TL;DR
Imagine earning NPR 500,000+ annually right from Kathmandu, rivaling global tech hubs—yet most Nepali engineers settle for far less.
The software engineer salary in Nepal averages NPR 40,000–52,000 monthly locally, but remote roles skyrocket it to NPR 200,000–500,000+.”what is the salarly” The catch? Many undervalue their skills in a booming IT sector projected to hit $175M by 2029.
The problem: Entry barriers, skill gaps, and local pay caps trap freshers at NPR 25,000–50,000, while seniors miss out on international gigs due to limited networks.
The solution: Master AI, cloud, and full-stack skills, embrace remote work via Upwork or multinationals like Verisk, and negotiate boldly. Transform your career—code your way to financial freedom today!
What Does a Software Engineer Actually Do?
A software engineer is much more than just a coder sitting behind a screen all day. At its core, the role involves applying engineering principles to design, develop, test, maintain, and improve software systems that solve real-world problems.
Whether it’s building mobile apps, web platforms, enterprise tools, or complex backend infrastructure, software engineers ensure the final product is reliable, scalable, efficient, and user-friendly.
Day-to-day responsibilities typically follow the software development life cycle (SDLC) and include:
In practice, a software engineer might spend one day brainstorming architecture for a new feature, the next writing and reviewing code, and later optimizing performance or fixing bugs reported by users.
The role emphasizes problem-solving, attention to detail, and a focus on long-term system quality rather than quick hacks.
For those curious about software engineer in Nepal, the day-to-day work is quite similar globally, though many Nepali professionals work on international projects (often remotely), contributing to global products while based in Kathmandu or other cities.
Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
The terms software developer and software engineer are often used interchangeably in job postings and conversations, but subtle differences exist depending on the company, region, or context. To see how titles and compensation can vary across European markets, check out this software engineer salary in the Netherlands.
In reality, the overlap is huge: both write code, debug issues, and collaborate on teams. Many companies (especially startups and mid-sized firms) use the titles synonymously.
In Nepal, job listings for software developer salary in Nepal or software engineer salary in Nepal often describe very similar roles, with titles varying by employer preference. Globally, “software engineer” might appear more in enterprise or US-based companies, while “developer” is common elsewhere.
Types of Software Developers and Roles
The field of software development (and engineering) offers incredible variety. Professionals often specialize based on technology, industry, or focus area. For insight into how roles and compensation compare in different regions around the world, you can also look at the software engineer salary in Malaysia. Here are some of the most common types and roles in 2025–2026:
| Role | Primary Focus | Key Technologies / Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Front-End Developer / Engineer | Builds user interfaces and improves user experience for websites and applications. Ensures designs are responsive, interactive, and intuitive. | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Vue, Angular |
| Back-End Developer / Engineer | Manages server-side logic, databases, APIs, and overall application architecture. Handles performance, security, and data flow. | Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), Java, Ruby, Go, SQL |
| Full-Stack Developer / Engineer | Works on both front-end and back-end, building complete applications from start to finish. Highly versatile across the stack. | Front-end + Back-end technologies combined |
| Mobile Developer | Develops applications for smartphones and tablets, either native or cross-platform. | Swift (iOS), Kotlin/Java (Android), Flutter, React Native |
| DevOps Engineer | Automates deployments, manages cloud infrastructure, ensures system reliability, and maintains CI/CD pipelines. | AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD tools |
| QA Engineer / SDET | Ensures software quality through automated and manual testing. Writes scripts to detect bugs and validate performance. | Selenium, Cypress, Test automation frameworks, Scripting languages |
| Data Engineer | Designs and manages data pipelines for collecting, storing, and processing large datasets. | SQL, Python, Spark, ETL tools, Cloud data services |
| Other Specializations | Focused roles in advanced or niche technical domains. | Cloud Engineering, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning/AI, Embedded Systems, Blockchain, IoT |
Experience levels also create distinctions: junior software engineer salary in Nepal or associate software engineer salary in Nepal roles focus on learning and guided tasks, while senior software engineer salary in Nepal (or senior software engineer salary in Nepal per month) involves leading features, mentoring, and architectural decisions.
Advanced titles like principal software engineer salary in Nepal are for experts shaping strategy and complex systems.
In Nepal, many professionals start in full-stack or web development roles at local firms or outsourcing companies, then specialize or move to remote international work for higher pay.
The average salary of software engineer in Nepal varies widely by experience, specialization, and whether the role is local vs. remote/global.
(If this is part of a larger article, the next sections could naturally cover average software engineer salary in Nepal, software engineer salary in Nepal per year, comparisons like software engineer salary Bangkok, insights from software engineer salary in Nepal reddit, and breakdowns for junior/senior/principal levels.)
Average Software Engineer Salary in Nepal (2026)
The average salary of software engineer in Nepal in 2026 hovers around NPR 500,000 to NPR 620,000 per year (roughly NPR 40,000–52,000 per month) for total compensation in local roles, according to aggregated data from Levels.fyi and PayScale.
However, the average software engineer salary in Nepal spans a wide range: entry-level positions start lower, while experienced professionals in high-demand skills or remote setups earn far more.
For software developer salary in Nepal or software engineer salary Nepal, expect NPR 20,000–3,000,000+ annually depending on experience and employer.
Local companies pay modestly, but remote work for foreign firms (common among software engineer in Nepal) can reach NPR 200,000–500,000+ per month—making Nepal an attractive base for global talent.
Factors driving variation include:
The software engineer salary in Nepal per year trend shows steady growth, fueled by the expanding IT sector (projected to hit $175 million+ by 2029), and for broader perspective on how compensation scales in more mature tech markets, see the software engineer salary in Ireland.
Overall Salary Range at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of nepal software engineer salary ranges in 2026 (monthly, unless noted):
| Experience Level / Category | Monthly Salary (NPR) | Yearly Salary (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level / Fresher | NPR 25,000 – 45,000 | NPR 300,000 – 540,000 |
| Mid-level | NPR 50,000 – 100,000+ | NPR 600,000 – 1,200,000+ |
| Senior (Local Companies) | NPR 90,000 – 250,000+ | NPR 1,080,000 – 3,000,000+ |
| Senior (Remote / International) | NPR 300,000 – 500,000+ | NPR 3,600,000 – 6,000,000+ |
| Overall Average (Local Market) | NPR 40,000 – 60,000 | NPR 500,000 – 720,000 |
| High-End (Experienced / Remote Roles) | NPR 150,000 – 500,000+ | NPR 1,800,000 – 6,000,000+ |
These align with reports from NecoJobs, Kumari Job, and Levels.fyi, where median total comp is around NPR 620,000 annually for many roles.
How Much Does a Software Engineer Make in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu remains Nepal’s primary IT hub, offering the highest software engineer salary in Nepal for local positions. Salaries here are typically 10–30% above other cities due to the concentration of companies, outsourcing firms, and better opportunities. For a comparison of how regional hubs influence pay in other markets, check out the software engineer salary in Poland:
Glassdoor and Levels.fyi data for Kathmandu show median figures around NPR 60,000–140,000 monthly for various levels, with remote global roles boosting earnings.
Pokhara, Biratnagar, or other cities pay slightly less, but remote work equalizes this for many nepal engineer professionals.
Recently Reported Salaries from Nepal
Recent 2026 reports (from job sites, Levels.fyi updates, Glassdoor submissions, and community forums like Reddit’s r/technepal) highlight real-world figures:
| Category | Experience Level | Monthly Salary (NPR) | Yearly Salary (NPR) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Companies (Outsourcing) | Mid-Level | NPR 40,000 – 90,000 | NPR 480,000 – 1,080,000 | Common range in outsourcing firms |
| Remote / International Roles | Mid–Senior | NPR 200,000 – 500,000+ | NPR 2,400,000 – 6,000,000+ | Platforms like Arc report averages around ~NPR 5,000,000+ annually (~$40,000 USD/year) |
| Verisk (Multinational Example) | Mid–Senior | — | NPR 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 | Reported total yearly compensation |
| Local Firms (Community Reports) | Senior | NPR 150,000 – 220,000 | NPR 1,800,000 – 2,640,000 | Based on shared salary insights |
| Reddit Mentions (Nepal) | Fresher | NPR 25,000 – 40,000 | NPR 300,000 – 480,000 | Often increases to NPR 80,000+ within 2–3 years with strong performance |
Many emphasize that skills in high-demand areas (React/Node, cloud, AI) and English proficiency unlock higher pay, especially remotely.
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the biggest driver of software engineer salary in Nepal. Here’s a breakdown:
Fresher Software Engineer Salary in Nepal (0–2 Years)
Freshers or junior software engineer salary in Nepal (including associate software engineer salary in Nepal) typically start at NPR 25,000–45,000 per month (NPR 300,000–540,000 per year). This applies to recent graduates from IT/CS programs, and for a look at how entry‑level compensation compares in larger Asian tech markets, see this software engineer salary in China.
PayScale and Kumari Job data confirm entry-level around NPR 470,000 annually on average, with growth potential as skills build.
Mid-Level Software Engineer Salary in Nepal (2–5 Years)
With 2–5 years, salaries rise to NPR 50,000–100,000+ per month (NPR 600,000–1,200,000+ per year). This is where software developer salary Nepal sees significant jumps.
Mid-career figures from PayScale hover around NPR 750,000+ total comp, reflecting increased responsibility like leading features or mentoring juniors.
Senior Software Engineer Salary in Nepal (5+ Years)
Senior software engineer salary in Nepal (or senior software engineer salary in Nepal per month) ranges from NPR 90,000–250,000+ locally, with principal software engineer salary in Nepal or tech leads/architects hitting NPR 150,000–300,000+ (or far more remotely).
NecoJobs and community reports note seniors in leadership roles earning NPR 1,50,000–3,00,000+, with long-term growth tied to continuous upskilling.
(These sections tie back to earlier role discussions and set up potential follow-ups like comparisons to software engineer salary Bangkok, Reddit insights, or negotiation tips.)
Software Engineer Salary by Role and Specialization
While experience drives much of the pay in Nepal’s tech scene, your specific role and specialization can create big differences in earning potential. Software engineer salary in Nepal often aligns closely with demand for certain skills—specialized or high‑impact roles command premiums, especially in remote or international setups. To see how specialization and market demand shape compensation in another European market, check out this software engineer salary in Belgium.
Specializations like full-stack, DevOps, AI/ML, or cybersecurity tend to pay more than generalist or front-end-only positions due to complexity and scarcity of talent. For instance:
Computer Engineer Salaries in Nepal
Computer engineer roles (often overlapping with nepal engineer or hardware/systems-focused positions) typically earn slightly less than pure software development paths, as they may involve more hardware, networking, or embedded systems rather than high-demand coding stacks.
| Role / Experience Level | Monthly Salary (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer (Average, Software-Focused) | NPR 40,000 – 60,000 | Typical local market average range |
| Computer Engineer (Overall Average) | NPR 50,000 – 100,000 | Broader scope including hardware, networking, and systems roles |
| Entry-Level (Computer Engineer – Networking/Hardware) | NPR 25,000 – 40,000 | Fresh graduates in support, networking, or hardware-focused roles |
| Mid-Level (2–5 Years Experience) | NPR 50,000 – 90,000 | Common range for experienced engineers in technical roles |
| Senior (Tech Leads / Systems / Cloud Specialists) | NPR 100,000+ | Senior technical or leadership positions |
Per sources like NecoJobs and Kumari Job, computer engineers in banks, telecom, or infrastructure firms earn steadily but rarely match the peaks of software developer salary Nepal in app/web development or remote global work. Many transition to software roles for higher pay.
IT Engineer Salaries in Nepal
IT engineer is a broader term covering support, systems admin, networking, and some development—often paying in the middle range compared to specialized software engineer salary Nepal.
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary Range (NPR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Range | NPR 30,000 – 150,000+ | Varies by skills, certifications, and company size |
| Entry-Level | NPR 25,000 – 45,000 | Basic support, networking, and junior IT tasks |
| Mid-Level | NPR 50,000 – 90,000 | Specialized technical roles with 2–5 years of experience |
| Senior-Level | NPR 100,000 – 250,000+ | Advanced roles, especially in cybersecurity or cloud IT |
Kumari Job and NecoJobs data show IT engineers in telecom/banking earn reliably, but pure software roles (e.g., software engineer in Nepal) pull ahead in high-growth areas. Remote IT engineering for international firms can close the gap significantly.
How Your Role Title Affects Your Pay
Job titles influence software engineer salary in Nepal more through implied responsibility than strict rules—companies use them variably.
Titles like “Lead” or “Architect” add premiums. Remote titles for global companies often inflate pay regardless of local norms.
Software Engineer Salary by Location
Location matters in Nepal’s IT landscape, though remote work has reduced traditional gaps.
Kathmandu vs. Other Cities in Nepal
Kathmandu dominates as Nepal’s IT hub, hosting most companies, outsourcing firms, and opportunities—leading to higher software engineer salary Nepal.
- Kathmandu: NPR 50,000–100,000+ average monthly (10–30% above national); entry ~NPR 30,000–50,000, senior ~NPR 100,000–200,000+ local (more remote).
- Other cities (Pokhara, Biratnagar, Butwal, Chitwan): Typically 10–25% lower for local roles due to fewer firms and lower cost of living.
- Remote/global: Location-independent—many outside Kathmandu earn Kathmandu-level or higher via international clients.
NecoJobs notes Kathmandu’s concentration of multinationals drives the premium, but remote equalizes pay nationwide.
Top Paying Locations for Software Engineers in Nepal
- Kathmandu Valley — Highest overall (most companies, better networks).
- Pokhara — Growing hub (some outsourcing); slightly below Kathmandu but improving.
- Biratnagar / Butwal — Emerging; local pay lower, but remote boosts.
- Remote (anywhere in Nepal) — Effectively the “top payer,” as engineers access global rates (often NPR 200,000–500,000+ monthly).
Remote work has made geography less of a barrier—many software engineer in Nepal professionals now earn top-tier pay from smaller cities.
Top Paying Companies for Software Engineers in Nepal
High-paying employers in Nepal blend local firms with multinationals and outsourcing giants—often with international clients or remote options.
Which Companies Pay the Most?
Top payers (based on Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Reddit/technepal discussions, and NecoJobs 2026 insights) include:
- Multinationals/outsourcing: Verisk, Cotiviti, Leapfrog Technology, Infinite Computer Solutions, Cedar Gate — often NPR 60,000–200,000+ monthly (senior roles higher).
- Fintech/established: F1Soft, eSewa-related, or similar — competitive local pay with bonuses.
- Others: EB Pearls, Javra Software, Machnet (median ~NPR 455K–623K/year per Levels.fyi).
Remote-focused or global-client companies lead, with some seniors earning NPR 300,000+ monthly.
What Makes a Company a High Payer?
High payers stand out due to:
Community threads (e.g., Reddit r/technepal) highlight MNCs like Verisk or Cedar as top for nepal software engineer salary, with newer startups sometimes matching or exceeding for talent.
(These sections build on prior salary/experience breakdowns. Next could cover remote vs. local comparisons, negotiation tips, or software engineer salary bangkok contrasts.)
Government vs. Private Sector Software Engineer Salaries
Nepal’s tech job market splits notably between government (public sector) and private sector roles. Government positions—often through Lok Sewa Aayog for computer engineer or IT roles—prioritize job security, pensions, fixed allowances, and work-life balance over rapid salary growth.
Private sector roles (local firms, outsourcing, multinationals) drive higher earnings through performance, skills, and international exposure. The average salary of software engineer in Nepal reflects this divide: government lags behind private/remote opportunities.
Government Salary of Software and Computer Engineers in Nepal
Government IT roles (e.g., Computer Officer, IT Engineer, or software-related positions in ministries, banks, or public enterprises) follow structured pay scales with modest bases plus allowances (grade pay, dearness, Dashain bonuses, provident fund, pensions).
- Entry-level/Fresher: NPR 25,000–45,000 per month (often starting around NPR 30,000–40,000 for Lok Sewa-selected roles).
- Mid-level: NPR 50,000–70,000+.
- Senior-level: NPR 70,000–100,000+ (higher for specialized or lead positions).
Sources like Kumari Job and LetsLearn note government software engineer salary Nepal or computer engineer pay tops out lower than private, with slow increments but strong security. Some reports mention up to NPR 200,000 in special IT incentives, but these are rare and not standard.
Overall, these roles suit those valuing stability over high earnings.
Private Sector Salary Comparison
Private sector software engineer salary in Nepal significantly outpaces government, especially in outsourcing, startups, fintech, and multinationals.
- Entry-level: NPR 30,000–50,000 (higher than government in competitive firms).
- Mid-level: NPR 60,000–120,000+.
- Senior: NPR 100,000–250,000+ (local); up to NPR 300,000+ in multinationals.
The average software engineer salary in Nepal in private is NPR 50,000–100,000+ monthly (NPR 600,000–1,200,000+ annually), per NecoJobs and Levels.fyi—often 2–3x government for similar experience.
Private offers faster promotions, bonuses, and skill-based raises, but with less job security and higher pressure. Many software developer salary Nepal discussions highlight private/remote as the path to higher nepal software engineer salary.
Freelancing and Remote Work Salaries in Nepal
Freelancing and remote work have transformed earnings for software engineer in Nepal professionals, allowing access to global rates while staying home. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and direct clients enable USD payments, far exceeding local norms.
Freelancing Salary Range for Software Engineers
Freelance earnings vary by skills, portfolio, client base, and hours—many Nepali engineers earn NPR 50,000–300,000+ monthly.
- Beginners: NPR 20,000–80,000 (small gigs, building reviews).
- Mid-level/Experienced: NPR 100,000–300,000+ (consistent clients in web/dev).
- Top performers: NPR 300,000+ (specialized like full-stack, AI; long-term contracts).
Kumari Job and community reports show many earn 1 lakh+ monthly via Upwork/Fiverr, with USD rates boosting take-home after fees. It’s flexible but requires self-marketing and client management.
Remote Software Engineer Salaries in Nepal
Remote roles for international companies (US, EU, Australia) pay premium rates—often the highest for Nepal-based talent.
- Average remote: ~$40,000–$45,000 USD annually (NPR 5–6 million+ yearly, or NPR 400,000–500,000+ monthly), per Arc and Plane data.
- Senior/remote specialists: NPR 300,000–500,000+ monthly (or more for high-demand stacks).
Many software engineer in Nepal professionals earn NPR 200,000–500,000+ monthly remotely—matching or exceeding local senior pay.
How Remote Work Compares to Local Salaries
Remote/global work dwarfs local: local averages NPR 40,000–100,000 monthly vs. remote NPR 200,000–500,000+. It closes the gap to international benchmarks without relocation, though it demands strong English, reliable internet, and time zone flexibility. Remote often equals 3–10x local for experienced roles.
Software Engineer Salaries Abroad vs. Nepal
Many Nepali engineers compare local pay to abroad opportunities—either relocating or remote.
What Nepali Engineers Earn Working Internationally
Relocating (e.g., Australia, Canada, US, UK) yields high salaries:
- Australia: AUD 75,000–140,000+ annually (~NPR 600,000–1,100,000+ monthly equivalent) for software engineers.
- US/Canada/UK: Often $80,000–150,000+ USD annually (~NPR 800,000–1,500,000+ monthly).
Remote international keeps engineers in Nepal but pays closer to these levels (NPR 400,000–1,000,000+ monthly in top cases).
Nepal vs. Global Salary Benchmarks
Global average software engineer salary is ~$70,000–$110,000 USD annually (higher in US at $110,000+). Nepal’s local average salary of software engineer in Nepal (~NPR 500,000–720,000 annually) is lower, but remote bridges it significantly.
Abroad offers 5–10x+ local pay, plus benefits, but involves visas, relocation costs, and competition.
What Influences Software Engineer Salary in Nepal?
Several factors shape software engineer salary in Nepal beyond experience.
Experience, Skills, and Tech Stack
Experience drives the biggest jumps: freshers NPR 25,000–50,000; seniors NPR 100,000–300,000+. High-demand skills (React/Node, Python, cloud/AWS, AI/ML, DevOps) add 20–50% premiums. Strong portfolios and continuous learning accelerate raises.
Company Size and Industry
Multinationals/outsourcing (e.g., Verisk, Cotiviti) pay highest locally (NPR 100,000–300,000+ for seniors). Fintech/e-commerce offer competitive packages; startups may pay less but with equity. Larger firms provide structured growth.
Gender Pay Gap Among Software Engineers in Nepal
Nepal’s IT sector shows underrepresentation (women ~8–14% in ICT roles) and potential gaps, though specific software engineering data is limited.
Broader reports indicate women earn less in professional categories due to discrimination, occupational segregation, and fewer in high-pay leadership. Efforts like STEM promotion for women aim to close this; equal pay laws exist but enforcement varies.
Common Benefits and Perks Beyond Base Salary
Beyond base, perks include:
- Dashain/Tihar bonuses (1–2 months’ salary).
- Provident fund/gratuity.
- Health insurance, allowances.
- Remote flexibility, training budgets.
- Equity (rare in local firms).
Remote/international roles add USD stability and global exposure.
(These wrap up salary deep-dives—next could cover negotiation tips, career growth, or comparisons like software engineer salary Bangkok.)
How Can Software Engineers Increase Their Salary in Nepal?
Boosting your software engineer salary in Nepal is achievable with targeted efforts—many professionals double or triple their pay within a few years by focusing on skills, strategic moves, and global opportunities.
The IT sector’s ~12% annual growth and rising demand for specialized talent make this one of the fastest-growing fields in Nepal.
High-Demand Skills That Command Higher Pay
Specializing in in-demand areas can add 20–50%+ to your salary quickly, especially in remote or multinational roles. Top skills for 2026 include:
- AI & Machine Learning (Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch) — Highest premiums; roles like AI/ML engineers often exceed local averages significantly.
- Cloud Computing & DevOps (AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD) — Critical for scalability; cloud architects/DevOps engineers earn top local and remote pay.
- Full-Stack Development (React/Next.js, Node.js, Python/Java backend, MERN stack) — Versatile and highly sought; full-stack devs frequently hit higher mid-to-senior ranges.
- Cybersecurity — Growing demand in fintech/banking; specialists command premiums for ethical hacking and system security.
- Mobile Development (Flutter, React Native, Kotlin/Swift) — Mobile apps remain huge; cross-platform skills boost freelance/remote earnings.
Other strong performers: Data Science/Analytics, Blockchain/Web3. Build a portfolio (GitHub projects, open-source contributions), earn certifications (AWS Certified, Google Cloud, etc.), and stay updated—companies pay more for problem-solvers who deliver real value.
Career Moves That Boost Income Fast
Quick salary jumps often come from these strategic steps:
- Switch to remote/international work (via Arc, Upwork, or direct clients) — Many software engineer in Nepal professionals jump from local NPR 50,000–100,000 to NPR 200,000–500,000+ monthly.
- Join multinationals/outsourcing firms (Verisk, Cotiviti, Leapfrog) — Structured raises and bonuses push seniors higher.
- Freelance or build side projects — Consistent Upwork/Fiverr clients can add NPR 100,000–300,000+ monthly.
- Negotiate aggressively (with new offers, performance reviews) — Highlight skills and impact; many see 20–40% increases.
- Upskill and promote internally — From junior to senior in 3–5 years often doubles pay.
- Relocate abroad (if possible) or target remote roles — Bridges to global benchmarks (e.g., US/EU rates).
Continuous learning and networking (LinkedIn, Payscale an tech meetups) accelerate everything—many report fast growth by combining skills with remote exposure.
Also read: Software Engineer Salary in Spain: Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average software engineer salary in Nepal?
The average salary of software engineer in Nepal is around NPR 500,000–620,000 per year (roughly NPR 40,000–52,000 per month) for local roles, per Levels.fyi and PayScale data. Remote/international work pushes averages much higher, often NPR 200,000–500,000+ monthly.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Nepal?
Fresher/Junior (junior software engineer salary in Nepal / associate software engineer salary in Nepal): NPR 25,000–50,000 per month.
Mid-level (2–5 years): NPR 50,000–100,000+ per month.
Senior (senior software engineer salary in Nepal / senior software engineer salary in Nepal per month): NPR 90,000–250,000+ locally; up to NPR 300,000–500,000+ remote.
Top/Principal (principal software engineer salary in Nepal): NPR 150,000–500,000+ in high-end or remote setups.
What is the highest pay for software engineers in Nepal?
Top earners reach NPR 300,000–500,000+ per month (or more) in remote roles for global companies, senior/principal positions at multinationals, or specialized fields like AI/cloud. Local highs are around NPR 200,000–350,000 monthly.
What is the lowest pay for software engineers in Nepal?
Entry-level freshers often start at NPR 20,000–30,000 per month in small local firms or internships, though competitive roles begin at NPR 30,000–45,000.
Is software engineering a good career in Nepal?
Yes—it’s one of the best in Nepal’s growing IT sector (projected to $175M+ by 2029). High demand, fast salary growth via skills/remote work, and global opportunities make it rewarding and future-proof, even with entry-level competition.
How can Nepali software engineers earn more?
Focus on high-demand skills (AI, cloud, full-stack, DevOps), pursue remote/freelance work for international clients (often 3–10x local pay), join multinationals/outsourcing firms, negotiate raises, switch jobs strategically, and build a strong portfolio/certifications.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Software Engineering in Nepal
In 2026, software engineering remains one of Nepal’s most dynamic and high-potential careers. The IT sector’s rapid growth—projected to exceed $175 million by 2029—fuels strong demand for skilled professionals, from local firms to global remote roles.
Local salaries start modestly for freshers (NPR 25,000–50,000 monthly) and average around NPR 500,000–620,000 annually (NPR 40,000–52,000 monthly), per sources like PayScale, Levels.fyi, and NecoJobs. However, experience and specialization unlock much more: mid-level roles reach NPR 50,000–100,000+, seniors NPR 90,000–250,000+ locally, and top/principal positions NPR 150,000–300,000+ or higher.
The game-changer? Remote and international work—many Nepali engineers earn NPR 200,000–500,000+ monthly (or $40,000+ USD annually via platforms like Arc), often 3–10x local pay without relocating.
By mastering high-demand skills (AI/ML, cloud/DevOps, full-stack), building portfolios, freelancing, joining multinationals, and negotiating smartly, you can accelerate growth dramatically. Challenges like entry competition exist, but the rewards—innovation, stability, and global reach—make this field truly worthwhile.
If you’re starting out or leveling up, invest in skills and embrace remote opportunities—the best is yet to come for software engineers in Nepal. Code boldly, grow relentlessly, and thrive!
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.
