Developer Salaries in the Balkans: A Complete Guide to Hiring Software Developers from Eastern Europe
- Bojan Najdov
- 13 hours ago
- 6 min read
Looking to hire software developers without blowing your budget? The Balkans — including countries like Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria — have emerged as one of the most exciting regions in Europe for sourcing top-tier developer talent at competitive rates. In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into developer salaries in the Balkans, explore how to find and hire the best tech talent, and highlight why developers from the Balkans are increasingly in demand.
Whether you're a startup founder, a CTO, or a recruitment manager, this article is a must-read if you want to hire developers from southeastern Europe efficiently and cost-effectively. With average monthly salaries lower than in Western Europe and a growing tech community, the Balkans present an attractive, high-quality alternative for companies worldwide.
I've created 3 tables, one with each of the main global currencies, so you can easily find the salary expectations in the currency you do business in
Annual Salary Expectations in GBP£ for 2025
Annual Salary Expectations in EUR€ for 2025
Annual Salary Expectations in USD$ for 2025
Article Outline
What Makes the Balkans a Great Place to Find Software Developers?
What Are the Average Monthly Salaries for Developers in the Balkans?
Developer Salary Breakdown by Country: Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, and More
How Does the Cost of Living Affect Developer Salaries in the Balkans?
Where to Find and Hire Software Developers in the Balkans?
Best Methods to Source and Recruit Talent in Southeastern Europe
Are Labor Laws and Regulations a Barrier to Hiring in the Balkans?
How to Hire Employees in the Country: Contracts and Compliance
Why Developers Get Competitive Despite Lower Salaries
Is the Balkan Region Sustainable for Long-Term Tech Hiring?
1. What Makes the Balkans a Great Place to Find Software Developers?
The Balkans — a region encompassing Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and more — have become a great place to find software developers for many reasons. First, the tech talent pool is growing rapidly, with thousands of new tech workers graduating annually from local universities. Second, the region offers a low cost of living, which directly influences lower salary expectations.
The tech ecosystem is also evolving fast, with tech hubs forming in cities like Belgrade, Tirana, Sofia, and Skopje. Developers in these areas are highly proficient in modern stacks and fluent in English, making them an ideal match for western European countries and North American companies looking to hire.
2. What Are the Average Monthly Salaries for Developers in the Balkans?
Average monthly salaries for software developers in the Balkans can vary significantly depending on the country and developer experience. In 2024, the average salary for a junior developer in the region is between €700 to €1,200 per month, while a senior developer may command €2,500 to €5,000 per month, depending on skillset and location.
For example:
Serbia: The monthly salary for a senior developer may reach €4,500.
Bulgaria: Often considered slightly more expensive, with an average monthly salary for experienced developers around €5,000.
North Macedonia and Albania: Offer some of the most competitive rates in Europe, with junior devs earning around €1000 and seniors up to €4,200.
These numbers make the Balkans a cost-effective solution compared to Western Europe, where a similar role could cost 15–30 % less annually.
3. Developer Salary Breakdown by Country: Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, and More
Let’s examine developer salaries in the main countries in the Balkans more closely.
Serbia
A country located in the Balkans, Serbia boasts a vibrant tech community and strong educational institutions. Developers here often have excellent English proficiency and Western experience. The average salary for a junior developer is about €1,000 per month, while seniors earn up to €3,500–5'000 per month.
Albania
In Albania, the cost of living is among the lowest in Europe, which is reflected in developer salaries. Junior developers earn around €700 per month, while experienced developers may get up to €3,000. For startups seeking to scale quickly, Albania is a great place to find software professionals.
Bulgaria
Being in the EU, Bulgaria offers legal stability and strong infrastructure. However, local salaries are slightly higher. A senior developer could earn a base salary of €5,400 per month, while juniors start at around €1,200.
North Macedonia
With a growing tech industry and affordable salary range, North Macedonia is ideal for businesses seeking to hire affordable technical talent. Junior developers here earn about €800–1,000 per month, with senior developers reaching up to €4,800.
4. How Does the Cost of Living Affect Developer Salaries in the Balkans?
The low cost of living in many Balkan countries is a critical factor influencing developer salaries. Since expenses for housing, food, and transportation are significantly less than in western European countries, developers get to retain more of their earnings even on lower gross salaries.
This dynamic allows companies to offer competitive salary packages relative to local standards while spending much less than they would in places like Germany or the UK. Thus, even though the annual salary is lower, developers in the Balkans often enjoy a high quality of life.
5. Where to Find and Hire Software Developers in the Balkans?
Wondering how to find and hire the right people in the Western Balkans or Eastern Europe?
Look no further than:
Local and regional tech events like Tech Summit Belgrade or DevFest Tirana
Freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Toptal, and Remote OK
Local job boards and recruitment platforms like Poslovi Infostud (Serbia), Jobs.bg (Bulgaria), and Duapune.com (Albania)
The best way to find developer talent is by combining online sourcing with partnerships with local recruiters or agencies who understand the market in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, or Serbia.
6. Best Methods to Source and Recruit Talent in Southeastern Europe
Recruitment in the Balkans works best when leveraging a mix of local networks, digital tools, and in-region partnerships. Here are some best methods to source and recruit talent:
Engage with tech communities and meetups
Attend regional tech events
Collaborate with local universities and coding bootcamps
Use agencies familiar with labor laws and regulations
If you’re expanding fast, consider using an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire employees without establishing a legal entity. This method simplifies compliance with local labor laws.
7. Are Labor Laws and Regulations a Barrier to Hiring in the Balkans?
Each country has its own labor laws, but overall, the region is relatively employer-friendly. Some things to watch out for:
Employment contracts in local languages may be required
Notice periods and termination laws vary
Social contributions and taxes can affect the base salary
For example, regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina may differ significantly from those in Romania or Albania. A reputable legal or HR partner can help you stay compliant while navigating labor laws and regulations.
8. How to Hire Employees in the Country: Contracts and Compliance
When you want to hire software developers or other tech professionals in the Balkans, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Draft a compliant employment contract in accordance with local labor laws
Register your company or use an EOR
Understand mandatory benefits and tax obligations
By taking these steps, you not only find and hire great people but also build long-term, trust-based relationships with your tech talent in the region.
9. Why Developers Get Competitive Despite Lower Salaries
Even though salaries are lower, developers get strong training, education, and exposure to global practices. Many Balkan developers work for international clients and startups, using English daily, following Agile methodologies, and building products for Western markets.
The mix of low salary, high quality, and English fluency makes the region ideal for companies looking to hire top-tier software developers. This is especially beneficial amid the global talent shortage and rising developer salaries elsewhere.
10. Is the Balkan Region Sustainable for Long-Term Tech Hiring?
Yes, and here’s why: The tech ecosystem is still maturing. While average salaries are slowly increasing, they remain competitive compared to the West. Governments are investing in STEM education, startups are thriving, and international companies are opening dev centers in places like Serbia and Romania.
With strong infrastructure, a growing tech community, and ample technical talent, the Balkans are more than just a good place to find developers — they're a sustainable long-term hiring solution.
Key Takeaways: What to Remember When Hiring Developers from the Balkans
Developer salaries in the Balkans are up to 30–50 % lower than in Western Europe.
Countries like Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria are home to rich tech talent.
The low cost of living allows for competitive salary packages.
The average monthly salary for a senior developer in 2024 ranges from €2,900 to €4,500.
Understanding labor laws and regulations is key to compliance.
The best way to find developer talent is through local recruiters, events, and platforms.
Consider using an employer of record to simplify hiring and payroll.
The tech industry in the region is growing fast, with strong community and international integration.
Balkan developers are experienced, affordable, and globally minded — perfect for startups and scaleups.
For a complete guide to finding developers in southeastern Europe, focus on talent hubs, salary benchmarks, and recruitment best practices.
Want help sourcing experienced developers from the Balkans? Let’s connect — you might just find your next star software engineer in Serbia, Albania, or North Macedonia.
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