Mid-Level Developer Salaries by Region 2025
Looking to hire mid-level developers in 2025? Here's what you need to know about salaries by region:
- North America: U.S. developers earn $113,000–$148,000 annually, with Canada slightly lower at $104,805. Top tech stacks like Python and Ruby command premium pay.
- Western Europe: Salaries range from $63,400 (UK) to $119,380 (Switzerland). AI/ML engineers and DevOps specialists are in high demand.
- Eastern Europe: Developers earn $22,000–$55,000, offering cost-effective, high-quality talent with strong skills in Java, Python, and JavaScript.
- Asia-Pacific: Wide salary variation, from $12,300 (Indonesia) to $59,124 (Singapore). Mobile and cloud development are top skills.
- Latin America: Salaries range from $25,000–$66,000. Time zone alignment with the U.S. makes this region ideal for remote work.
- Africa: Developers earn $15,000–$35,000. Growing tech hubs like Lagos and Nairobi are attracting global attention.
Quick Comparison Table
| Region | Salary Range (USD/year) | Top Skills in Demand | Remote Work Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $113,000–$148,000 | AI/ML, Cloud, Cybersecurity | High |
| Western Europe | $63,400–$119,380 | AI/ML, DevOps, SaaS | High |
| Eastern Europe | $22,000–$55,000 | Java, Python, JavaScript | High |
| Asia-Pacific | $12,300–$59,124 | Mobile, Cloud, AI | High |
| Latin America | $25,000–$66,000 | Full-stack, QA, FinTech | High |
| Africa | $15,000–$35,000 | JavaScript, Python, Cloud | Moderate |
Hiring globally in 2025 offers significant cost savings while maintaining access to skilled talent. Use this guide to optimize your hiring strategy.
1. North America: US and Canada
Average Salary (USD)
In 2025, the United States remains the top-paying market for mid-level software developers. The average annual salary for developers in the U.S. is $111,845 as of May 7, 2025[2]. Most developers fall within the range of $90,000 (25th percentile) to $130,000 (75th percentile), with the top 10% earning as much as $151,500 per year[2].
In Canada, salaries are slightly lower, averaging $104,805 annually or $53.75 per hour[3]. Mid-level roles typically offer between $75,068 and $162,772 per year, depending on factors like experience and specialization[3].
Top Tech Stacks in Demand
In North America, salaries for developers often reflect their expertise in specific tech stacks. For instance, in New York City - a key tech hub - these are some of the average annual salaries based on technology:
| Technology | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Python | $138,777 |
| Ruby | $137,836 |
| JavaScript | $110,759 |
Full-stack developers skilled in the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) are in particularly high demand as JavaScript-based technologies continue to dominate the industry[4]. Moreover, developers in the financial services sector tend to earn the most, with median total compensation for full-stack roles reaching $128,808[5]. These salary trends are also encouraging companies to adopt remote and hybrid work models to optimize costs.
Cost-Effectiveness for Companies
Although developers in North America command high salaries, businesses are finding ways to manage expenses without sacrificing productivity. A Stanford study found that remote work increased employee productivity by 13% and reduced attrition by 50%[6]. Additionally, hybrid work models can save companies approximately $11,000 per employee annually, according to CNN Money[6].
"Smart companies are realizing they can build stronger teams by focusing on talent rather than location, while simultaneously making their budgets go further. It's not about cheaper – it's about smarter hiring. We're not compromising on quality; we're just removing the geographical premium." - Sharon Koifman, Founder and Remote CEO at DistantJob[6]
How Much Software Engineers Make Across the World (Tech salaries by country)
2. Western Europe: Key Markets
Western Europe stands out as a significant region for tech salary trends, offering competitive pay and a diverse range of opportunities.
Average Salary (USD)
Salaries for mid-level developers in Western Europe vary widely. Switzerland takes the lead with an impressive $119,380 annually. Denmark and the Netherlands follow closely, offering $87,000 and $86,515, respectively. The UK and Nordic countries also offer competitive pay, with mid-level developers earning $63,400 in the UK, $61,520 in Sweden, and $64,320 in Norway[7].
Specialized roles in emerging fields command even higher pay. For instance, AI/ML engineers average $119,837 annually, while DevOps specialists earn around $94,593 per year[7].
Top Tech Stacks in Demand
Portugal's fintech sector, which has secured over €1.1 billion in funding, is driving demand for skills in blockchain, regulatory tech, and cybersecurity[9]. Developers proficient in the following technologies are particularly sought after:
| Technology | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Java | $88,729 |
| Scala | $89,907 |
| Python | $85,579 |
| DevOps | $94,593 |
Additionally, enterprise applications and SaaS are fueling demand in content management and e-commerce sectors. For example, PHP developers in these areas earn an average of $78,286 annually[9].
Cost-Effectiveness for Companies
Salaries across Western Europe range from $52,800 to $115,000, offering a balance of expertise and cost efficiency[7]. Remote roles in the region average $69,720, making them an attractive option for companies looking to optimize budgets[8].
Germany is a prime example of this trend. Remote software engineers in Germany earn around $72,900 annually, benefiting from the country's high English proficiency, which ranks 10th globally. This proficiency supports seamless collaboration with international teams[10].
These factors highlight how Western Europe combines skilled talent with competitive costs, making it a strategic choice for global hiring. Up next, we’ll explore the competitive dynamics of Eastern Europe.
3. Eastern Europe: Main Tech Hubs
Eastern Europe has emerged as a prominent technology hub, offering a combination of strong technical expertise and cost-efficient hiring. With a talent pool of over 3.5 million ICT specialists across the region [11], it's no wonder global companies are drawn to its skilled developers.
Average Salary (USD)
Salaries for mid-level developers in Eastern Europe vary significantly by country, with Poland offering the highest compensation in the region. Here's a snapshot of average annual salaries:
| Country | Mid-Level Developer Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Poland | $45,000 - $55,000 |
| Czech Republic | $40,000 - $50,000 |
| Ukraine | $30,000 - $35,000 |
| Romania | $30,000 - $35,000 |
| Hungary | $30,000 - $35,000 |
| Bulgaria | $22,000 - $30,000 |
Top Tech Stacks in Demand
Developers in Eastern Europe are highly skilled in key programming languages, with Java (72%), JavaScript (65.3%), and Python (48%) leading the way [13]. Poland stands out globally, ranking #3 in HackerRank's country ratings, while Hungary and the Czech Republic also make it into the top 10 [12]. The region has carved out niches in specific areas: Poland excels in Java and tackling algorithmic challenges, Romania is a leader in fintech innovation, and Ukraine has built a strong reputation in cybersecurity [9].
Cost-Effectiveness for Companies
For businesses, hiring remote engineers from Eastern Europe offers substantial savings. US companies, for instance, can cut labor costs by up to 60% [15]. To put this in perspective, the average software engineer salary in Western markets is around $120,000 annually [7], making Eastern Europe a highly attractive option for cost-conscious firms.
Remote Work Feasibility
Eastern Europe's strong English proficiency and workplace compatibility make it an ideal choice for remote work. Countries like Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria rank among the global top 20 for English proficiency [15]. Additionally, professionals in the region have shown great flexibility in working across time zones, often aligning seamlessly with US East Coast business hours [14]. This adaptability further solidifies Eastern Europe as a prime location for remote tech talent.
"Eastern Europe keeps cementing its position as a sweet spot for both talented developers and companies trying to stretch their budget without cutting corners on quality." – OECD [1]
The region's universities add to its appeal, producing over 100,000 STEM graduates each year [15]. This steady influx of skilled professionals, combined with cost savings and remote work compatibility, makes Eastern Europe a go-to destination for companies seeking mid-level development talent.
Up next, we'll explore salary trends in the Asia-Pacific region.
4. Asia-Pacific: Major Centers
The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 6.5 million developers [17]. While Eastern Europe is known for its cost efficiency, the Asia-Pacific market stands out with its massive talent pool and a broad range of salary levels.
Average Salary (USD)
Salaries for mid-level developers in the Asia-Pacific region vary widely. Singapore offers the highest pay, while emerging markets provide more budget-friendly options.
| Country | Mid-Level Developer Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | $59,124 |
| China | $30,612 |
| Malaysia | $27,000 - $32,000 |
| India | $18,000 - $24,000 |
| Thailand | $17,280 - $21,600 |
| Indonesia | $12,300 |
Top Tech Stacks in Demand
This variation in salaries reflects the diverse technical skills in demand across the region. Popular technologies include JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails, React, Angular, and Flutter, while cloud computing expertise is becoming increasingly sought after. Japan, a major player in the global AI landscape, is expected to invest more than $12 billion in AI solutions by 2027 [18].
Cost Advantages for Companies
Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and India offer notable cost benefits for companies. For instance, developer rates in Vietnam are 15–30% lower than in India, while Indonesian rates are 5–10% lower than those in Vietnam [16].
Remote Work Potential
With tech spending in five major Southeast Asian economies projected to grow by 7% in 2025, reaching nearly $47 billion [17], the region is well-positioned for remote work. Enhanced digital infrastructure and cloud-first strategies make remote hiring more feasible and cost-effective [18].
The Asia-Pacific region combines competitive salaries, a wealth of technical talent, and growing digital capabilities, making it an appealing choice for companies looking to hire mid-level developers by 2025.
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5. Latin America: Growing Markets
Latin America's software industry is on track to reach $15.36 billion by 2029, supported by a growing pool of over 2 million developers across Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina [19]. This region combines cost advantages with a deep well of technical expertise, making it an attractive hub for tech talent.
Salary (USD)
Here's a breakdown of salary ranges for key tech stacks in major Latin American markets:
| Stack | Colombia | Mexico | Argentina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python | $51,600 - $63,600 | $48,000 - $66,000 | $48,000 - $60,000 |
| JavaScript | $45,600 - $57,600 | $48,000 - $66,000 | $43,200 - $55,200 |
| Java | $51,600 - $63,600 | $54,000 - $66,000 | $48,000 - $60,000 |
| Ruby | $54,000 - $66,000 | $54,000 - $72,000 | $51,600 - $66,000 |
Top Tech Stacks in Demand
Developers in Mexico shine in mobile development and FinTech, showcasing strong skills in JavaScript, Java, Python, and C++. Colombian developers are leaders in web technologies, excelling in JavaScript, Python, and Ruby. Meanwhile, Chilean developers stand out for their expertise in data science and analytics, with proficiency in Java, Python, Node.js, and PHP [19]. These strengths align with global standards, while also offering businesses a cost-effective option for high-quality tech talent.
Cost-Effectiveness for Companies
Latin America blends competitive salaries with a vibrant startup ecosystem. In fact, 87% of IT companies are incorporating nearshore strategies to tap into this region [20]. The ecosystem is thriving, with over 9,000 startups, including 60 unicorns, which collectively raised $3.9 billion in venture capital during 2023 [19]. Platforms like Get Software Developer make it easier for businesses to connect with pre-vetted, mid-level developers from these emerging markets.
Remote Work Feasibility
The region's robust remote work infrastructure adds to its appeal. Latin America is home to 23% of the world's FinTech companies [19], showcasing its technological capabilities and readiness for global collaboration. Additionally, its time zone alignment with North America ensures seamless real-time communication, making it an ideal partner for remote tech projects.
6. Africa: Emerging Tech Centers
Africa is quickly gaining attention as a growing, cost-efficient tech hub. With a thriving tech ecosystem, cities like Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya), Cape Town and Johannesburg (South Africa), Cairo (Egypt), and Accra (Ghana) are becoming key players in the global tech scene. These hubs are nurturing innovation and expanding their talent pools, making them attractive destinations for tech companies.
Average Salary (USD)
The annual salaries for mid-level developers in Africa's prominent tech cities vary widely depending on location:
| City | Annual Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cape Town / Johannesburg | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| Lagos | $18,000 - $28,000 |
| Nairobi | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Cairo | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Accra | $15,000 - $24,000 |
Top Tech Stacks in Demand
The demand for diverse programming skills is rising across Africa's tech markets. JavaScript frameworks, like React and Angular, continue to dominate, while Python is gaining traction, especially for AI and machine learning projects. Additionally, cloud computing expertise - centered on platforms like AWS and Azure - is becoming increasingly valuable in these tech hubs.
Cost-Effectiveness for Companies
The wage gap between African tech hubs and Western markets offers a significant advantage for companies looking to manage costs. For instance, mid-level developers in the U.S. typically earn between $107,000 and $147,000 annually [21], compared to $15,000 to $35,000 in Africa. This disparity allows businesses to stretch their budgets while maintaining high-quality talent. Platforms such as Get Software Developer simplify the process of hiring pre-vetted professionals from Africa, cutting down on both costs and hiring timelines. These financial benefits are further supported by the continent's growing remote work capabilities.
Remote Work Feasibility
African tech hubs are stepping up their remote work game. Cities like Lagos and Nairobi now feature co-working spaces equipped with reliable internet and backup power systems, ensuring smooth collaboration. However, companies should be prepared with contingency plans to address occasional connectivity challenges.
Region Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick breakdown of key factors for hiring mid-level developers in 2025 across different regions:
| Region | Salary Range (USD/year) | Top Skills in Demand | Hiring Timeline | Cost-of-Living Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $121,026 – $147,524 | AI/ML, Cloud Architecture, Cybersecurity | 45–60 days | Base reference |
| Western Europe | $90,000 – $120,000 | GDPR compliance, enterprise software | 30–45 days | ~15–20% above nominal |
| Eastern Europe | $40,000 – $70,000 | Game development, blockchain, back-end systems | 20–35 days | ~30–40% above nominal |
| Asia-Pacific | $30,000 – $110,000* | Mobile development, embedded systems | 15–50 days** | ~25–35% above nominal |
| Latin America | $25,000 – $55,000 | Full-stack development, QA automation | 15–25 days | ~20–30% above nominal |
| Africa | $20,000 – $45,000 | N/A | 15–25 days | ~20–40% above nominal |
*Salary ranges vary widely within the Asia-Pacific region, depending on whether the market is developed (e.g., Japan, Australia) or emerging.
**Hiring timelines in Asia-Pacific differ significantly: 15–30 days in countries like India and the Philippines, versus 40–50 days in Japan and Australia.
These figures serve as a baseline, but additional compensation and industry-specific factors can influence total costs and hiring strategies.
Additional Compensation Factors
Beyond base salaries, perks like bonuses, equity, healthcare, and paid time off can add 20–40% to the total compensation package. For instance, mid-level developers in the U.S. often receive an extra $29,359 in benefits [23].
Industry-Specific Salary Insights
Salaries can also vary depending on the industry. Here’s a snapshot of U.S. mid-level developer earnings by sector [23]:
- Software Publishers: $143,210
- Manufacturing: $138,100
- Finance and Insurance: $132,900
- Computer Systems Design: $127,880
The Remote Work Advantage
The rise of distributed teams has reshaped hiring dynamics. Companies like Get Software Developer help streamline recruitment by providing access to pre-vetted talent, cutting hiring timelines by 30–50%. With software developer roles expected to grow by 17% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), organizations have a prime opportunity to tap into global talent pools while leveraging cost-of-living adjustments to optimize budgets.
Key Findings
The findings highlight noticeable regional salary differences and opportunities for strategic hiring in 2025:
Regional Cost Variations
In North America, especially the U.S., salaries for mid-level developers range from $132,269 to $147,524 annually [21][22]. These figures underline the stark contrast in pay across regions, as developers in emerging markets often earn 40–70% less while maintaining high-quality output. This gap shapes compensation trends and provides opportunities for cost-effective hiring strategies.
Sector-Specific Premiums
Certain industries in the U.S. offer higher salaries for developers, with average annual pay as follows:
- Software Publishers: $143,210
- Manufacturing: $138,100
- Finance and Insurance: $132,900
- Computer Systems Design: $127,880 [23]
Total Compensation Impact
In addition to base salaries, U.S. employers provide benefits averaging $29,359 per employee, further widening the cost differences between regions [23]. These added expenses play a significant role in overall hiring budgets.
Growth and Strategic Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 17% increase in tech jobs by 2033, creating opportunities for companies to save 30–50% on costs by combining local specialists with teams from emerging markets [23].
Remote Work Evolution
The rise of remote work has reshaped salary structures while preserving regional cost advantages. This shift allows companies to remain competitive locally while benefiting from global talent pools.
Optimizing Team Costs
To manage team expenses effectively, companies can:
- Use region-specific pay scales to align costs with market conditions.
- Invest in remote collaboration tools to enhance productivity.
- Work with platforms like Get Software Developer to access pre-vetted talent.
- Analyze total employment costs, including benefits and operational overhead.
These findings emphasize the importance of striking a balance between leveraging cost savings in emerging markets and maintaining competitive pay and quality in established regions. By adopting a hybrid approach, businesses can achieve both efficiency and excellence.
FAQs
::: faq
How do regional salary differences influence hiring strategies for mid-level developers in 2025?
Regional salary variations are a key factor influencing hiring strategies for mid-level developers in 2025. Knowing how pay scales differ across various areas, including emerging markets, can help companies make smarter decisions to balance costs while tapping into skilled talent pools.
Recruiting from regions with more competitive salary levels enables businesses to manage expenses effectively without sacrificing expertise or quality. This strategy works especially well when using platforms that link companies with pre-vetted professionals from emerging markets, ensuring cost savings and access to highly skilled developers. :::
::: faq
What skills are most in demand for mid-level developers in different regions, and how do they impact salary ranges?
The article doesn't dive into specifics about the key skills that mid-level developers need in various regions or how these skills impact salary ranges. To get a clearer picture, it might be worth checking out job market reports or salary surveys focused on the tech industry in specific areas. :::
::: faq
How can businesses manage hiring costs while ensuring access to top-tier developer talent worldwide?
Businesses looking to manage hiring expenses while gaining access to top-tier developer talent can benefit greatly from platforms that connect them with skilled professionals in emerging markets. This approach opens the door to a global talent pool, often at a lower cost, without sacrificing quality.
By tapping into a carefully curated network of pre-vetted developers, companies can simplify their hiring process, shorten the time it takes to fill positions, and confidently secure the right talent for their projects. Whether it's AI/ML, full-stack development, QA, or DevOps, this method not only cuts costs but also ensures access to highly skilled professionals. :::
Artur Abdullin
Artur is a tech writer and former software developer with over 10 years of experience in remote team management. He writes about software development, team collaboration, and emerging tech trends.