Software Engineer Salaries in Germany: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re preparing for a move to Germany or you’re already an expat working as a software engineer, understanding salary expectations is crucial. Our salary guide is here to support you in three straightforward ways:

1. Check Before You Move: If you're considering relocating to Germany, you'll want to ensure that the salaries here align with your expectations and that the move will be financially advantageous.

2. Fair Pay in Your Current Job: For those already in Germany, it’s essential to confirm that you’re receiving fair compensation in your current role.

3. Find a Higher Paying Job: If you're aiming for a salary increase, our guide points you to top resources for finding better-paying opportunities.

Here are the key resources you’ll need as a software engineer in Germany:

1. Levels.fyi

Levels.fyi is an invaluable resource for software engineers seeking detailed salary data. This platform provides comprehensive information on compensation in Germany and worldwide, breaking it down into base salary, stock options, and bonuses. It’s especially useful for understanding salary ranges at major tech companies. Search for Germany or your city to filter the data. Below are data points for Germany, representing total compensation, which includes base salary, annual stock options, and bonuses:

2. Kununu

Kununu is a platform that provides salary insights and workplace reviews specifically tailored to the German job market. Please note that the values shown reflect gross annual salaries, excluding stock options and bonuses where applicable. Below are some data points:

3. Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a comprehensive resource for salary information and company reviews in Germany, offering valuable insights into potential employers. Instead of individual salary submissions, Glassdoor provides median salary figures for various job titles. To obtain the most relevant salary information, be sure to include the experience level in your search query, such as 'junior' or 'senior.' Here are some data points for senior software engineer:

You’ll find varying data across these platforms due to differences in how the information is presented. For instance, searching for "Software Engineer" on Glassdoor or Kununu does not include data for "Staff Software Engineer," which affects the median salary figures. Additionally, one platform may have more current data than another. To get a complete overview, I recommend checking all of them.

With these resources, you’ll be well prepared to navigate the software engineering job market in Germany, whether you're evaluating a potential move, ensuring fair pay in your current position, or seeking a higher salary. 🚀✨