Salary
Web Development, Software Development, Software Development Jobs,
Summary
Discover software engineer salary in Pakistan for 2026. Learn pay by experience, city, skills, and remote jobs. Updated salary ranges & growth tips.
Description
Everything You Need to Know About Pay, Skills, and Career Growth
Software engineering is one of the most popular careers in Pakistan right now. With more companies, startups, and remote work opportunities, software engineers can earn a good salary if they have the right skills.
This guide will explain software engineer salaries in Pakistan in simple words. We’ll cover:
- Salary by experience
- Salary by city and work type
- Salary by skills and tech stacks
- Remote vs office vs hybrid jobs
- Tips to earn more
- Motivational examples for career growth
Software Engineer Salary in Pakistan: Quick Overview
Monthly Salary Expectations (Pakistan)
Fresh Graduate / Entry Level
- Average Salary: PKR 55,000 – 75,000
- Salary Range: PKR 40,000 – 90,000
Mid-Level (2–5 Years Experience)
- Average Salary: PKR 120,000 – 180,000
- Salary Range: PKR 100,000 – 250,000
Senior Level (5–10+ Years Experience)
- Average Salary: PKR 250,000 – 450,000
- Salary Range: PKR 200,000 – 700,000
Lead / Tech Architect
- Average Salary: PKR 450,000+
- Salary Range: PKR 450,000 – 900,000+
Remote (International Roles)
- Expected Salary: PKR 350,000 – 800,000+
- Final amount depends on the USD exchange rate
Tip: Salaries depend on skills, experience, city, and whether the job is remote or office-based
Salary by City
Your salary can change depending on the city:
Salaries in Pakistan can vary significantly depending on city, industry presence, and work model. Major tech hubs like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad offer competitive pay, while remote opportunities are changing the earning landscape entirely.
Karachi remains the largest tech and business hub in the country. Professionals here typically earn between PKR 100,000 and 450,000 per month, largely driven by the presence of startups, fintech firms, and fast-growing digital businesses.
Lahore follows closely, especially for those working in software houses and digital agencies. Average salaries range from PKR 90,000 to 400,000, making it an attractive option for mid-level professionals and fresh graduates looking to grow their careers.
Islamabad offers some of the highest salary ceilings, particularly in corporate organizations and government-linked IT roles. Monthly salaries generally fall between PKR 100,000 and 500,000, with stability being a major advantage.
Beyond city-based roles, remote work has emerged as the most lucrative option. Professionals working for international clients can earn anywhere from PKR 300,000 to 800,000+, depending on experience and the USD exchange rate.
For those who prefer flexibility without going fully remote, hybrid roles are becoming increasingly common. These positions typically offer PKR 120,000 to 450,000, combining office collaboration with remote convenience.
bservation: Remote work lets you earn more because companies pay in USD, even if you live in Pakistan.
Salary by Skills / Tech Stack
In the tech industry, your skill set often matters more than your job title. Different technologies are valued differently in the market, and salaries can vary widely based on demand, complexity, and global relevance.
Professionals working in Web Development, particularly with modern frameworks like React and Node.js, typically earn between PKR 120,000 and 350,000 per month. Depending on experience and company size, salaries can range from PKR 100,000 to 400,000.
For Backend Developers using Python and Django, average monthly salaries fall between PKR 150,000 and 400,000, with overall ranges extending from PKR 120,000 to 450,000. These roles are popular in startups and SaaS-based companies.
Backend developers specializing in Java and Spring Boot often command higher pay due to enterprise demand. Their average salaries usually range from PKR 180,000 to 450,000, while experienced professionals can earn anywhere between PKR 150,000 and 500,000.
In the mobile development space, skills like Flutter and React Native are highly valued for cross-platform development. Developers in this category generally earn PKR 150,000 to 400,000 per month, with salary ranges spanning PKR 120,000 to 450,000.
High-paying opportunities are most visible in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science roles. These professionals often earn an average of PKR 250,000 to 700,000, and in some cases, salaries can reach PKR 900,000, especially when working with international clients.
Similarly, Cloud and DevOps engineers with expertise in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud are among the top earners in the market. Average salaries range from PKR 300,000 to 800,000, with overall compensation reaching PKR 900,000 for senior or remote roles.
On the other end of the spectrum, QA and Testing professionals typically earn between PKR 80,000 and 250,000 per month, while the broader salary range spans PKR 60,000 to 300,000, depending on automation skills and experience.
Tip: AI, Cloud, and DevOps are the highest-paying skills in 2026.
Salary for Fresh Graduates
If you are starting your career, here’s what to expect:
- Average Salary: 55,000 – 75,000 PKR
- Salary Range: 40,000 – 90,000 PKR
- Bonus / Stipend: 5,000 – 20,000 PKR
Tips for freshers:
- Do internships and small projects
- Build a portfolio on GitHub
- Apply for hybrid or remote jobs for better pay
- Learn Python, React, or AI basics
Remote vs Office vs Hybrid Jobs
The way we work has changed dramatically over the past few years. Today, professionals can choose between office-based, hybrid, and fully remote roles, each offering different salary levels, flexibility, and growth opportunities.
Office-based jobs remain the most traditional work model in Pakistan. These roles typically offer monthly salaries ranging from PKR 80,000 to 350,000. While they provide structure, in-person collaboration, and job security, compensation is often limited by local market standards.
Hybrid roles strike a balance between flexibility and stability. Employees work partly from the office and partly remotely, and salaries usually fall between PKR 120,000 and 450,000 per month. Many professionals prefer this model as it combines better pay with reduced commuting and improved work-life balance.
Remote jobs with local Pakistani companies offer full work-from-home flexibility but are still paid according to local salary benchmarks. These positions generally pay PKR 120,000 to 300,000, making them attractive for those who value flexibility over maximum income.
The highest earning potential comes from remote international roles. Professionals working for foreign clients or overseas companies can earn between PKR 300,000 and 800,000+ per month, with salaries often paid in USD. These roles reward specialized skills, strong communication, and global experience.
Tip: Remote jobs pay the most, especially if you have English communication skills and a strong portfolio.
Career Case Study / Example
Many people in Pakistan switch careers into software engineering. For example, designers, marketers, or animators can move to tech. Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Learn: Python, JavaScript, AI basics
- Practice: Build projects and add them to GitHub
- Freelance: Take small projects on Upwork, Fiverr
- Entry-Level Job: Join a software house to gain experience
- Mid-Level Growth: Learn high-demand skills like AI, Cloud, DevOps
- Senior/Remote Roles: Work with international companies for high pay
Example: A junior AI engineer can earn 150K – 350K PKR per month. Within 3–5 years, a senior AI engineer can earn 500K+ PKR by focusing on remote work and advanced skills.
How to Increase Your Salary
- Learn in-demand skills: AI, Cloud, DevOps
- Build a portfolio: GitHub projects, websites, apps
- Get certifications: AWS, Google Cloud, Meta Frontend
- Freelance and remote work: Work for international clients
- Improve communication: English skills matter
- Negotiate your salary: Know market rates before interviews
- Keep learning: Technology changes fast, stay updated
Bonus Tip: Use Search O Pal to find jobs, internships, and remote opportunities that match your skills and desired salary.
Why Salaries Differ
Even for the same experience, pay can vary because of:
- Your portfolio and projects
- Communication and interview skills
- Company size and location
- Remote vs office culture
- Specialization in certain skills
Key point: How you present yourself and your skills often matters more than your degree.
Final Advice
The software engineering career in Pakistan is growing fast. By building the right skills, doing good projects, and applying smartly, you can earn:
- Junior: 55K – 75K PKR
- Mid-Level: 120K – 180K PKR
- Senior / Lead: 250K – 700K+ PKR
- Remote / International clients: 300K – 800K+ PKR
Motivation: Keep learning, apply to the right jobs, and don’t be afraid to switch to remote or high-paying tech roles. Your earning potential is directly linked to your skills, portfolio, and persistence.
Next Step: Explore opportunities at Search O Pal, Pakistan’s AI-powered job platform, to find the best-fit roles and maximize your salary.
