 open developer vacancies in 2022, showing a stable demand for tech professionals.
2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,100 in 2023, reflecting the growth in the tech sector and the increasing need for digital transformation.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest that there will be around 1,300 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements.
The most demanded tech stacks in Bremen include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Bremen is around €42,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €55,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €70,000 to €85,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Bremen is about €54,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Dresden
2022: Dresden had approximately 1,000 open developer vacancies in 2022, indicating a healthy demand for tech professionals in the city.
2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,200 in 2023, driven by the growing tech sector and increased digital transformation efforts.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,400 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in the pipeline.
The most demanded tech stacks in Dresden include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Dresden is around €43,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €57,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €72,000 to €88,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Dresden is about €56,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Hanover
2022: Hanover had approximately 950 open developer vacancies in 2022, indicating a strong demand for tech professionals in the city.
2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,100 in 2023, reflecting growth in the tech sector and an increasing need for digital transformation.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,300 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in the pipeline.
The most demanded tech stacks in Hanover include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Hanover is around €44,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €58,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €73,000 to €89,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Hanover is about €57,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Nuremberg
2022: Nuremberg had approximately 1,100 open developer vacancies in 2022, showing a robust demand for tech professionals.
2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,300 in 2023, reflecting growth in the tech sector and an increasing need for digital transformation.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,500 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in the pipeline.
The most demanded tech stacks in Nuremberg include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Nuremberg is around €45,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €60,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €75,000 to €90,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Nuremberg is about €58,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Duisburg
- 2022: Duisburg had approximately 850 open developer vacancies in 2022, indicating a stable demand for tech professionals in the city.
- 2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,000 in 2023, reflecting growth in the tech sector and a rising need for digital transformation.
- 2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,200 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in the pipeline.
The most demanded tech stacks in Duisburg include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Duisburg is around €42,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €55,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €70,000 to €85,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Duisburg is about €54,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bochum
2022: Bochum had approximately 800 open developer vacancies in 2022, indicating a stable demand for tech professionals in the city.
2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 950 in 2023, reflecting growth in the tech sector and a rising need for digital transformation.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,100 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in the pipeline.
The most demanded tech stacks in Bochum include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Bochum is around €43,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €57,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €72,000 to €88,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Bochum is about €56,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Wuppertal
2022: Wuppertal had approximately 750 open developer vacancies in 2022, indicating a stable demand for tech professionals in the city.
2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 900 in 2023, reflecting growth in the tech sector and a rising need for digital transformation.
2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,050 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in the pipeline.
The most demanded tech stacks in Wuppertal include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
3. Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Wuppertal is around €41,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €54,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €69,000 to €84,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Wuppertal is about €53,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bielefeld
Total number of open developer vacancies:
- 2023: Estimating based on trends and reports is common (around 5,000 – 8,000).
- 2024: Predicted growth suggests a potential range of 5,500 – 9,600 open positions (assuming a 10-20% increase from 2023).
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Bonn
Total Number of Open Developer Vacancies:
- 2022: Bonn had approximately 1,100 open developer vacancies in 2022, reflecting a robust demand for tech professionals.
- 2023: The number of open developer vacancies increased to around 1,300 in 2023, driven by continued growth in the tech sector and increased digital transformation efforts.
- 2024 (Predicted): Predictions for 2024 suggest around 1,500 open developer positions, as the demand for skilled software engineers is expected to continue growing with ongoing technological advancements and new projects in development.
Top Demanded Tech Stacks in Bonn
The most demanded tech stacks in Bonn include:
- JavaScript: Including frameworks like React.js and Node.js.
- Java: For enterprise-level applications and Android development.
- Python: For data science, machine learning, and web development.
- C#: Used in game development with Unity and various enterprise applications.
- PHP: For web development.
- SQL: For database management.
Salaries for Junior, Middle, Senior Developers and Average for All Levels
- Junior Developer: The average salary for a junior developer in Bonn is around €45,000 per year.
- Middle Developer: Mid-level developers earn approximately €60,000 per year.
- Senior Developer: Senior developers can expect to earn around €75,000 to €90,000 per year.
- Average for All Levels: Across all experience levels, the average salary for software developers in Bonn is about €58,000 per year.
The Job Market and Software Engineer Salary in Münster
Total number of open developer vacancies:
- 2023: Estimating based on industry reports and trends is a common practice (around 8,000 – 12,000). There isn’t a single source for this data, but national reports on the German tech sector growth can be used for estimation.
- 2024: Predicted growth suggests a potential range of 8,800 – 14,400 open positions (assuming a 10-20% increase from 2023).
Is Germany a Good Option for Software Developers?
However, as with all countries, it is important to consider the downsides of living and working in Germany too. Some of the challenges for workers in the country include:
- A language barrier: while most Germans speak some English, there are some employers who might only be looking for German-speaking employees.
- A high cost of living: compared to some other countries in Europe, such as Portugal and Spain, Germany has a high cost of living.
- Bureaucratic processes: Germany is well known for its bureaucracy, which can be very time-consuming and often frustrating for new employees.
- Major cultural differences: Germany has a very unique culture, which can be challenging for foreigners to navigate in a work environment. This can easily lead to misunderstandings in the workplace.
- Tough labor laws: The German labor laws are specifically designed to protect workers’ rights, but they can be strict, especially around issues such as overtime and leave.
Considering these points, it is very important to do careful research before making a move to Germany. Even though the data engineer salary Berlin and Munich may be an excellent advantage, and the demand for developers is high, it’s crucial to do further research.
- For a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of working in Germany, Courses Data is a great resource.
- To find well paid jobs in Germany, sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Indeed, are a great starting point. Here you will also find tips for job interview in German for job interview lessons.
- To compare the average IT salary in Germany in different areas in the country, Salary Explorer is a good option.
Overall, Germany offers plenty of opportunities for software developers to start and further their careers. And the demand is high. It is just essential for anyone considering a move to do thorough research around living and working conditions, as well as salary expectations.
FAQ
In Berlin, the average salary for software engineers typically ranges between €60,000 to €70,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific company.
Munich often offers higher salaries compared to other cities in Germany, with average annual earnings ranging from €55,000 to €80,000 for software engineers. This is partly due to the city’s thriving tech ecosystem and higher cost of living.
Software engineer salary Hamburg
are influenced by various factors, including the candidate’s level of experience, the size and industry of the company, as well as the demand for specific programming languages or technical skills.
In general, salaries for software engineers tend to be higher in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, where there is a greater demand for tech talent and a higher cost of living. Smaller cities may offer slightly lower salaries, but this can be offset by lower living expenses.
Entry-level software engineers in Berlin can expect to earn an average salary ranging from €45,000 to €55,000 per year. In Munich, entry-level salaries typically start higher, averaging between €50,000 to €60,000 annually. In Hamburg, entry-level salaries fall within a similar range, between €45,000 to €55,000 per year.
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