Salary in the IT industry in Denmark: What does a software developer earn?

Introduction

The IT sector is one of the most sought-after sectors in Denmark, and many ask the question: what does a software developer actually earn? The salary varies depending on experience, role, technology, and geographic location. In this article, you will get an overview of salary levels, factors that affect them, and how Denmark compares internationally.

Average salary for software developers in Denmark

The salary for software developers in Denmark typically ranges between 45,000 and 65,000 DKK per month for permanent positions, depending on experience and role. Senior profiles, specialists, and tech leads can earn up to 80,000 DKK or more. Freelancers can have an hourly rate of 800-1,200 DKK, depending on the project and technology.

Examples of average monthly salaries:

Source: Jobindex, Stack Overflow Developer Survey, Proløn, etc.

What affects the salary level?

1. Experience and seniority
The more years of experience, the higher the salary. Senior profiles can negotiate significantly more than entry-level candidates.

2. Technologies and skills
Specialization in in-demand technologies such as AWS, Kubernetes, React, or .NET adds higher value in the job market.

3. Geographic location
Salaries in Copenhagen and Aarhus are generally higher than in the rest of the country due to competition and living costs.

4. Education and certifications
Although experience weighs the most, master's degrees and certifications in, for example, Azure, AWS, or SCRUM can play a role.

5. Sector and type of company
IT in regulated industries like pharma or finance often pays more due to documentation and security requirements.

Permanent employment vs. freelance

Freelancers have a higher gross salary potential but are responsible for sick days, vacation, pension, and contributions. Many freelancers combine longer projects with shorter tasks for flexibility.

Salary development and demand

The demand for IT specialists is high - and is expected to grow. In particular, the following roles are in growth:

• DevOps engineers

• Cloud architects

• Frontend developers with UX experience

• Backend developers focusing on data and APIs

• Fullstack developers

Also read:

• Freelance IT in Denmark – opportunities and pitfalls

• Choosing an IT developer or consultant

How to negotiate salary as a software developer?

1. Research the market
   Use sources like Jobindex, Glassdoor, and Stack Overflow.

2. Know your technical value
   If you work with niche technologies, you have a stronger negotiating position.

3. Consider the entire package
   Salary is one thing – but pension, education, vacation, and flexibility also count.

4. Document your experience
   Concrete value that you have created counts higher than general descriptions.

FAQ

What does a software developer earn in Denmark?
Typically between 45,000 and 65,000 DKK per month, depending on experience, technology, and geography. Senior developers can earn significantly more.

What is a good freelance hourly rate?
Between 800 and 1,200 DKK is normal, but depends on profile and complexity. Consultants with expertise can charge higher.

Is the salary better abroad?
Some countries (like Switzerland and the USA) have higher salaries, but Denmark offers security, good working hours, and a high standard of living - and is competitive overall.