This article explores the C / C++ developer salary range based on experience level, and regions of Poland. Additionally, we will compare these figures with salaries in other developed countries to prove the competitive edge to Poland.
Introduction: C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland 2024
The demand for skilled C / C++ developers continues holds its positions in Poland. These languages remain essential in fields such as systems programming, embedded systems, game and blockchain development. Understanding the salary trends for C / C++ developers in Poland is crucial for professionals looking to negotiate competitive compensation packages or for companies aiming to attract top remote talent.
In this article, we will examine the following topics:
- Average salary ranges for C / C++ software engineers categorized by experience levels: Junior, Mid (Regular), Senior, and Lead.
- Salary comparisons for C / C++ programmers across major cities in Poland.
- A comparative analysis of C / C++ developer salaries in Poland versus those in developed countries such as the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
C / C++ Developer Salary by Experience Level in Poland
The salary of a C / C++ developer in Poland varies widely depending on the experience level (Junior, Mid (a.k.a. Regular), Senior, and Lead). Also, salaries for C / C++ software engineers vary based on their location in Poland, and on specific technologies used in the company/project. Below is an overview of salary ranges based on experience level.
Methodology
In Poland, numerous reports and market analytics provide insights into salary assessment. Itentio IT Recruitment methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of the salary ranges mentioned in job descriptions on tech industry local job boards such as JustJoinIT, NoFluffJobs, Pracuj.pl, BulldogJobs, the:protocol, inhire.io, Solid.jobs. The salary assessments are based on the data from 418 job offers with visible salary ranges from different local job boards in Poland. On top of that, we made our analysis and evaluation of the data by comparing it to our partners’ salary ranges, our candidates’ desired salary ranges that they indicate during the interview processes, and the analytics from the job offers extended and accepted in our partners’ recruitment processes. The salaries stated can be considered as a gross salary on permanent contract (UoP) or net on B2B contract. When we refer to “max” salary, we mean average market maximum salaries in brackets, not the extremum or the market’s peak.
A. Junior C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland (0-2 Years of Experience)
Junior developers are at the beginning of their career, familiar with C++ basics and gaining hands-on experience with technologies and framewors, for instance, Qt. Junior-level positions currently account for 4% of opened C / C++ positions in Poland.
- Average Salary Range: 7,500 – 10,500 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 9,000 PLN/month
B. Mid-Level C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland (2-5 Years of Experience)
Mid-level C / C++ developers are generally skilled in handling more intricate programming tasks independently and have experience in areas like memory management, performance optimization, and system-level development. These positions represent a significant portion of job openings in Poland (41%), reflecting the demand for versatile developers at this stage.
- Average Salary Range: 13,500 – 19,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 16,250 PLN/month
C. Senior C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland (5+ Years of Experience)
Senior C / C++ developers possess advanced expertise in areas such as embedded systems, real-time applications, and high-performance computing. They often assume leadership roles in complex projects and guide junior developers. Senior roles dominate the market with a large percentage of available positions (51% ) for C / C++ engineers on the market).
- Average Salary Range: 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 23,250 PLN/month
D. Lead C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland (5-7+ Years of Experience)
Lead C / C++ developers manage development teams and oversee project lifecycles from design to deployment. Their responsibilities include technical decision-making, mentoring, and ensuring the overall success of projects. Lead positions, while fewer positions in Poland (4%), offer high earning potential.
- Average Salary Range: 26,000 – 34,000 PLN/month
- Median Salary: 30,000 PLN/month
Summary: C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range (PLN) | Media Salary (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior (0-2 years) | 7,500 – 10,500 | 9,000 |
| Mid/Regular (2-5 years) | 13,500 – 19,000 | 16,250 |
| Senior (5+ years) | 19,500 – 27,000 | 23,250 |
| Lead (5-7+ years) | 26,000 – 34,000 | 30,000 |
C / C++ Developer Salaries in Different Polish Cities (2024)
C / C++ developer salaries in Poland can vary based on the city, with tech hubs like Warsaw and Kraków offering higher pay due to increased demand and living costs. Below is an overview of the salary ranges in Poland’s top tech cities for C / C++ developers:
A. Warsaw
As the capital and largest tech hub, Warsaw offers some of the highest salaries for C / C++ developers.
- Junior C / C++ Developer Salary: 8,500 – 12,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular C / C++ Developer Salary: 15,500 – 21,000 PLN/month
- Senior C / C++ Developer Salary: 20,000 – 27,500 PLN/month
- Lead C / C++ Developer Salary: 27,000 – 35,000 PLN/month
B. Kraków
Kraków, a major tech city with many international companies, offers competitive C / C++ salaries, slightly lower than in Warsaw.
- Junior C / C++ Developer Salary: 7,500 – 12,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular C / C++ Developer Salary: 14,000 – 19,500 PLN/month
- Senior C / C++ Developer Salary: 19,500 – 28,000 PLN/month
- Lead C / C++ Developer Salary: 27,500 – 34,000 PLN/month
C. Wrocław
Wrocław’s growing tech scene offers salaries similar to those in Kraków.
- Junior C / C++ Developer Salary: 7,500 – 11,500 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular C / C++ Developer Salary: 14,500 – 21,000 PLN/month
- Senior C / C++ Developer Salary: 20,000 – 27,000 PLN/month
- Lead C / C++ Developer Salary: 28,000 – 33,000 PLN/month
D. Gdańsk
With its booming tech industry, Gdańsk offers competitive salaries, though generally lower than those in Warsaw and Kraków.
- Junior C / C++ Developer Salary: 7,000 – 10,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular C / C++ Developer Salary: 14,000 – 18,000 PLN/month
- Senior C / C++ Developer Salary: 19,250 – 27,500 PLN/month
- Lead C / C++ Developer Salary: 27,500 – 33,000 PLN/month
E. Poznań
Poznań’s tech market is rising, offering a range of salaries influenced by the availability of remote work options.
- Junior C / C++ Developer Salary: 7,000 – 10,000 PLN/month
- Mid/Regular C / C++ Developer Salary: 13,500 – 18,500 PLN/month
- Senior C / C++ Developer Salary: 19,250 – 26,500 PLN/month
- Lead C / C++ Developer Salary: 27,000 – 32,000 PLN/month
Summary: C / C++ Developer Salary in Poland by City
| City | Junior (PLN) | Mid/Regular (PLN) | Senior (PLN) | Lead (PLN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 8,500 – 12,000 | 15,500 – 21,000 | 20,000 – 27,500 | 27,000 – 35,000 |
| Kraków | 7,500 – 12,000 | 14,000 – 19,500 | 19,500 – 28,000 | 27,500 – 34,000 |
| Wrocław | 7,500 – 11,500 | 14,500 – 21,000 | 20,000 – 27,000 | 28,000 – 33,000 |
| Gdańsk | 7,000 – 10,000 | 14,000 – 18,000 | 19,250 – 27,500 | 27,500 – 33,000 |
| Poznań | 7,000 – 10,000 | 13,500 – 18,500 | 19,250 – 26,500 | 27,000 – 32,000 |
Senior C / C++ Developer Salaries: Poland vs. Other Developed Countries
When comparing senior C and C++ developer salaries in Poland with those in other developed nations, significant disparities emerge. While Poland provides competitive compensation, salaries remain lower than those found in more developed countries. Below is a comparison of salary ranges for senior C / C++ developers across different countries – the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
A. Poland vs. USA
The United States ranks among the highest-paying countries for tech professionals, including C and C++ developers.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- USA (Senior): 10,500 – 20,500 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor [1], [2], Salary.com)
B. Poland vs. Canada
Canada’s tech sector occupies a prominent position in global rankings. Although Canadian salaries are lower than those in the USA, they remain significantly higher than those in Poland.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Canada (Senior): 9,500 – 19,500 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor [3], [4],
C. Poland vs. Switzerland
Switzerland provides some of the most lucrative salaries for developers in Europe; however, this advantage is accompanied by a notably high cost of living.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Switzerland (Senior): 8,750 – 17,900 USD/month (Source: Payscale, Swissdevjobs)
D. Poland vs. Israel
Israel, particularly Tel Aviv, is recognized as a thriving startup and tech hub, where C and C++ software engineers command significantly higher salaries than in Poland; however, the cost of living is also considerably elevated.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Israel (Senior): 5,900 – 9,900 USD/month (Source: Payscale)
E. Poland vs. Australia
Australia’s tech industry, primarily based in Sydney and Melbourne, provides high salaries when compared to those in Poland.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Australia (Senior): 11,250 – 15,800 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Morgan Mckinley)
F. Poland vs. The United Kingdom
The UK, especially London, offers appealing salaries for developers; however, these figures might fall short on the starting points when compared to those in the USA, Switzerland, and Australia.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- The UK (Senior): 7,000 – 17,500 USD/month (Source: DevItJobs)
G. Poland vs. Germany
Germany’s tech industry, especially in cities such as Berlin and Munich, offers attractive opportunities for C and C++ software engineers; however, the salaries are lower in comparison to those in other considered developed countries.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Germany (Senior): 6,000 – 8,300 USD/month (Source: Germantechjobs)
H. Poland vs. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is recognized for its high salaries in cities such as Amsterdam, where developers collaborate with international companies and startups.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- The Netherlands (Senior): 5,700 – 8,500 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Salaryexplorer)
I. Poland vs. Norway
Norway offers robust compensation and benefits for developers, accompanied by a high standard of living, particularly in tech hubs such as Oslo.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Norway (Senior): 7,700 – 13,300 USD/month (Source: Glassdoor, Economic Research Institute)
J. Poland vs. Sweden
Sweden presents appealing salaries, although they are generally lower than those in Switzerland, Canada, Australia, or the USA, while still ensuring a high quality of life and benefits.
- Poland (Senior): 19,500 – 27,000 PLN/month (~5,000 – 6,800 USD/month)
- Sweden (Senior): 4,900 – 7,350 USD/month (Source: Payscale, Salaryexplorer)
Summary: Senior C / C++ Developer Salaries in Poland vs. Other Countries
| Country | Average Senior Salary (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| USA | 10,500 – 20,500 USD |
| Canada | 9,500 – 19,500 USD |
| Switzerland | 8,750 – 17,900 USD |
| Israel | 5,900 – 9,900 USD |
| Australia | 11,250 – 15,800 USD |
| The United Kingdom | 7,000 – 17,500 USD |
| Germany | 6,000 – 8,300 USD |
| The Netherlands | 5,700 – 8,500 USD |
| Norway | 7,700 – 13,300 USD |
| Sweden | 4,900 – 7,350 USD |
| Poland | 5,000 – 6,800 USD |
Although Polish salaries for C / C++ software developers may not match those in higher-paying countries, Poland’s lower cost of living ensures a good quality of life for developers while offering opportunities for remote work with foreign companies for higher pay.
Practical Advice for C / C++ Developers Seeking Competitive Salaries in Poland
To maximize your earning potential as a C / C++ developer in Poland, consider the following actionable tips:
- Choose the Right Employment Type: Opt for either a traditional employment contract (UoP – Umowa o Pracę) and B2B contract (self-employment). While B2B contracts can offer higher salaries, they require you to manage your own taxes and benefits. If stability and benefits (including on B2B) are priorities for you, consider traditional contracts.
- Specialize in Relevant Technologies: Focus on mastering key C / C++ libraries and frameworks (e.g., Qt, Boost). Continuous learning in modern C++ standards (e.g., C++17, C++20) keeps you competitive.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your projects on GitHub or GitLab, highlighting complex algorithms, system-level programming, or performance optimization.
- Network and Attend Industry Events: Connect with other professionals in the field through tech meetups, conferences, and online communities. Networking might be crucial for obtaining an access to the best job opportunities.
- Consider Remote Work Opportunities: Pursue remote positions that align with international salary standards, as this can result in higher compensation compared to local opportunities.
- Stay Updated with Trends: Monitor salary trends and in-demand skills within your region. Acquire new tools and practices, such as performance optimization and cross-platform development, to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
By adopting these strategies, you can improve your chances of securing a competitive C / C++ salary and great job opportunity in Poland.
Conclusion
As we examine the C and C++ Developer Salary in Poland for late 2024, it is clear that the demand for skilled developers remains robust, particularly in specialized sectors such as embedded systems, gaming, blockchain, and finance. Salary ranges fluctuate based on experience, location, and the specific technologies mastered.
In major Polish cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, C and C++ software engineers can anticipate competitive compensation packages. Although salaries in Poland are generally lower compared to more developed countries like the USA, Australia, Canada or Switzerland, the significantly lower cost of living in Poland mitigates this disparity, offering an appealing work-life conditions for developers.
To maximize earning potential, C and C++ programmers in Poland should concentrate on specializing in popular frameworks, such as Qt or Boost, while continuously honing their skills in areas like low-level programming, performance optimization, and hardware interfacing. Networking, cultivating a robust portfolio, and exploring remote opportunities with international companies are also crucial strategies for enhancing career prospects and unlocking higher salary packages.
In summary, the Polish tech market presents promising growth opportunities for C and C++ developers, while international prospects offer avenues for even greater financial rewards.
At Itentio IT Recruitment, we specialize in linking businesses with exceptional C / C++ talent across Poland and Europe. Whether you’re a C / C++ engineer exploring new opportunities or a company seeking skilled candidates, reach out to us today to discover how we can help you achieve your objectives!
