I’ve had many conversations with startup founders who are unsure of the software developer per hour rate by country.
As you may know, software developer per hour rates by country vary significantly.
Over the years, I’ve found that three main factors are at play:
- Location
- Experience
- Type of development work
I’m going to break down software developer per hour rates in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, as well as discuss key elements that affect hourly rates worldwide.
If you’re trying to fill vacant software developer positions and you lowball the per-hour rate, you’ll fail to attract top talent.
Why Software Developer Rates Vary By Country
I’ve always found the cost of hiring a software developer depends largely on a country’s local economy, cost of living, and regional demand for developers.
Countries with higher living costs generally have higher hourly rates for developers.
For instance, we’ve seen that North American developers have rates reflective of the high cost of living and competitive job markets.
The worldwide demand for skilled developers is also a driving force behind rate disparities.
Regions with a high supply of developers, like Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, can offer lower rates due to greater competition and lower local costs, making them attractive locations for offshore development.
Why The Type Of Developer Matters
I’ve seen rates differ based on the type of developer required.
While front-end and back-end developers might have similar starting rates, full-stack or mobile developers with specialised skills can command higher fees, especially in countries with competitive tech industries.
According to Glassdoor, the top five industries for software developers in terms of pay are:
- Financial services
- Agriculture
- Real estate
- Insurance
- Telecommunications
Average Software Developer Rates By Country
North America
In North America, the high demand for developers, particularly in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, makes hiring costly.
Companies in the US and Canada pay an average hourly rate that reflects the experience level and the complexity of skills required.
Junior Developer: $55 - $80 per hour
Intermediate Developer: $65 - $90 per hour
Senior Developer: $78 - $125 per hour
Europe
You’ll find that European rates differ substantially between Western and Eastern Europe.
Western Europe (as in Germany, UK, and France) has rates comparable to North America, while Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Poland, Romania, etc.) is often a more affordable choice.
Central Europe:
- Junior Developer: $32 - $50 per hour
- Intermediate Developer: $36 - $70 per hour
- Senior Developer: $45 - $80 per hour
Eastern Europe:
- Junior Developer: $22 - $31 per hour
- Intermediate Developer: $27 - $40 per hour
- Senior Developer: $30 - $59 per hour
Asia
Once you start looking at the per-hour rates in Asian countries, particularly India and the Philippines, you’ll see very competitive rates.
These countries are popular for offshore software development due to their competitive rates and established IT sectors.
Companies hiring locally within Asia often find that rates vary between countries and developer types.
South Asia:
- Junior Developer: $21 - $30 per hour
- Intermediate Developer: $22 - $35 per hour
- Senior Developer: $25 - $50 per hour
Southeast Asia:
- Junior Developer: $20 - $25 per hour
- Intermediate Developer: $25 - $30 per hour
- Senior Developer: $24 - $33 per hour
Latin America
Nearshoring to Latin America is appealing for US companies due to similar time zones and lower rates.
Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico offer skilled developers with rates that fall between North American and Asian averages.
- Junior Developer: $28 – $55 per hour
- Intermediate Developer: $27 – $60 per hour
- Senior Developer: $32 – $65 per hour
Africa
Africa’s emerging tech market offers opportunities to hire developers at competitive rates, especially in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, where the talent pool is steadily growing.
South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya: Rates may vary widely, typically in a range similar to South East Asia and Eastern Europe, depending on the developer’s experience and specialization.
We’ve Seen 3 Factors Influencing Hourly Rates In Each Country
1 - Developer Experience Level
Rates can vary widely based on whether a developer is junior, intermediate, or senior.
Junior developers generally have lower rates across all regions, while senior developers command premium rates for their expertise and knowledge.
2 - Technology & Specialisation
The hourly rate for software developers also depends on the tech stack and skill set required.
High-demand skills, such as AI or blockchain expertise, can increase rates, while more general skills like JavaScript and PHP may offer a broader range of affordable options.
3 - Freelance vs. Full-Time Developers
Freelance software engineers often charge higher hourly rates than in-house or contract developers, reflecting the flexibility they offer.
This can be a valuable option for short-term projects, but may be less cost-effective for long-term needs.
Hiring A Software Developer In The Right Country
The choice of hiring location often hinges on balancing affordability with high-quality results.
For example, Eastern Europe and Latin America offer cost-effective rates with reputable developer skill levels, while North America and Western Europe may be best suited for projects demanding niche or highly specialised expertise.
Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America are popular regions for offshore software development, each offering unique advantages.
Eastern Europe is known for robust technical skills, Asia for competitive rates, and Latin America for time zone compatibility with North America.
How To Find Reliable Software Developers With Remote Crew
Finding the right talent can be challenging, but Remote Crew simplifies this process by connecting you with pre-vetted, reliable software developers worldwide.
With a strong network across top outsourcing regions, RemoteCrew ensures your project is matched with professionals who meet both your budget and quality standards.
Whether you’re looking for an offshore developer or a freelancer, RemoteCrew’s services help bridge the gap, making it easier for you to focus on growth and innovation.
On-The-Ground Expertise Will Help You Attract Great Software Developers At A Fair Rate
When I’m speaking with startup founders who want to hire software developers at a reasonable hourly rate, I always suggest partnering with our team.
Why? Because we have on-the-ground knowledge of software developer per hour rates by country.
We know who is charging what, where.
If you leave it up to a little bit of online research and some guesswork, you’re not going to offer an attractive hourly rate to software developers.
This will only result in losing out on attracting top-tier talent to work on your team.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Think strategically about cost versus quality.
- Look closely at offshore software development rates by country to identify value.
- Choose between junior and senior talent based on your project’s complexity.
- Remember that time zone alignment impacts communication.
- Weigh the flexibility of freelance software engineers against in-house options.
When you know the software developer per hour rate by country, you can make an informed choice that best supports your project, budget, and goals.
Find out more about how Remote Crew can help you hire remote developers in a competitive market.