Ever wondered if a career in software engineering can truly pay well in Pakistan? With the tech industry booming, many fresh graduates dream of landing a high-paying coding job, while experienced developers often aim for competitive global salaries. But what’s the real picture when it comes to the average salary of a software engineer in Pakistan in 2025? Let’s break it down with facts, not assumptions.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Pakistan (2025)
As of June 2025, the average salary for a software engineer in Pakistan is approximately PKR 120,000 to 150,000. However, this number varies based on several key factors, including experience, technical skillset, and location.
Salary by Experience Level
1. Entry-Level Software Engineer
- Salary Range: PKR 45,070 to PKR 85,030
- Profile: Fresh graduates or engineers with less than 2 years of experience
- Common Roles: Junior Developer, Trainee Engineer, Intern
Those with internships, strong portfolios, or in-demand skills can earn more even at the start of their careers.
2. Mid-Level Software Engineer
- Salary Range: PKR 85,000 to PKR 135,000 per month
- Profile: 2 to 5 years of experience.
- Common Roles: Software Developer, Backend/Frontend Engineer, Full Stack Developer
At this stage, software engineers are expected to contribute independently, mentor junior developers, and handle more complex projects. Skills like React.js, Node.js, Python, and cloud deployment can push salaries toward the upper end of the range.
3. Senior-Level Software Engineer
- Salary Range: PKR 125,070 to PKR 320,055+ per month
- Profile: Engineers with 5+ years of experience
- Common Roles: Senior Developer, Technical Lead, Engineering Manager
Senior engineers with specialized expertise (e.g., in AI, DevOps, cybersecurity) or those working in multinational corporations (MNCs) often earn well over PKR 300,000 per month. Leadership responsibilities, project ownership, and system architecture design also come into play at this level.
Factors Influencing Software Engineering Salaries in Pakistan
1. Experience Level
Experience is the most significant factor. Each year of relevant work usually increases an engineer’s market value. Developers who remain active learners and contribute to open-source or freelance projects can command even higher salaries.
2. Skill Set and Specialization
Certain technical skills are in high demand:
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Data Science & Machine Learning
- Mobile App Development (Flutter, React Native)
- DevOps & Automation
- Cybersecurity
- Blockchain Development
Engineers with certifications or experience in these domains are likely to earn 20% to 40% more than their peers with generic programming skills.
3. Location and Cost of Living
City-wise salary differences exist due to cost of living and local demand.
- Lahore: Competitive salaries; large number of software houses.
- Karachi: High-paying corporate and multinational offices.
- Islamabad: Government projects and international NGOs offer decent compensation.
- Smaller Cities: Salaries are generally 15%–30% lower due to reduced living costs and smaller company budgets.
4. Company Type and Size
- Startups: May offer lower base salaries but higher equity and flexible work cultures.
- Software Houses: Salaries vary widely based on client base and project type.
- Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Usually offer the highest salaries, additional benefits, and training.
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Example Salary Insights (2025)
| Role | Monthly Salary (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Junior Software Engineer | 41,000 – 75,000 |
| Mid-Level Software Engineer | 85,000 – 135,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 120,000 – 320,000+ |
| Principal Engineer | 239,800+ |
| Software Architect | 300,000 – 450,000 |
These numbers reflect trends in the private sector; government roles tend to have lower salary packages but offer job security and pensions.
Freelancing & Remote Work Impact
Due to the growing gig economy, many Pakistani software engineers are earning foreign income through freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. Monthly income from remote international clients can range between PKR 150,000 to PKR 600,000+, depending on skills, ratings, and work consistency.
Freelancing offers flexibility and significantly higher pay potential but lacks job security and long-term career growth unless managed well.
Salary Comparison by Role & Technology
| Technology / Role | Avg. Monthly Salary (PKR) |
| Web Developer | 70,000 – 140,000 |
| Mobile Developer (Flutter) | 85,000 – 160,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | 130,000 – 250,000 |
| Data Scientist | 150,000 – 300,000+ |
| C++ Developer | 100,000 – 210,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | 120,000 – 280,000 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | 140,000 – 290,000 |
City-Wise Software Engineer Salary in Pakistan
| City | Avg. Salary (PKR) |
| Lahore | 100,000 – 250,000 |
| Karachi | 120,000 – 280,000 |
| Islamabad | 110,000 – 240,000 |
| Faisalabad | 80,000 – 160,000 |
| Peshawar | 75,000 – 140,000 |
| Quetta | 60,000 – 110,000 |
Is PKR 75,050 a Good Salary for a Fresh Graduate?
For a fresh graduate with no professional experience, PKR 75050,000 is considered a decent starting salary in Pakistan’s current job market. It may be on the lower side in large cities like Karachi or Lahore but is still competitive for smaller regions. Growth opportunities are significant within the first few years of work, especially if technical upskilling continues.
Career Growth and Salary Trajectory
A well-performing software engineer can expect a 15%–30% annual salary increase through promotions, skill enhancements, and job changes. After 5–7 years of experience, transitioning into leadership roles such as Engineering Manager, Product Owner, or Solutions Architect can double salary levels compared to mid-level positions.