My salary as a junior web developer up to senior freelancer

I know that in France the topic of salary is quite taboo, but our goal at Code-Garage is to demystify the job of web developer as much as possible, and compensation is part of that.

If I'm asked the question at the end of a conference, I always give a numerical, honest answer, because that's the only way for a junior developer to get a sense of the real world.

So in this article I wanted to summarize how my salary has evolved over the years, with the sole purpose of giving some benchmarks to certain devs.

By the way, we've also published other survey-based articles on compensation for salaried positions and for freelancers!

A bit of background

For context, I have a Master's degree in Software Architecture, and during my studies I launched several projects, including a startup that allowed me to gain real-world developer experience, which meant I didn't enter the job market with zero experience.

I spent part of my career in Tours, note that salaries generally follow the cost of living of the place where you live, so average salaries can vary widely depending on the city.

Let's talk numbers

Junior freelance developer

September 2016 - May 2017

Since I was 18, I had started taking business creation courses because entrepreneurship already fascinated me, so it was quite natural that at the end of my studies, I went straight into freelancing.

The problem: finding assignments through freelancing platforms and the few jobs brought in by my small network weren't enough to earn a decent salary, so I had to live partly off my savings.

Average net monthly salary: €700 - €1000

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Junior fullstack web developer, permanent contract

June 2017 - May 2018

Reality having caught up with me, I signed a permanent contract with one of my first clients from my freelance days—a period that was very enriching both on a human and technical level, but also extremely intense in terms of workload.

It was during this period that I gained a large part of my experience and learned to communicate directly with clients, to the point of managing projects from A to Z.

Net monthly salary: €1800

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Experienced front-end developer, permanent contract (remote)

June 2018 - October 2018

Still employed at my first company, I was approached by a Paris-based startup to join their team remotely. The offer was: less workload, higher salary, quarterly bonuses, and company stock options after a certain period.

The original offer was a net monthly salary of €2000 with higher quarterly bonuses, but I negotiated to raise the fixed salary and lower the bonuses, which was in my interest at the time, and it was accepted.

Net monthly salary: €2100

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Experienced freelance developer and consultant

November 2018 - September 2021

My sole proprietorship, which had existed since 2016 (albeit almost inactive), and client requests becoming more frequent as the months went by, I waited for the right moment (also pushed by major disagreements with my boss at the time) to go freelance again.

This time, assignments came steadily, and despite a few setbacks (like a client going into judicial liquidation, causing me to lose over €2000 all at once) I managed to build a very stable situation with recurring clients.

Average net monthly salary: €3000 (min: €2250, max: €6000)

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Experienced international freelance developer

October 2021 - December 2023

For the first time, I landed a contract with a foreign client (UK/US) that allows me to work 4 continuous days a week, for a fixed monthly gross rate of $7600.

This contract means I no longer have to prospect for clients, my accounting is simplified, my working hours decrease, and my income increases. What more could I ask for?

Bonus: I get invited to seminars, all expenses paid, 4 times a year abroad.

Average net monthly salary: €5000

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Senior international freelance developer

January 2024 - Present

I've been able to build long-term loyalty with my clients, and with experience (and various client requests) I've developed my technical skills whenever necessary.

The workload hasn't really changed, but my level of responsibility keeps growing, and my clients expect more advice and initiative from me.

Average net monthly salary: €6500

If you want to learn more about being a freelance developer, go read my article "What being a freelance developer means, in 7 key points".