Often we are asked about the benefits of becoming a software developer. We offer many reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the most exciting and fastest growing industries in the world. Secondly, with a skills gap looming for every continent, it offers work all around the globe. There are many other reasons, but one that really stands out is software development starting salaries.
A common thread has been emerging over recent years. Software Development starting salaries are quickly passing out what’s on offer from other industries. This is because the demand for these workers is so high. At present, it is estimated that between 500,000 and 900,000 ICT (Information and Communications Technology) roles will go unfilled by 2020 in Europe alone. We’ve reported before that up to 3,000 ICT roles go unfilled each month in the Netherlands, and only last week, we told you how 33% of Dutch employers are finding it difficult to hire ICT staff.
We’ve decided to have a look at software development starting salaries in comparison with other industries within the Netherlands.
Software Development starting salaries average €36,000
Because the demand for software developers is so huge, wages have really been climbing in recent years. According to Centraal Planbureau (CPB), the average income in the Netherlands is currently circa €37,500.
Glassdoor.com tells us that the average salary for a software developer in the Netherlands is €53,164 per annum. A quick glance at Payscale.com indicates that the average starting salary for a software developer in the Netherlands is €36,000.
Other starting salaries
Gemiddeld Inkomen, who offer regular updates on incomes in the Netherlands has compiled a list of starting salaries for various roles in the Dutch economy. Below is how some of the starting salaries compare with entry-level pay for software developers. The list below is based on what students studied and their first annual salary after completion of the courses.
- Visual art / design – €15,600
- Creative therapy – €16,200
- Higher tourist & recreational education – €16,800
- Social-pedagogical assistance – €18,000
- Animal & livestock farming – €19,800
- Medical laboratory training – €21,000
- Art history and archeology – €21,600
- Human movement sciences – €23,400
- Philosophy / theology – €23,400
- History – €23,400
- Teacher science subjects – €24,000
- Physiotherapy – €24,000
- English – €24,600
- International business & languages – €24,600
- Cultural anthropology – €25,200
- Real estate & brokerage – €25,200
- Small business & retail management – €25,800
- Industrial design – €26,400
- Logistics & economics / technical transport – €26,400
- Accountancy – €27,600
- Management economics and rights – €27,600
- Automotive engineering – €28,200
- Artificial intelligence – €28,800
- Architecture – €28,800
- Socio-cultural sciences – €28,800
- Business economics / business administration – €30,000
- Business Informatics – €30,000
- Technical informatics – €31,200
- Higher computing – €31,200
- Computer science – €32,400
- Veterinary – €33,600
- Technical Business – €36,000
- Fiscal economy – €36,000
- Medicine – €38,400
- Tax law – €39,000
- Pharmacy – €39,600
- Dentistry – €48,000
The software industry is growing at a rapid pace. Never before has the time been so good for career changers and new developers to step into the industry. If you want to see if you might have an aptitude for coding, why not register for our free 5 Day Coding Challenge?