TL;DR
Dream of earning a competitive paycheck while enjoying Nordic bliss—5+ weeks vacation, universal healthcare, and work-life balance that actually works? Finland’s tech scene delivers software engineer salary in Finland averaging €48,000–€67,000 annually, with Helsinki seniors hitting €75,000–€100,000+ after taxes netting €3,500–€5,500 monthly. But the problem? Understanding how these figures compare globally can be tricky, which is where platforms like What Is The Salary help break down real-world compensation data across countries and tech roles.
High taxes and moderate bases lag behind Swiss or US figures, leaving many wondering if it’s worth the move.
The mind-blower: Total comp soars with bonuses, equity, and perks—often 20%+ uplift—turning “average” into abundance amid low inequality and innovation hubs like gaming/fintech.
Struggling with career stagnation? Unlock Finland’s opportunities: upskill in AI/cloud, negotiate smartly, and thrive in a market where demand outpaces talent—your path to six figures starts here.
Overview: Software Engineer Salary in Finland
Diving into the software engineer salary in Finland, this Nordic tech hub offers competitive pay driven by a booming digital economy, with Helsinki as the epicenter for innovation. For a broader comparison across roles and countries, exploring detailed IT salary insights can help you understand how Finland fits into the global tech compensation landscape.
Whether you’re eyeing a role as a Finland software engineer or comparing finland salary for software engineer options, salaries reflect high living standards, strong work-life balance, and robust social benefits.
With demand surging in sectors like AI, fintech, and gaming, the finland software engineer salary landscape is attractive for both locals and internationals, especially in cities like Helsinki where opportunities abound.
Average Annual Salary Range
The average salary in Finland for software engineer roles typically ranges from €35,000 to €85,000 gross annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization—making the average software engineer salary in Finland around €48,000 to €67,000 median.
Entry-level positions might start at €35,000-€45,000, while the average salary of software engineer in Finland for mid-level pros hovers at €50,000-€65,000. For those in the capital, the helsinki software engineer salary or software engineer salary helsinki often edges higher, averaging €55,000-€71,000 due to tech clusters.
The software engineer salary in finland after tax nets about 65-75% of gross, so a €60,000 salary yields roughly €40,000-€45,000 take-home, or €3,300-€3,750 as software engineer salary in finland per month.
Senior roles boost this significantly: the finland senior software engineer salary or senior software engineer salary finland ranges from €63,000-€98,000, with senior software engineer salary helsinki or senior software engineer salary in finland reaching €75,000-€104,000 in top firms.
How Finland Compares Globally
When stacking up against the world, the software engineer salary Europe context positions Finland as a solid mid-tier player, with average salary Finland for tech roles outperforming Eastern Europe but trailing Western powerhouses. For instance, Finland’s €48,000–€67,000 average lags behind Switzerland (€90,000+) and Denmark (€80,000+), yet surpasses Poland (€40,000) or Romania (€35,000).
To see how these European figures compare with markets outside the continent, exploring the software engineer salary in Kenya highlights how compensation can vary dramatically in emerging tech hubs.
Globally, it’s about half of U.S. figures ($110,000+), but perks like universal healthcare and generous vacation offset this. The salary in finland for software engineer or salary of software engineer in finland benefits from low inequality and high quality of life, making it a top choice for balanced careers over pure earnings.
| Country/Region | Average Annual Salary (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | €48,000-€67,000 | Mid-tier Europe; strong in Helsinki |
| Switzerland | €90,000+ | Top in Europe |
| USA | €100,000+ | Global leader |
| Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland) | €30,000-€45,000 | Lower cost, emerging marke |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level
As a Finland software engineer, your earnings evolve dramatically with expertise in this innovation-driven market.
The software engineer salary in Finland starts modest for newcomers but climbs steadily, rewarding skills in coding, problem-solving, and emerging tech like AI and cloud systems.
Factors like specialization (e.g., full-stack vs. embedded) and company size influence this progression, with the average salary for software engineer in Finland reflecting a merit-based trajectory.
Entry-Level / Junior Software Engineer Salary
Kickstarting as a software engineer in Finland? Entry-level roles, typically for those with 0–2 years of experience or fresh graduates, offer a software engineer salary Finland ranging from €35,000 to €45,000 gross annually—averaging around €37,000–€40,000. If you’re curious how starting salaries compare in other regions, checking out the software engineer salary in Nepal gives useful perspective on early-career pay in different markets.
In Helsinki, the helsinki software engineer salary for juniors edges up to €38,000-€42,000 due to higher demand. After taxes (about 25-35% deduction), take-home is roughly €2,200-€2,800 monthly, or €26,000-€33,000 yearly net. Perks like training programs and flexible hours often sweeten the deal, especially in startups or tech hubs.
Mid-Level Software Engineer Salary
With 3-5 years under your belt, the average salary of software engineer in Finland jumps to €50,000-€70,000 annually, median around €60,000. This finland salary software engineer boost comes from handling complex projects, like scalable apps or DevOps.
In the capital, software engineer salary in helsinki for mid-level pros averages €62,000-€72,000. Monthly gross: €4,200-€5,800; after-tax net: €3,000-€4,000. Bonuses (up to €5,000) and stock options in growth firms add value, making this a sweet spot for career momentum.
Senior Software Engineer Salary
Seasoned experts command top pay: the senior software engineer salary in finland spans €65,000-€100,000+, averaging €75,000-€85,000. For Helsinki-based roles, senior software engineer salary helsinki hits €80,000-€105,000, with leadership in architecture or teams.
Monthly: €5,400–€8,300 gross; software engineer salary in Finland per month nets ~€3,800–€5,500 after taxes. Equity and performance bonuses can push totals over €110,000 in elite firms, rewarding deep expertise in high-stakes environments. If you’re still wrapping your head around what software engineers actually do at different levels of experience and responsibility, this what is a software engineer guide breaks down the role and expectations behind those compensation numbers.
Pay Trajectory Over Time
The finland salary for software engineer grows ~10-15% every 2-3 years, from entry €40,000 to mid €60,000 in 5 years, reaching senior €80,000+ by year 8-10. Overall, software engineer salary europe trends show Finland’s 13% potential rise over 5 years, driven by skills upgrades and market demand. Switching jobs often yields 20% bumps.
| Experience Level | Annual Gross Range (EUR) | Median (EUR) | After-Tax Net (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry/Junior (0-2 yrs) | 35,000-45,000 | 40,000 | 26,000-33,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 yrs) | 50,000-70,000 | 60,000 | 35,000-48,000 |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | 65,000-100,000+ | 80,000 | 45,000-65,000 |
Software Engineer Salary by Location
Location shapes your software engineer Finland salary, with urban tech clusters offering premiums over rural areas. Finland’s compact geography means remote options are viable, but cities like Helsinki dominate with higher average salary Finland for engineers due to concentration of firms and talent. To better understand how roles and opportunities evolve across experience levels and locations, check out this software engineer career path guide that explains typical progression and how it can affect pay.
Software Engineer Salary in Helsinki
The epicenter of tech, Helsinki’s software engineer salary in helsinki averages €55,000-€75,000, median €71,000—10-20% above national figures. Software engineer salary in finland after tax here nets €3,500-€5,000 monthly. Gaming, fintech, and AI hubs drive this, with roles at multinationals boosting totals via bonuses.
Other Top-Paying Cities in Finland
Beyond Helsinki, Espoo (€60,000-€70,000) shines with Nokia ties; Tampere (€45,000-€55,000) excels in manufacturing tech; Oulu (€50,000-€65,000) focuses on wireless; Turku (€48,000-€60,000) grows in biotech software. These offer lower living costs, balancing slightly reduced pay.
| City | Average Annual Gross (EUR) | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | 55,000-75,000 | Fintech, Gaming, AI |
| Espoo | 60,000-70,000 | Telecom, R&D |
| Tampere | 45,000-55,000 | Manufacturing, Automation |
| Oulu | 50,000-65,000 | Wireless Tech, IoT |
Remote Software Engineer Salary in Finland
Remote work aligns with Finland’s balance ethos, with salary in finland for software engineer matching in-office at €50,000-€70,000 average. Some firms pay Helsinki rates remotely, but others adjust down 5-10% for non-urban. Flexibility and global clients can yield higher via international gigs, netting €35,000-€50,000 after taxes.
Top Paying Companies for Software Engineers in Finland
Finland’s tech scene features global giants and innovative locals paying premium software engineer salary Europe rates. The average salary in Finland for software engineer at top firms includes equity, making totals competitive despite moderate bases.
If you’re researching where developers earn the most, this breakdown of the highest paying companies for software engineers highlights organizations that lead the market in compensation.
Highest Paying Companies in Helsinki
Leading payers include Mapbox (€100,000+), Wolt (€110,000-€130,000), Unity (€90,000-€110,000), and Smartly (€80,000-€100,000). These emphasize scalable tech, offering senior software engineer salary finland with bonuses up to 20%.
| Company | Average Total Comp (EUR) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Mapbox | 100,000-140,000 | Mapping Tech |
| Wolt | 110,000-130,000 | Delivery Platforms |
| Unity | 90,000-110,000 | Game Development |
| Smartly | 80,000-100,000 | Ad Tech |
Popular Companies Actively Hiring Software Engineers
Actively recruiting: Nokia (mid-senior roles, €60,000-€90,000), Reaktor (innovative projects, €55,000-€80,000), Elektrobit (automotive, €50,000-€75,000), Teleste (telecom, €45,000-€70,000), and ICEYE (space tech, remote options). Check LinkedIn or company sites for 2026 openings in AI, Payscle embedded systems, and cloud.
Education, Skills, and Certifications
Boosting your software engineer salary in Finland often starts with strategic education and upskilling. In this high-tech Nordic market, qualifications in STEM fields directly correlate with higher finland salary software engineer earnings, especially for roles in AI, cloud, and gaming.
Employers value practical expertise over pure credentials, but advanced degrees and targeted certifications can accelerate progression from entry-level to senior positions, pushing the average salary for software engineer in Finland toward the upper ranges.
Education Backgrounds That Lead to Higher Pay
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related fields remains the standard entry point, with most software engineers in Finland holding at least this level—often leading to starting salaries around €40,000-€45,000.
Master’s degrees or higher boost potential significantly: data shows advanced education can increase earnings by 10-20% or more, qualifying for promotions and specialized roles. For instance, those with postgraduate qualifications frequently reach senior levels faster, commanding senior software engineer salary in finland averages of €75,000-€100,000+.
While self-taught paths or bootcamps succeed in startups, formal degrees from universities like Aalto or Helsinki provide an edge in multinational firms and higher-paying sectors.
High-Demand Technical Skills in Finland
Finland’s tech boom creates fierce demand for specialized skills, directly impacting software engineer finland salary premiums. Top in-demand areas include AI/machine learning, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), cybersecurity, DevOps, data analytics, and big data—often adding 10-25% to base pay for specialists.
Proficiency in languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, and tools for scalable systems or embedded software is crucial. With shortages in IT/ICT, gaming, and robotics, mastering these can elevate the average salary of software engineer in Finland well above national medians, especially in Helsinki’s innovation hubs.
Popular Certifications for Software Engineers
Certifications validate expertise and open doors to premium roles. Cloud‑focused ones lead: AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate/Professional), Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate, and Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect rank among the highest‑valued, often boosting total compensation in cloud‑heavy environments. For a sense of how these advanced skills can influence earnings in different European markets, take a look at the software engineer salary in Italy as an example of regional pay variation for certified professionals.
Entry-level options like AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals help juniors stand out. Other sought-after certs include Kubernetes, cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP), and DevOps tools. In Finland’s market, these can yield 10-20% salary uplifts or faster access to top-paying companies like those in fintech and gaming.
Benefits and Total Compensation
Beyond base pay, Finland’s software engineer salary europe appeal lies in strong total rewards. Statutory benefits, employer perks, and social security create a safety net that offsets moderate gross salaries compared to the U.S. Understanding total compensation—including bonuses, equity, and non-cash benefits—reveals why the finland software engineer salary package feels competitive despite figures.
Common Health Benefits for Software Engineers
Finland’s universal healthcare system covers most needs, but employers provide occupational health services (mandatory and often enhanced). This includes preventive care, doctor visits, mental health support, and sometimes private insurance add-ons.
Additional perks: gym subsidies, wellness allowances, and flexible sick leave. Parental benefits shine—generous paid maternity (up to 105+ days), paternity, and shared parental leave (up to 320 working days via Kela allowances), promoting work-life balance valued by tech pros.
Annual Employment Cost for Employers
Employers face significant overhead: mandatory social contributions add roughly 20-22% to gross salary. This covers pension (TyEL ~17%), unemployment insurance (0.3-1.2%), sickness/health (~1.9%), accident (~0.5%), and group life (~0.06%).
For a mid-level software engineer salary in finland of €60,000, total employer cost might reach €72,000-€75,000 annually. Larger firms or those exceeding payroll thresholds see slight increases, but this funds Finland’s high-quality social system.
Total Pay vs. Base Pay: What’s the Difference?
Base salary forms the core (e.g., €50,000-€70,000 mid-level), but total compensation includes bonuses (average €3,000-€8,000, performance-linked), profit-sharing, and equity/stock options (especially in startups like Wolt or Unity).
Levels.fyi data shows median total comp around €67,000-€71,000 in Helsinki, often 10-30% above base in top firms. Unlike pure base-focused markets, equity can push senior totals over €100,000, though less common than in the U.S.
Software Engineer Salary by Gender
Finland ranks high in gender equality globally, yet a persistent gap exists in tech—including for software engineer salary in finland. Data from TEK (Academic Engineers and Architects) and other sources highlights disparities, though narrower than many countries. Efforts like pay transparency laws aim to close it further.
Gender Pay Gap in Finland’s Tech Industry
In tech/engineering, the raw monthly gender pay gap is about 9.5% (women earn ~90% of men’s median), per 2023 TEK surveys. After controlling for experience, role, industry, and hours, an “unexplained” gap of ~5.5% remains—indicating factors beyond measurable variables.
Overall Finnish gap hovers ~16%, but tech shows improvement in expert roles and narrowing trends. Women represent ~16% of software engineers, with segregation and career progression contributing.
Breakdown by Role and Experience Level
The gap is smallest at entry/expert levels and widest in senior management or after 12-13 years of experience, where it grows significantly. Entry-level shows near-parity, but mid-to-senior roles see men earning more due to promotions, negotiation, or breaks (e.g., parental).
In software engineering specifically, women often cluster in certain subfields, impacting averages. Initiatives like equality plans and EU transparency directives (effective 2026) push for audits to reduce disparities across levels.
| Experience/Role | Estimated Gender Pay Gap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry/Junior | Minimal (~0-5%) | Near-parity at start |
| Mid-Level | 5-10% | Grows with responsibility |
| Senior/Leadership | 10-15%+ | Widest after 12+ years; unexplained portion persists |
Finland vs. Other Countries: Salary Comparison
Finland’s software engineer salary in Finland positions it as a strong mid-tier player in Europe—offering solid pay with exceptional quality-of-life perks like universal healthcare, generous vacation (5+ weeks), and low inequality. While not topping raw earnings lists, the finland software engineer salary shines in net take-home and work-life balance, making it appealing for sustainable careers over pure maximization.
How Finland Stacks Up Against European Peers
In the European landscape, Finland’s average salary for software engineer in Finland (~€48,000-€67,000 gross, median ~€55,000-€60,000) trails Western leaders but outperforms many Eastern markets.
Switzerland dominates at ~€90,000-€112,000+, followed by Denmark (~€66,000-€87,000), Norway (~€51,500-€78,000), Netherlands (~€63,700-€81,600), and Germany (~€63,000-€74,100). Sweden sits closer at ~€44,000-€68,600.
Finland’s figures align mid-pack, but high taxes (offset by benefits) and Helsinki premiums make the software engineer salary europe comparison favorable for balanced living—often yielding higher effective savings than higher-gross but costlier nations.
| Country | Average Annual Gross (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 90,000-112,000+ | Europe leader; high COL |
| Denmark | 66,000-87,000 | Strong Nordic perks |
| Netherlands | 63,700-81,600 | Tech hubs like Amsterdam |
| Germany | 63,000-74,100 | Mid-senior strong |
| Finland | 48,000-67,000 | Balanced; Helsinki higher |
| Sweden | 44,000-68,600 | Similar Nordic model |
| Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland) | 30,000-50,000 | Lower but growing |
Countries in Similar Timezones with Comparable Gross Salaries
Finland (UTC+2/3) shares timezones with much of Northern/Central Europe, easing collaboration. Comparable gross salaries appear in Sweden (~€44,000-€68,600, similar Nordic taxes/benefits), Norway (~€51,500-€78,000, oil-driven economy), and parts of the Baltics (e.g., Estonia/Lithuania ~€40,000-€60,000 emerging).
These offer overlapping daylight hours for meetings, with Finland’s average salary of software engineer in Finland competitive against Sweden/Norway when factoring lower stress and superior social safety nets.
Countries with Similar Employment Costs
Employer costs (salary + ~20-22% social contributions in Finland) align with other high-welfare Nordics. For a ~€60,000 base, Finland’s total cost (~€72,000-€75,000) mirrors Denmark, Sweden, and Norway (high due to pensions/unemployment funds).
Germany/Austria/Netherlands hover higher (~€80,000+ for similar bases), while Eastern Europe drops sharply (~€25,000-€40,000). Finland’s model delivers value through mandatory perks, making it cost-effective for talent retention despite moderate gross salary in finland for software engineer.
How to Increase Your Software Engineer Salary in Finland
Raising your software engineer salary Finland requires proactive steps—leveraging skills, experience, and negotiation in a market where demand for specialists outpaces supply. With steady 3–5% annual rises from collective agreements and job switches yielding 10–20% bumps, focused effort can push you from average to top‑quartile pay.
To understand how experience levels directly impact earning potential across the industry, check out this software engineer salary by experience breakdown which highlights how pay scales evolve with years on the job.
Skills and Certifications That Command Higher Pay
Prioritize high-demand areas to unlock premiums: AI/machine learning, cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), cybersecurity, DevOps, and big data often add 10-25% to base.
Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional, or Azure equivalents frequently boost offers by 10-20%. Mastering Python/Java/Scala for scalable systems or embedded tech in gaming/telecom sectors accelerates progression.
In Finland’s niche-heavy market (e.g., Nokia legacy, gaming), specialized expertise directly elevates finland salary software engineer beyond generalists.
Moving from Software Engineer to Senior: What Changes
Transitioning to senior software engineer salary in finland (typically 6+ years) involves shifting from execution to leadership—architecture design, mentoring, cross-team impact, and ownership of complex projects.
Pay jumps 30-50% (from mid ~€60,000 to senior €75,000-€100,000+), with bonuses/equity rising. Helsinki roles see bigger leaps due to scale. Key: Demonstrate business value, lead initiatives, and build visibility—often via internal promotions or strategic job moves.
Tips for Negotiating a Better Salary
Finland’s culture favors transparency and fairness, but negotiation works—especially with data. Research via TEK surveys, Levels.fyi, or Koodiklinikka (median ~€5,500-€5,682 monthly 2025). Highlight competing offers, unique skills, or impact metrics.
Ask for sign-on bonuses, extra vacation, remote flexibility, or training budgets if base is fixed. Time requests post-offer but pre-acceptance; frame positively (“Excited about the role—can we discuss aligning closer to market for my experience?”). Job-hopping every 2-4 years often nets the biggest gains in this stable market.
What Do Software Engineers Do?
Software engineers in Finland are problem-solvers who design, build, test, and maintain software systems that power everything from mobile apps and gaming platforms to industrial IoT and fintech solutions.
In this innovation-rich environment—home to companies like Supercell, Rovio, and Nokia—they blend creativity with rigorous engineering to create reliable, scalable technology.
The role emphasizes clean code, collaboration, and continuous improvement, often in agile teams where work-life balance is prioritized.
Core Responsibilities and Day-to-Day Tasks
A typical Finland software engineer day involves a mix of coding, collaboration, and problem-solving. Core duties include:
In Helsinki’s fast-paced scene, tasks often focus on scalable cloud solutions or game development, with tools like Git, Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms central to workflows.
How Senior Software Engineers Differ in Scope
Senior software engineers shift from hands-on coding to broader impact and leadership. While they still code (often on complex, high-stakes parts), their scope expands to:
This elevation boosts senior software engineer salary in Finland significantly, reflecting greater responsibility and influence in teams or organizations.
Also read: Software Engineer Salary in the United States (2026 Guide)
FAQs About Software Engineer Salaries in Finland
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What is the Highest Salary for a Software Engineer in Finland?
The highest reported total compensation reaches around €104,000-€114,000+ annually (including base, bonuses, and equity), often at top firms like Mapbox or Wolt in Helsinki. Exceptional cases in specialized roles (e.g., AI/architecture at elite companies) can exceed €120,000, though these are outliers driven by stock options and performance incentives.
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What is the Lowest Salary for a Software Engineer in Finland?
Entry-level or junior positions start as low as €31,000-€35,000 gross annually, particularly for recent graduates or in less competitive areas outside Helsinki. TEK recommends starter salaries around €4,000-€4,600 monthly (~€48,000-€55,200 yearly), but some trainee-like roles dip lower initially before rising quickly with experience.
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How Can Software Engineers Increase Their Salary?
Key strategies include: mastering high-demand skills (AI, cloud, DevOps) and certifications (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud); gaining 2-3 years of experience for mid-level jumps; switching jobs every 2-4 years (often 10-20% increases); negotiating with market data from TEK/Levels.fyi; targeting Helsinki or top companies; and pursuing promotions to senior roles. Continuous upskilling and visibility in projects yield the biggest gains.
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What is the Highest Pay for a Senior Software Engineer?
Top senior roles command €100,000-€133,000+ in total compensation, especially in Helsinki at companies like Mapbox, Unity, or international branches. Levels.fyi reports 90th percentile around €130,000+, including equity/bonuses for leadership in high-impact areas like fintech or gaming.
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What is the Lowest Pay for a Senior Software Engineer?
The lower end for seniors (typically 6+ years) starts around €50,000-€64,000 gross annually, per PayScale and Levels.fyi data, often in smaller firms, non-Helsinki locations, or less specialized roles. Most seniors earn well above €70,000 median, with TEK/Koodiklinikka surveys showing €5,300-€6,000+ monthly (~€63,600-€72,000 yearly) as common floors for experienced pros.
Conclusion: Why Finland Remains a Top Choice for Software Engineers in 2026
Finland offers a compelling blend of competitive software engineer salary in Finland (average €48,000–€67,000, with Helsinki and senior roles pushing €70,000–€100,000+), exceptional work-life balance, universal healthcare, generous parental leave, and 5+ weeks of paid vacation—benefits that often outweigh slightly lower gross pay compared to Switzerland or the US.
The finland software engineer salary landscape rewards skill specialization (AI, cloud, DevOps), experience progression, and strategic job moves, while the country’s strong tech ecosystem (Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere) continues to attract global talent. Despite a modest gender pay gap and high taxes, the net quality of life, safety, and innovation opportunities make Finland one of Europe’s most livable and fulfilling destinations for software engineers.
Whether you’re starting as a junior, advancing to senior, or considering a move to software engineer in Finland, the combination of solid earnings, meaningful work, and true balance positions this Nordic gem as a smart, future-proof career choice.
Shahzada Muhammad Ali Qureshi (Leeo)
I’m Shahzada — a software engineer by education and an SEO professional by trade. I built WhatIsTheSalary.com to go beyond just showing salary numbers — every page is manually researched across sources like BLS, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and PayScale to give you the full picture in one place. If you found what you were looking for here, that’s exactly the point.
