Ever wondered how much a software engineer makes in India or other countries? Whether you’re new to this field or already working in tech, knowing the software developer salary range helps you plan your career better.
At Sharpener Tech, we train you in Full Stack Development and Data Science through our Pay After Placement programs—so you can start your journey toward a high-paying software engineering job without paying upfront.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Average salary of software developers by experience, skill, and location
- What freshers earn in India
- Which companies offer the highest software engineer salaries
- Roles like frontend, backend, and full stack developer salaries
- Tips to increase your salary as a software engineer
- Career growth and how to land top-paying roles
Let’s dive in.
Average Salary of a Software Developer
A software developer’s salary is influenced by their experience, the company they work for, their skills, and where they are based. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Experience Level | Monthly Income (India) | Annual Package (India) |
| Fresher (0-1 year) | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
| Mid-level (2-5 years) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,25,000 | ₹6 – ₹15 LPA |
| Senior (5+ years) | ₹1,25,000 – ₹3,00,000+ | ₹15 – ₹36 LPA or more |
Globally, software engineers earn:
| Country | Average Annual Salary |
| USA | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| Canada | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Germany | €60,000 – €90,000 |
| UK | £45,000 – £75,000 |
| Singapore | SGD 60,000 – SGD 100,000 |
Software Engineer Salaries Based on Experience
Experience has a big effect on the software engineer pay in India. Below is an idea of what it is:
1. Salary for Fresh Software Engineers
Entry-level software engineers in India earn between ₹3 LPA and ₹6 LPA when starting out. Companies like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro hire fresh grads within this range. If you have the right skills that are in high demand, startups and product-based firms might pay you more.
2. Mid-Level Engineer (2–5 years)
At this stage, engineers often specialize—frontend, backend, or full stack. Salaries increase based on expertise. You can expect ₹10–₹15 LPA if you’re skilled in React, Node.js, Python, or Cloud technologies.
3. Senior Engineers (5+ years)
At senior levels, engineers may become team leads or solution architects. Salary often crosses ₹20 LPA, especially in product companies or MNCs.
Software Engineer Salary by Role
Frontend Developer Salary
Frontend engineers, who work on UI/UX and client-side tech, earn around:
- India: ₹5 – ₹12 LPA
- USA: $90,000 – $130,000
Skills in React, Vue.js, or Angular boost salaries.
Backend Engineer Salary in India
Backend engineer salary in India ranges between ₹6 – ₹15 LPA, depending on the technology stack. Experience with Node.js, Python (Django), Java, or Go commands better pay.
Salary for Full Stack Developer
A full stack developer salary is often higher because of dual expertise. Average earnings:
- India: ₹6 – ₹18 LPA
- USA: $100,000 – $140,000
Developers who work on the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node) or the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, Angular Node) are sought after.
Software Engineer Pay in Different Cities
Salaries also vary based on city. Here’s how the monthly income of a software engineer compares across Indian metros:
| City | Average Monthly Salary |
| Bengaluru | ₹60,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹50,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Pune | ₹45,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Delhi NCR | ₹50,000 – ₹1,70,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹55,000 – ₹1,60,000 |
| Chennai | ₹45,000 – ₹1,40,000 |
Bengaluru tops the chart due to a concentration of tech startups and global R&D centers.
Companies Offering the Highest Paying Software Jobs
Which companies pay the most to software developers?
Some of the highest paying software jobs in India are found in:
- Google: ₹30 – ₹60 LPA (Software Engineers)
- Amazon: ₹25 – ₹50 LPA
- Microsoft: ₹28 – ₹55 LPA
- Adobe: ₹20 – ₹40 LPA
- Flipkart & Swiggy: ₹15 – ₹35 LPA
- Startups like Razorpay, CRED, and Groww also offer lucrative packages with equity.
Global product-based companies usually offer better compensation compared to service-based ones.
What Affects Software Engineer Salary in India?
Several factors impact how much you earn:
- Tech Stack: In-demand stacks like MERN, MEAN, Python + Django, Java + Spring Boot, etc.
- Certifications: Cloud (AWS, GCP), DevOps, or Data Science certifications boost salary.
- Location: Tier 1 cities pay more due to cost of living and demand.
- Company Type: Startups vs MNCs vs Product-Based Companies.
- Education: Tier 1 college grads may start at higher salaries.
- Negotiation: Many developers settle for less due to lack of negotiation skills.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Software Developer
If you’re wondering how to increase your salary as a software developer, here are actionable tips:
1. Learn In-Demand Skills
Focus on trending tools and frameworks like:
- Frontend: React, Vue, Angular
- Backend: Node.js, Django, Spring Boot
- Full Stack: MERN / MEAN stack
- Bonus: DevOps tools, Cloud (AWS, GCP), Docker, Kubernetes
2. Build Real Projects
Practical experience matters more than degrees. Build projects, contribute to GitHub, and showcase your work.
3. Take Placement-Focused Training
Join industry-ready programs like Sharpener Tech’s Pay After Placement course. It trains you in full stack development and helps you land jobs with high software engineer salaries—without charging any upfront fee.
4. Switch Roles Strategically
Switching from a service-based to a product-based company can boost your salary by 50–100%.
5. Negotiate Smartly
Research industry salaries, know your worth, and negotiate with confidence.
Career Growth and High-Paying Software Engineering Jobs
Software engineering offers a clear growth path:
| Years of Experience | Title | Average Salary (India) |
| 0–1 years | Software Engineer / Fresher | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
| 2–4 years | Developer / SDE 1 | ₹6 – ₹15 LPA |
| 4–6 years | Senior Developer / SDE 2 | ₹15 – ₹25 LPA |
| 6–10 years | Tech Lead / SDE 3 | ₹25 – ₹40 LPA |
| 10+ years | Architect / Engineering Mgr | ₹35 LPA and above |
Roles like Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, and DevOps Engineer also offer salaries upward of ₹20–₹40 LPA with the right skills.
How to Land a High Paying Software Job
If you’re serious about getting into a top-paying tech role, here’s what you can do:
- Join a placement-focused course (like the one offered by Sharpener Tech).
- Focus on skills, not just degrees.
- Work on live projects to build a solid portfolio.
- Prepare for interviews (DSA, system design, projects).
- Look for companies that align with your abilities and career goals.
With proper training, support, and consistent effort, even fresh graduates can secure well-paying roles in software.
Conclusion
What does a software engineer make in India? That depends on things like your skills, job role, experience where you work, and the company. Still, one thing is certain. With the right effort and proper guidance, you could go from a junior engineer earning ₹4 LPA to a senior one making ₹30 LPA or more.
At Sharpener Tech, we guide you to kick-off a career in data science or full stack development without asking for any upfront payments. You pay us once you land a high-paying role in software engineering.
Want to get started?
Try our Pay After Placement program and start building the career you deserve.
