Dutch Software Development starting salaries versus others

Often we are asked about the benefits of becoming a software developer and why people should learn to code. 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.

1. Visual art / design – €15,600
2. Creative therapy – €16,200
3. Higher tourist & recreational education – €16,800
4. Social-pedagogical assistance – €18,000
5. Animal & livestock farming – €19,800
6. Medical laboratory training – €21,000
7. Art history and archeology – €21,600
8. Human movement sciences – €23,400
9. Philosophy / theology – €23,400
10. History – €23,400
11. Teacher science subjects – €24,000
12. Physiotherapy – €24,000
13. English – €24,600
14. International business & languages – €24,600
15. Cultural anthropology – €25,200
16. Real estate & brokerage – €25,200
17. Small business & retail management – €25,800
18. Industrial design – €26,400
19. Logistics & economics / technical transport – €26,400
20. Accountancy – €27,600
21. Management economics and rights – €27,600
22. Automotive engineering – €28,200
23. Artificial intelligence – €28,800
24. Architecture – €28,800
25. Socio-cultural sciences – €28,800
26. Business economics / business administration – €30,000
27. Business Informatics – €30,000
28. Technical informatics – €31,200
29. Higher computing – €31,200
30. Computer science – €32,400
31. Veterinary – €33,600
32. Technical Business – €36,000
33. Fiscal economy – €36,000
34. Medicine – €38,400
35. Tax law – €39,000
36. Pharmacy – €39,600
37. 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?