How much do Software Engineer earn in Nepal in 2026?

What is the Average Salary of a Software Engineer in Nepal?

The average salary of a software engineer in Nepal is around NPR 50,000 to NPR 70,000. Software engineers in Nepal usually start their career at an entry-level salary of around NPR 25,000 to 40,000 per month. This is common for fresh graduates with little to no work experience. At this stage, companies focus more on learning and training rather than on high pay. Once engineers gain a few years of experience and show good technical skills, their salary gradually increases. Many freshers also work as interns first, earning a small stipend before moving into a full-time role. While the pay may feel low at the start, it opens doors to a rewarding career in the long run.
 

When engineers reach the mid-level stage (3–5 years of experience), their monthly salary often jumps to NPR 40,000 to 80,000. At this point, they are expected to handle bigger projects, write cleaner code, and sometimes even guide junior engineers. The pay difference within this range depends a lot on the company type. For example, outsourcing and multinational IT companies usually pay more than small startups. Engineers who have mastered popular frameworks like React, Laravel, Node.js, or Django also tend to earn more. Mid-level engineers often start to see additional perks, such as health insurance, bonuses, or remote work options.
 

For senior-level engineers (with 5+ years of experience), the salary range is approximately NPR 80,000 to 1 lakh+ per month. Senior engineers are not just coders. They manage teams, lead projects, and directly contribute to business growth. Because of this responsibility, their earnings are significantly higher. Some senior engineers working for international companies or freelancing remotely earn even more, often beyond what local companies pay. When compared to the average salary in Nepal (around NPR 20,000–25,000 per month), software engineering is clearly among the highest-paid jobs in Nepal. This shows how valuable technical skills have become in today’s job market.

What Factors Affect a Software Engineer's Salary in Nepal?

The salary of a software engineer in Nepal mainly depends on education, experience, company type, and location. These factors decide how much a person earns and how fast their pay grows. In short, not all engineers are paid the same. A fresher with basic skills in a small startup will obviously earn less compared to a senior engineer working in an international IT firm. Let’s look at each factor one by one.

1. Skills and Qualifications

Only education and a degree are not enough. Skills and qualifications are equally important. Engineers with a strong foundation and skillset have higher chances of getting high-paid jobs. Those who add extra certifications in programming, cloud computing, or data science can also earn more. Many companies also look for practical skills rather than just academic grades. That’s why freshers who do internships and work on real projects often get better offers. In short, a good degree plus hands-on skills makes a big difference in salary.

2. Experience Level and Technical Skills

Experience is one of the biggest salary drivers. A fresher position in Nepal may start with NPR 25,000 to 40,000, but with 3–5 years of experience, their pay can double. Senior engineers with 5+ years are often paid more than 1 lakh per month. Along with years of work, the type of technical skills matters a lot. For example, engineers skilled in JavaScript frameworks, Python, or cloud tools like AWS are in high demand. Companies are ready to pay extra for rare and advanced skills. This means the more you learn and practice, the higher your earning potential becomes.

3. Type of Company

The kind of company you work for also affects your income. Startups usually pay less because they have limited budgets, though they may offer learning opportunities. Outsourcing companies that work with foreign clients tend to pay better. International companies and fintech firms often give the highest salaries along with perks like insurance, bonuses, and paid leave. IT service companies that deal with foreign projects are also popular choices for engineers seeking higher pay. Basically, the bigger and more global the company, the better the salary package. But at the same time, the workload and responsibilities also increase.

4. Location (Kathmandu vs. Other Cities)

Location is another important factor in salary differences. Most IT companies are based in Kathmandu, so salaries here are usually higher. Engineers working in Kathmandu often get better exposure to big projects and international clients. On the other hand, salaries in smaller cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, or Biratnagar are generally lower. This is mainly because fewer IT firms operate outside the capital. However, with remote work opportunities growing, engineers from any city can now work for national or even international companies. This has started to reduce the salary gap between Kathmandu and other cities. Still, for now, Kathmandu remains the hub for higher-paying software engineering jobs in Nepal.

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

When it comes to a software engineer's salary in Nepal, experience makes a big difference. The more years you work, the higher your pay usually goes. Companies value engineers who can handle bigger projects and guide others. Freelancing and remote work have also created new ways to earn more. Let’s look at the salary breakdown by experience level.

1. Entry-Level (0–2 years): NPR 25K - 40K

Freshers and engineers with less than two years of experience usually earn between NPR 25,000 and 40,000 per month. At this stage, the focus is mostly on learning and gaining practical skills. Many start as interns or junior developers before moving into full-time roles. Companies expect entry-level engineers to be curious and willing to improve. Salaries are lower here, but the experience gained is very valuable. Engineers who work on small projects or in startup companies may earn less. However, those who join outsourcing or international firms can get slightly higher pay. Overall, this is the foundation of a software engineering career in Nepal.

2. Mid-Level (3–5 years): NPR 40K - 80K

After gaining 3–5 years of experience, engineers move to the mid-level stage. Salaries usually range from NPR 40,000 to 80,000 per month. At this point, engineers are expected to handle bigger projects and sometimes manage small teams. Skills in popular programming languages and frameworks help increase pay. Companies also value problem-solving and teamwork at this stage. Mid-level engineers may start receiving perks like bonuses, insurance, or flexible work options. Working in international or fintech companies often brings higher salaries. This stage is crucial for building a strong career and moving toward senior roles.

3. Senior-Level (5+ years): NPR 80K - 1 Lakh+

Senior software engineers with 5 or more years of experience earn around 80,000 to 1 lakh or more per month. They are responsible for leading projects, mentoring juniors, and making important technical decisions. Experience with multiple tools, frameworks, and cloud platforms can further boost their salary. Senior engineers often work closely with management to plan projects. Their work is critical for company growth, so the pay is much higher. Some also get extra benefits like paid leave, health coverage, and performance bonuses. This stage offers stability and the chance to work on big, impactful projects.

4. Freelancers & Remote Engineers: 1 Lakh+

Freelancing and remote work have opened new earning opportunities for software engineers. Many experienced engineers working for international clients earn 1 lakh or more per month. Payment often depends on project complexity, skill level, and client location. Freelancers can choose projects that match their expertise and pay well. Remote work also allows engineers in smaller cities to earn like someone in Kathmandu. However, freelancing requires discipline and self-management. Those who build a strong reputation can earn a consistently high income. It’s one of the fastest ways to increase earnings in the software industry in Nepal.

What Skills Help Increase a Software Engineer's Salary in Nepal?

The skills that increase a software engineer’s salary in Nepal are strong coding knowledge, modern tools, cloud expertise, and soft skills. These make an engineer more valuable to any company. In simple words, the more skills you learn, the more chances you have to earn better. Technical knowledge brings opportunities, but soft skills make you stand out. Let’s look at the main skills in detail.

1. Programming Languages (Java, Python, C#, JavaScript)

Programming languages are the foundation of every software engineer’s career. Knowing just one language is not enough today. Engineers who are good at Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript usually earn more because companies use these in most projects. For example, Python is popular in data science, while JavaScript is widely used for web apps. Having knowledge of more than one language makes you flexible for different jobs. Employers also prefer candidates who can solve problems in clean and efficient code. The better you are at coding, the higher your salary can go. Strong language skills are always in demand in Nepal’s IT industry.

2. Frameworks & Tools (React, Node.js, Django, Laravel, .NET)

Frameworks and tools help engineers build applications faster and smarter. Companies highly value skills in React, Node.js, Laravel, Django, or .NET. These tools save time and make projects more reliable. Engineers who master them often get better salaries compared to those with only basic coding skills. For example, React developers are always in demand for web projects. Node.js is preferred for backend work, and Django is used for scalable apps. Having expertise in these frameworks makes you stand out in the job market. It directly impacts how much a software engineer earns in Nepal.

3. Database & Cloud Knowledge (SQL, AWS, Azure)

Every company needs engineers who can handle data and cloud systems. Knowledge of databases like SQL and cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure can boost salaries a lot. These skills are essential because most companies now store and manage data online. Engineers with cloud experience can also work for foreign clients. Database skills show that you can keep data safe, reliable, and well-organized. Cloud knowledge proves you can work on a modern IT infrastructure. Both skills together make you highly valuable to any company. This is why engineers with cloud and database knowledge are paid more in Nepal.

4. Communication, Teamwork, and Problem-Solving Skills

Technical knowledge alone is not enough for high salaries. Companies also look for engineers with strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Engineers often work in teams, so explaining ideas clearly is very important. Teamwork makes projects smoother and helps everyone stay on track. Problem-solving skills show that you can handle challenges without giving up. Employers value engineers who can think fast and find simple solutions. Good communication also helps when dealing with clients or managers. These soft skills may seem small, but they can play a big role in salary growth in Nepal.

Career Growth Opportunities for Software Engineers in Nepal

Software engineering is not only a high-paying job in Nepal but also a career with many growth paths. With the right skills and experience, engineers can move into leadership roles, join international firms, or even start their own business. The IT industry is growing every year, and that creates fresh opportunities. Unlike many jobs, software engineering offers flexibility to work locally or globally. Let’s explore the main career growth opportunities for software engineers in Nepal.

1. Promotion to Team Lead, Project Manager, CTO

One of the most common career paths is moving up the ladder inside a company. A software engineer who has gained 3–5 years of experience can be promoted to Team Lead. This role involves guiding junior engineers and making sure projects run smoothly. With more years of experience, engineers can step into roles like Project Manager, where they handle planning, deadlines, and client communication. The highest leadership position is often the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), who looks after the entire tech strategy of the company. Salaries increase a lot with these promotions, along with responsibility. This path is perfect for engineers who enjoy leadership and long-term career stability in Nepal.

2. Opportunities in International IT Companies

Many software engineers in Nepal also dream of joining international IT companies. These firms usually offer better pay, advanced technology, and global exposure. Engineers with strong skills in coding, cloud, or frameworks like React and Node.js have higher chances. Remote work has also made it easier to work for companies abroad while staying in Nepal. Some engineers even relocate to countries like the US, Australia, or European nations for better opportunities. Working with international teams builds strong experience and helps engineers earn salaries far higher than the local average. This career path is ideal for those who want to compete in the global job market.

3. Possibility of Starting Own IT Company or Freelancing Career

Another exciting option is to start your own IT company or work as a freelancer. Many senior engineers in Nepal open small companies that provide software or outsourcing services. This gives them independence and the chance to grow a business. Freelancing is also a popular choice, especially for engineers who want flexibility. With platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, Nepali engineers can work for foreign clients and earn in dollars. Skilled freelancers often make more than 1 lakh per month, sometimes even more. Starting a company or freelancing requires discipline, but it offers unlimited income potential. It’s a career path full of freedom and possibilities.