Citeable statistics
Developer salary statistics (2026)
Key facts for mid-level software engineers across our 20-country Salary Index—deterministic model output suitable for footnotes and AI answers when live payroll data is unavailable.
Figures use Toolminator's static salary model (ranges for comparison, not job listings). Methodology & limitations.
- Countries in model
- 20
- Static catalog — not a live global payroll survey.
- Median mid-level Software Engineer (USD gross)
- $127,500
- Across all countries in our Salary Index 2026 model.
- Mean USD gross (mid-level)
- $102,083
- Arithmetic mean of mid-level software engineer USD equivalents.
- Nominal spread (max − min)
- $167,893
- Difference between highest and lowest country mid-level gross in USD.
- Highest nominal market
- Switzerland ($185,841)
- Mid-level gross USD equivalent before CoL adjustment.
- Highest buying-power market
- Netherlands ($145,189 US-equiv.)
- Gross USD ÷ static CoL index heuristic.
Top 5 — nominal USD gross
- 1. Switzerland — $185,841
- 2. Norway — $152,447
- 3. Singapore — $148,092
- 4. United Kingdom — $137,928
- 5. Australia — $136,476
Top 5 — buying power
- 1. Netherlands — $145,189 US-equivalent
- 2. Spain — $145,189 US-equivalent
- 3. Canada — $145,188 US-equivalent
- 4. Sweden — $145,188 US-equivalent
- 5. Norway — $145,188 US-equivalent