Software developer salary: Your starting salary

Are you curious about salary levels, typical job responsibilities and your future prospects as a software developer? Then read on.

Table of Contents

How we calculate your salary as a software developer
Software developer salary: The technical details behind IDA’s salary calculator
Typical duties of software developers
Different educational pathways to becoming a software developer
Future prospects and career
Are you considering studying to become a software developer?

IDA's Salary Calculator

How we calculate your salary as a software developer

Before you read the salary figures below, it is important to note that all salary figures in this article are based on an average for employees in the private sector. You should therefore only regard these figures as a guide to what the average software developer can expect to earn.

In addition, it is also important to be aware of other factors that affect your future salary. It is no secret that the private sector often offers higher salaries, but you should also be aware of pension arrangements. Does your salary include a pension or not? If you work in the public sector, you will typically have a collective agreement that offers you a very good pension.

If you have a qualification that qualifies you as a software developer, you can expect an average starting salary of 41,100 kr. nationwide in 2026.

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Software developer salary: The technical aspects behind IDA’s salary calculator

The expected salary in IDA’s salary calculator is based on a specific sector and a specific geographical area, according to which the salary is adjusted. In addition, we draw on IDA’s Salary Statistics, for which we collect salary data each year on members employed in the private sector and the self-employed. We project this figure by 2.0 per cent year on year, which corresponds to the trend in IDA’s indicative starting salary.

Below, we present the trend in the average salary from 2025 to 2027 for a software developer in the private sector. The figures are based on a holder of a Master’s degree in IT (cand.it) working in the IT and telecommunications sector.

IDA's salary calculator IDA's salary statistics

Typical duties of software developers

Most software developers work on a wide range of tasks, which often cover a very broad spectrum. They may be experts in everything from developing new software applications and maintaining existing solutions to testing software, analysing data and carrying out repairs to IT systems. A significant part of the work typically also involves system development and ensuring that the functionality of an IT system or new software meets users’ needs and expectations.

As the programme focuses on software systems, both the typical future job responsibilities and the modules on the course will almost always involve programming in various programming languages, such as Java. Many software developers are therefore familiar with several different programming languages.

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Different career paths to becoming a software developer

There are several different study programmes you can undertake to become a software developer. You can complete a professional bachelor’s degree and go straight into work. Alternatively, you can continue your studies by taking a master’s degree or a top-up programme afterwards. Many people choose to continue their education after their professional bachelor’s degree to strengthen their skills and open the door to exciting career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Whether you choose to train as a software developer through a university or a vocational college depends on how specialised you wish to become and which skills you want to develop. At university, you’ll typically follow a more theoretical and research-oriented approach, for example through degree programmes in computer science or software technology. At vocational colleges such as business academies, the programmes are more practice-oriented. Here, you’ll work even more hands-on with programming, system development and specific projects. You’ll also quickly undertake a work placement, which is a major and compulsory part of the programme.

If you’re studying to become a software developer, you can, of course, become a member of IDA free of charge.

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Future prospects and careers

After a few years’ experience, a software developer often has in-depth technical knowledge of databases, web systems and computers. A developer uses all these skills to create stable and efficient solutions in their work, for example when developing programmes.

With their broad range of skills, software developers can find roles across many different sectors. You can specialise in everything from web development and databases to IT architecture and the development of complex software solutions. You can also work as an IT consultant, systems developer or IT architect, depending on your skills and interests. All the experience you gain along the way – including supplementary courses, further training and professional experience – naturally also affects your average monthly salary.

A career as a software developer offers many exciting opportunities to work with new technologies and to develop programmes and projects that are of great significance to both businesses and society. Whether you’re looking for a job in a start-up or an established company, there are excellent opportunities to build a strong and specialised profile that is highly sought-after in the job market. Software development is a field that is constantly and rapidly evolving, and demand for developers remains high. This provides excellent career prospects for both recent graduates and experienced IT professionals.

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Are you thinking of studying to become a software developer?

Would you like to work with digital solutions? And can you see yourself in roles such as systems developer, systems architect, IT architect, games developer, programmer or software coordinator?

If so, a degree in software development is definitely an obvious choice for you and your future.

If you’re currently studying – or considering – another course in this field, you can also move towards software development through further training and work experience.

We very much hope that this article has been useful and that you’ve gained some insight or clarity.

When or if you’re studying to become a software developer, you can always find out more about specialisation, advice, salary trends and career prospects as a student member.

Our counseling can help you

Our professional career advice is also always on hand to help you with any questions you may have about your future as a recent graduate.

If you’re lucky enough to have found a job, it might be a good idea to have your contract reviewed. That’s what we, as your trade union, are here to help you with.

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