Software Engineer / Developer Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced]

Let’s consider all the apps you use daily, from ordering food to streaming your favorite show—none of this would be possible without software engineers. These people behind the scenes design, build, and maintain the software that powers our digital lives. As more businesses and industries rely on technology, the demand for software engineers—whether fresh graduates or seasoned professionals—continues to increase.

With such a growing demand, understanding the software developer salary in India for freshers and experienced professionals is crucial for aspiring engineers. In this blog, we’ll explore salary trends, factors affecting earnings, and career growth opportunities in the field of software development.

As a software developer, you’ll be involved in:

• Designing software that meets the needs of users.
• Coding to bring those designs to life.
• Testing to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Maintaining and improving existing software.

Whether it's helping a hospital manage patient data or building the next big app, software engineers are at the heart of today’s tech world.

Why Software Engineering Is a Trending Career Choice?

Software engineering has become one of the most in-demand careers today, thanks to the rapid growth of the tech industry. As businesses worldwide move towards digital transformation, the need for skilled software engineers is rising faster than ever.

With this increasing demand, understanding the software developer salary in India for freshers is crucial for those entering the field. Whether you're a recent graduate or planning a career shift, knowing the salary trends can help you make informed decisions about your future in software development.

Increasing Digitization

Everything is going digital—from shopping to banking and even healthcare. This increased reliance on technology has created a huge demand for software engineers who can build and maintain the systems that power these services. The demand for software engineers is expected to grow by 22% in 2025, creating millions of new job opportunities.

High Salary Potential

One of the reasons software engineering is so attractive is its earning potential. In India, entry-level developers can expect to earn ₹40,000-60,000 per month, while mid-level professionals can make ₹60,000-1,00,000. Senior developers with advanced skills can earn over ₹1,20,000 per month.

Source: 

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects a 21.5% growth in software 

2. CompTIA's IT Industry Outlook and Visual Capitalist, which provide regular reports on tech job growth trends globally​

Growing Demand for Software Engineers/Developers in India

India is witnessing an increased demand for software engineers, particularly in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. The tech industry's rapid expansion and the widespread adoption of digital technologies have created a surge in job openings. Over the next 18 months, an additional 9-10 lakh jobs are expected to be generated, especially in fields like AI and data science.

With an employment rate of 93.5% for software engineers, the high demand is evident. However, securing top roles such as Lead Software Architect requires specific qualifications and experience, including:

1. A Bachelor's in Computer Science or related fields.

2. Strong expertise in programming and coding languages.

3. Certifications in relevant technologies.

4. 4-6 years of hands-on experience in software development.

Senior Software Developer Salary in India

For senior software developers, salary growth is substantial as they move into more specialized and leadership roles. With advanced skills, these professionals take on responsibilities such as leading projects, mentoring teams, and addressing complex technical issues. Here’s a breakdown of how experience influences salary levels for senior software developers in India.

Salary Growth with Experience

As senior software developers gain more experience, their earning potential increases significantly:

• 5-10 years of experience: ₹15-25 lakhs per annum

• 10+ years of experience: ₹18-30 lakhs per annum

• Senior Management/Leadership roles (15+ years): ₹25-35+ lakhs per annum

Salary by Job Title

Moving into specialized roles can result in significant salary hikes. Here are typical salary ranges for senior software developers in various leadership positions:

• Lead Software Developer: ₹15-33 lakhs per annum

• Software Architect: ₹24-40 lakhs per annum

• VP/Director (Software Development): ₹26L-1.0cr per annum

Software Developer Salary by City

Major tech hubs in India offer higher pay due to the concentration of companies and the demand for skilled developers. Here’s a comparison of average software developer salaries across India's top cities:

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor

Bangalore offers the highest salaries thanks to its booming tech scene and the presence of global companies. Mumbai and Delhi NCR are close behind, while cities like Hyderabad and Pune are quickly becoming tech powerhouses, offering competitive salaries and plenty of job opportunities.

If you're aiming for a higher salary as a software developer, choosing the right city can play a significant role in your career growth!

Software Engineer/Developer Salary in India: Based on Job Titles

Salaries in software engineering can vary widely based on the specific role you take on, and as you gain more experience and specialize in certain areas, your earning potential rises significantly. Here’s a look at how different job titles impact your salary as a software engineer:

• Junior Software Engineer:

  Freshers or professionals with less than 2 years of experience often start here. It’s a great entry point to learn and grow.

  • Salary: ₹3-6 lakhs per annum.

• Software Engineer:

  With 2-5 years of experience, you’ll move into a mid-level role and take on more responsibilities.

  • Salary: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum.

• Senior Software Engineer:

  If you’ve got 5-10 years of experience, you’ll likely handle more complex projects and mentor junior developers.

  • Salary: ₹9-21 lakhs per annum.

• Lead Developer:

  With 8+ years of experience, you’ll manage teams and drive project development, making strategic decisions.

  • Salary: ₹12.5-25.5 lakhs per annum.

• Software Architect:

  As an architect, you’ll design the overall system structure and lead the technical direction of projects.

  • Salary: ₹24-40 lakhs per annum.

• DevOps Engineer:

  Focused on streamlining processes, DevOps engineers are essential for smooth software delivery.

  • Salary: ₹5-12 lakhs per annum.

• Full-Stack Developer:

  A versatile role that allows you to work on both front-end and back-end development.

  • Salary: ₹4-10 lakhs per annum.

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor

These roles offer a clear path to higher salaries as your expertise deepens and responsibilities grow. The more specialized you become, the more companies will value your skills.

Software Engineer Salary in India: Based on Industry

Some sectors, like finance and e-commerce, are willing to pay higher salaries due to software's critical role in their business operations. Here’s a comparison of how software engineer salaries vary across industries:

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor

Industry Insights:

• Finance and Banking:

  Salaries here are higher, between ₹19-21 lakhs, due to the need for secure and complex software systems to manage financial transactions and data.

• E-commerce:

  With salaries ranging from ₹5-16 lakhs, engineers are crucial in building user-friendly platforms and managing the backend systems that keep these platforms running smoothly.

• IT and Software Services:

  A staple industry in India, paying ₹5-15 lakhs, this sector provides various tech solutions for businesses, from software development to maintenance.

• Healthcare Technology:

  As healthcare becomes more digital, software engineers in this field earn ₹10-15 lakhs, helping develop safe, efficient medical technologies and systems.

• Telecommunications:

  Engineers working in this field earn ₹8-16 lakhs, ensuring communication networks are optimized and secure.

• Manufacturing:

  Salaries range from ₹4-9 lakhs, with engineers focusing on automation and optimizing production processes.

Software Engineer Salary in India: Based on Experience

As software engineers gain more experience, their salaries increase. Here’s a breakdown of how pay changes with experience:

Entry-Level Software Engineer Salary (0-2 years)

For freshers entering the software engineering field, salaries are competitive, especially in industries like IT, e-commerce, and finance. Entry-level engineers focus on learning the basics of coding and contributing to smaller projects under the guidance of more experienced team members.

• Role and Responsibilities:

  Writing basic code, testing software, and assisting with bug fixes. They may also help with documentation and simple development tasks.

• Salary Range: ₹5-18.5 lakhs per annum

• Factors influencing entry-level salaries:

  • Industry:

    Sectors like finance and e-commerce often offer higher starting salaries.

  • Location:

    Cities such as Bangalore and Mumbai typically offer higher pay than Tier 2 cities.

  • Skills:

    Knowledge of popular programming languages like Python and Java and proficiency with tools like Git can increase earning potential.

Mid-Level Software Engineer Salary (3-5 years)

With a few years of experience, software engineers see a significant increase in their salaries. By this stage, they take on more complex coding tasks and work on larger projects.

• Role and Responsibilities:

  Writing efficient code, managing small projects, debugging, and collaborating closely with designers and product managers. They may also start mentoring junior developers.

• Salary Range: ₹5-18.5 lakhs per annum

• Factors influencing mid-level salaries:

  • Industry:

    Finance and IT companies often provide higher pay.

  • Specialization:

    Engineers with expertise in full-stack development or DevOps typically earn more.

  • Autonomy:

    Mid-level engineers often take more ownership of projects and guide junior team members.

Lead Software Architect Salary (5+ years)

Lead Software Architects, with over five years of experience, command significantly higher salaries. They manage the architecture of software systems, lead development teams, and handle the most complex technical challenges.

• Role and Responsibilities:

  Designing system architecture, leading development teams, making key technical decisions, and ensuring project delivery meets business goals.

• Salary Range: ₹22.5-44.4 lakhs per annum

• Factors influencing Lead Software Architect salaries:

  • Leadership:

    Managing teams and overseeing large projects directly impacts higher earnings.

  • Industry:

    High-tech sectors like finance and e-commerce reward software architects generously due to the complexity of their systems.

  • Expertise:

    Specialization in cloud architecture, AI, or advanced software systems further boosts earning potential.

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor.

Comparison with Other Countries: Software Developer Salary

While India’s tech industry is booming, the average salary for developers in India is still lower compared to countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Here’s a comparison of average software developer salaries:

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor

The tech sector continues to dominate in the US, with software developers earning 10 times more than in India. The UK's tech hub in London, Canada's growing tech scene in Toronto, and Australia’s strong IT sector offer significantly higher salaries than India.

However, considering the cost of living in these countries, India still offers excellent opportunities, especially in growing tech cities like Bangalore, where tech salaries are rising rapidly.

Why Opt for a Career in Software Engineering?

Software engineering is one of the most exciting and rewarding career choices today. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• High Demand:

  Every industry—from healthcare to entertainment—needs software engineers. You’ll always find opportunities.

• Job Security:

  As technology continues to evolve, the need for skilled engineers keeps growing. It’s a career that’s here to stay.

• Great Pay:

  Software engineers enjoy some of the best salaries out there, especially as you gain experience and specialize.

• Flexibility:

  Many roles allow you to work from anywhere, whether it’s at home or as a freelancer.

• Career Growth:

  The tech world moves fast, which means plenty of chances to grow, take on new challenges, and explore emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

If you’re looking for a career with stability, growth, and great earning potential, software engineering might just be the perfect fit!

Career Options for Software Engineers

Software engineers have a variety of career paths to explore, each offering different roles and salary ranges. Here’s a breakdown of popular roles and their average salaries according to Glassdoor and Indeed.

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor

upGrad’s Exclusive Software and Tech Webinar for you –

SAAS Business – What is So Different?

The Job Description of Software Developers & Why Software Engineer Salary is High

Software developers take on various tasks that require technical skills, making them highly valued in the industry. Here’s what they do:

• Design Software:

  Creating solutions that meet user needs.

• Write Code:

  Using languages like Python, Java, and C++ to build software.

• Test and Debug:

  Ensuring software runs smoothly and is free of bugs.

• Collaborate with Teams:

  Working with product managers, designers, and fellow developers.

• Maintain Software:

  Updating and optimizing software as needed.

• Solve Problems:

  Finding solutions to technical challenges.

Why Software Engineer Salaries Are High

Software engineers are paid well because:

• They have deep technical knowledge.
• Their work requires solving complex problems.
• They must constantly stay updated with new technologies.
• Their work directly impacts business success.

In-Demand Software Development Skills

Companies are always on the lookout for developers who can handle modern technologies and bring innovative solutions to the table. Here are some of the top skills that employers value in software developers:

Highest-Paying Companies for Software Developers in India

Certain companies in India stand out for offering top-notch salaries to software developers. These firms are often global tech giants or successful Indian startups, where developers play a crucial role in building and scaling products. Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying companies for software engineers in India:

Note: Salary data is sourced from Glassdoor

• Google and Microsoft offer some of the highest packages, often exceeding ₹40 lakhs annually for experienced developers.
• Amazon and Flipkart, leaders in e-commerce, offer salaries that can compete with global standards.
• Indian IT giants like Infosys and TCS pay competitive salaries, especially for senior roles, although their starting packages are lower than those of global companies.

Qualify for a High-Paying Software Engineer Salary

Looking to boost your software engineering career and earn a higher salary? UpGrad’s industry-focused courses can help you gain the skills that top companies are looking for. Whether it’s cloud computing, full stack development, or cybersecurity, these programs are designed to make you job-ready. Here are some key programs:

• Professional Certificate in Cloud Computing and DevOps
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Learn cloud infrastructure, automation, and DevOps tools.
  • 46 million jobs expected in cloud computing by 2030—get ahead now!
  • Enroll today!
• Full Stack Developer Bootcamp
  • Master JavaScript, React, Node.js, and Java.
  • Access top tech companies and startups.
  • Job-ready skills in high demand—start your journey now!
• Advanced Certification in Cybersecurity
  • Specialize in application security, cryptography, and network security.
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Become a cybersecurity expert—secure your spot!

Ready to boost your career?

Explore UpGrad’s programs and start building your future in tech today!

Unlock top-notch software engineering skills with our industry-aligned courses designed to elevate your career.

Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses

Master the most sought-after software development skills that employers are looking for and stay ahead in the tech industry.

In-Demand Software Development Skills

Get started on your tech journey with our free software development courses—no cost, just pure learning!

Explore Our Software Development Free Courses

Dive into our most popular software articles packed with insights, tips, and the latest industry trends to boost your knowledge!

Read our Popular Articles related to Software