Top 7 Countries with Highest Demand for Software Engineers in 2024

Written by

Inayat Sharma

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Dec 01,2024

Top 7 Countries with Highest Demand for Software Engineers in 2024

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Did You Know?

According to the latest industry reports from our immigration experts:

  • The global developer population is expected to reach 28.7 million people by 2024, an increase of 3.2 million from 2020. 
  • The revenue from software development is projected to reach $3,567 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 8.95% between 2024-2028. 
  • The demand for software developers is expected to grow by 24% from 2016 to 2026 in the US alone. 

This surge in demand highlights the immense global opportunities available for skilled software engineers in 2024 and beyond.

The global job market for software engineers is huge. This is because of the changing technology field. Digitalization and technology dependence have increased the need for well-trained software engineers. They are required to compete in many different areas. 

In this blog, we will discuss the top seven countries. They are the hottest spots in the software engineering industry this year. We will consider the trends and projections. Here is a list of the top 7 countries with the highest demand for software engineers in 2024.

Best Countries with Highest Demand for Software Engineers 2024

1. United States

2. India

3. China

4. Germany

5. Canada

6. United Kingdom

7. Australia

Top 7 Countries With Highest Demand For Software Engineers from India

To kickstart your career as a software engineer outside your core country, here is a list of the top seven countries with highest demand for software engineers in 2024:

1. United States: Silicon Valley and Beyond

A US flag with sky in background- TerraTern

1. The average salary of a software engineer in the United States:

  • For Freshers: $75,000 - $90,000 per year
  • For Experienced Candidates: $120,000 - $160,000 per year

2. Major Tech Hubs: Silicon Valley, Seattle, New York, Austin, Boston

3. Top Companies: Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook

For a long time, the tech industry in the USA was already on the top, with being situated in Silicon Valley as its iconic spot. Nonetheless, the requirement for software engineers is not limited to this famous tech city; the next section will discuss it. 

Tech companies and start-ups flock to cities like New York, Austin, and Seattle. They are the best examples of such cities. There is a booming technology. It includes leading tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. It also includes start-ups. This thriving ecosystem of tech firms in the U.S. creates a consistently high demand for software engineers.

2. India: The IT Outsourcing Hub

Indian Flag with sky in background- TerraTern

1. The average salary of a software engineer in India:

  • For Freshers: ₹300,000 - ₹500,000 per year ($4,000 - $6,700)
  • For Experienced Candidates: ₹1,000,000 - ₹2,500,000 per year ($13,400 - $33,500)

2. Major Tech Hubs: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR

3. Top Companies: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra

India is at the forefront of innovation these days in IT outsourcing and software development services in the world term. City centres like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune have many IT firms and international corporations. They hire them to develop new software.

An Indian native is talented in software development. They offer the cheapest services. They enable various businesses to get service at a low cost.

3. China

an image of Chinese flag- TerraTern

1. The average salary of a software engineer in China:

  • For Freshers: ¥100,000 - ¥150,000 per year ($15,500 - $23,200)
  • For Experienced Candidates: ¥300,000 - ¥600,000 per year ($46,500 - $93,000)

2. Major Tech Hubs: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Guangzhou

3. Top Companies: Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, Huawei, ByteDance

The father and leader of the tech company, as well as the owners of the innovation centres, is China. It has been shown that along with the Chinese economic development, the demand for software engineers also grows. Entrepreneurs have a big advantage in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. 

These cities are the headquarters of tech giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei. They are also centres for nurturing startups and digital entrepreneurship. China is a fast-rising leader in Asia's tech sector. The government backs it with aid and investment. It's the place for software engineers to show their talent and shape the modern tech landscape.

4. Germany: Engineering Excellence

a picture of German flag on top of a building- TerraTern

 

1. The average salary of a software engineer in Germany:

  • For Freshers: €45,000 - €55,000 per year ($53,000 - $65,000)
  • For Experienced Candidates: €70,000 - €100,000 per year ($82,500 - $118,000)

2. Major Tech Hubs: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart

3. Top Companies: SAP, Siemens, Bosch, Zalando, N26

German engineering education applies to software engineers. This is thanks to its engineering know-how. That's what is expected from them there now. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are the top among all cities. They lead the creation of new tech and promote startups, and they are home to the most successful tech companies ever. 

Germany develops innovations based on research. It also shows the rise of the car, manufacturing, and biotech industries for software engineers. They provide the workers the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge projects and team up with the leading experts.

 

5. Canada: Tech Talent Magnet

a Canadian flag with mountains in the background- TerraTern

1. The average salary of a software engineer in Canada:

  • For Freshers: CAD 60,000 - CAD 75,000 per year ($44,500 - $55,600)
  • For Experienced Candidates: CAD 90,000 - CAD 130,000 per year ($66,700 - $96,400)

2. Major Tech Hubs: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Waterloo

3. Top Companies: Shopify, Blackberry, OpenText, Hootsuite, Wattpad

Canada has become a country for tech talent as it has favourable immigration policies, a high quality of life, and a wide variety of tech sectors. There are plenty of companies that are already setting down their roots in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. 

They face many technological diversities. These range from established to innovative companies. In addition to innovation and entrepreneurship, Canada is the land of new ideas. Engineers may aspire to work on exciting projects. They also enjoy a good quality of life and a warm multicultural environment.

6. United Kingdom: Tech Hub of Europe

A UK flag Infront of a clock tower- TerraTern

1. The average salary of a software engineer in the United Kingdom:

  • For Freshers: £30,000 - £40,000 per year ($37,000 - $49,300)
  • For Experienced Candidates: £60,000 - £90,000 per year ($74,000 - $111,000)

2. Major Tech Hubs: London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Bristol

3. Top Companies: DeepMind, Arm, Ocado Technology, Deliveroo, TransferWise

Brexit is uncertain. The UK is seen as an influential actor in international Tech. London, Cambridge, and Manchester are cities. They pride themselves on having strong tech ecosystems. These come from a mix of homegrown startups, big corporations, and good research institutions. 

The UK can excite engineers like me. They have a lot of fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. These are the current hot projects. They also offer software engineers a chance to work with the brightest minds.

7. Australia: Tech Boom Down Under

Australian flag with sky in the background- TerraTern

 

1. The average salary of a software engineer in Australia:

  • For Freshers: AUD 60,000 - AUD 75,000 per year ($39,000 - $48,700)
  • For Experienced Candidates: AUD 100,000 - AUD 150,000 per year ($65,000 - $97,500)

2. Major Tech Hubs: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide 3. Top Companies: Atlassian, Canva, Airtasker, Envato, WiseTech Global

Australia is known for its beauty, which is linked to its landscapes and peaceful living. It has had a technological breakthrough instead. Across Australia, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are seeing a rise in tech startups and reinvestments. 

This is due to the Government’s programs for innovation and a craze for it. Fintech, biotech, and renewable energy are the key sectors. In these sectors, Australian software engineers see the chance to work on efficient projects. They also see the opportunity to settle in a rapidly developing country. It offers a high quality of life.

Also Read: Top 7 Countries for Software Engineers: 2024 Latest Guide

 

Average Salary of Top 10 Countries with Highest Demand for Software Engineers: Experienced and Freshers

Country Average Salary for Fresher (USD) Average Salary for Experienced (USD)
Switzerland $80,000 $120,000
2. United States $75,000 $140,000
3. Canada $60,000 $100,000
4. Germany $55,000 $90,000
5. Australia $50,000 $95,000
6. United Kingdom $48,000 $85,000
7. Israel $45,000 $100,000
8. Singapore $40,000 $90,000
9. Netherlands $38,000 $80,000
10. Ireland $35,000 $75,000

 

Finding Software Engineering Jobs Overseas: Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

  • Research the job market and in-demand skills for each country
  • Understand the visa and work permit requirements for international hires
  • Network with local professionals and leverage online job platforms
  • Highlight your relevant experience and adaptability to the local work culture
  • Be open to learning new programming languages or frameworks

Don'ts:

  • Assume the job search process will be the same as in your home country
  • Overlook the importance of cultural fit and adaptability
  • Neglect to research the cost of living and taxation in the target country
  • Fail to prepare for potential language barriers or communication challenges
  • Ignore the need to obtain necessary certifications or licenses

By following these guidelines, software engineers can navigate the global job market and find rewarding opportunities that align with their career goals and lifestyle preferences.

 

Conclusion

Software engineers are in perpetual high demand all over the planet. This is due to continuous technological improvement and digital transformation in many industries. It can be anywhere from the fabulous Silicon Valley and Bangalore to the blossoming tech areas in Beijing and Sydney. In any of these places, there is a perfect atmosphere. 

Skilled software engineers must create it. Then, they can contribute to innovation and create the future as wanted. The mentioned top 7 countries with highest demand for software engineers in 2024 are just a few examples of the countless opportunities available for software engineers worldwide. With their knowledge, skills and determination, software engineers have the ability to shape the future and make a positive impact in any country they choose to work in. A global exploration of them can give professionals important insights. They can learn their most sought-after skill and where they can grow in their career. If you are a software engineer looking for some good career opportunities, then you need an expert like TerraTern to help you through the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. While in the international job market, why is a software engineer the most wanted one?

As technology advances by the day, digitalization expands into different spheres of industries, and the demand for software engineers keeps increasing. Enterprises depend on technology to beat rivals and navigate through the constantly shifting market demands. Consequently, competent IT professionals become highly demanded as they are the creators of good software solutions.

2. What are the specific reasons for the demand for software engineers to be higher in some countries as opposed to others?

It is multifaceted, consisting of tech hubs and innovation centers, government investment for the tech industry, immigration policies for technical talent importation, ease of living, and free space for innovation and entrepreneurship development, which creates demand for software engineers in specific countries.

3. Where do the international software engineers plan to join in 2024?

From the trends in the sector and projections from external sources, it is clear that in 2024 the top seven companies with the highest demand for software engineers will be the United States, India, China, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Australia.

4. What are some main industries of these countries where the experts in the field of software engineering have a growing demand for work?

Also key in these countries are industries that drive the need for software engineers; we find these in fields including technology (e.g., IT services, software development), finance (e.g., fintech), manufacturing, biotechnology, renewables, and cyber security.

5. With the emerging markets set as a major geography, how can software engineers take advantage of the opportunities?

Software engineers can now benefit from this in a variety of ways thanks to technology. From staying current on the recent trends in the industry to building the most useful skills for your field, to connecting with the professionals from their field and looking into job opportunities in tech hubs and innovation centers; to considering such factors as immigration policies and quality of life if they are thinking of relocating to another country for their career growth.