C++ Salaries - a confirmation for MY personal knowledge

[sumacveneneux]

Hi Forum,

I would like to know what the forum believes is a good salary for a Junior AND a senior C++ dev? I hear the skill is quite rare nowadays, and I would hate to go through all the trouble of finding a perfect candidate and then having them laugh at me when I mention salary.

A median for seniors that I found states about R28k for a senior per month. How far off am I?

 

[Chevron]

Hi Forum,

I would like to know what the forum believes is a good salary for a Junior AND a senior C++ dev? I hear the skill is quite rare nowadays, and I would hate to go through all the trouble of finding a perfect candidate and then having them laugh at me when I mention salary.

A median for seniors that I found states about R28k for a senior per month. How far off am I?

That's why you don't mention the salary. Ask what they currently earn and what they expect to earn.

 

[Beachless]

That's why you don't mention the salary. Ask what they currently earn and what they expect to earn.

Or list the salary in the Job spec and then see how much interest there is and if you receive quality CV's.

Personally I think 28K is a bit low if you want a real guru but for an average programmer it should be ok.

 

[sumacveneneux]

I *always* mention salary first. I find this one of the most important information pieces about a job spec.

 

[Sysem]

I *always* mention salary first. I find this one of the most important information pieces about a job spec.

I wish I dealt with you during my interview As a newly graduated student, I have NO idea what I can be earning. So what did I do? Undersold myself.

 

[sumacveneneux]

@ Sysem, it's never too late or too early to get to know someone. Your career is still going to grow for many years, feel free to pick my brain whenever you feel like it

 

[cguy]

In the case where you want a very senior guy / guru, you may want to advertise for a "Senior Developer" or "Principal Developer" or "Software Architect" (if applicable) or some such thing, and then list C++ as a desirable skill. Advertising for a "Senior C++ Developer" puts the emphasis on the particular language, which is often one of the more mundane requirements for a senior position.

 

[Ancalagon]

Junior: R15k to R24k
Intermediate: R25k to R35k
Senior: R35k to R50k
Architect: R50k plus

That applies to any software. I dont think its the case that C++ will pay more than C#. C++ is both less used by the marketplace and also less known by developers. In other words, there is less demand for it than C#/Java, even if skills for it are more rare.

 

[shogun]

Or you just ask one or two of your C# developers to learn C++... and give them the time and backup to learn it.

Bang presto!... employees leveled up.

 

[sumacveneneux]

You are all awesome, thank you so much

 

[Electric]

Junior: R15k to R24k
Intermediate: R25k to R35k
Senior: R35k to R50k
Architect: R50k plus

That applies to any software. I dont think its the case that C++ will pay more than C#. C++ is both less used by the marketplace and also less known by developers. In other words, there is less demand for it than C#/Java, even if skills for it are more rare.

What ages are the people in these positions typically?

 

[Ancalagon]

Really really depends. You can be a developer for many years but not learn the necessary skills to advance. I would see it more in terms of average number of years experience required.

Junior/Graduate: 0 years required
Intermediate: 2-3 years required
Senior: 5-6 years required
Architect: 10 years required

 

[sumacveneneux]

I am a little confused by the very large rand value for seniors. Mentioned here (Senior: R35k to R50k). The rest of the years are about 10 years (It should be 12 on Junior IMO, as it takes 12 years to become an expert - however, am willing to concede on that point, as developers usually start coding while still in school). But 15 years and such a large scale (15k), To me it looks as if there is a level missing between intermediate and senior.

hmmm

 

[hsmnel]

Must be kidding or the Capetownians are cheapskates. In Gauteng a senior dev gets from R50+ per month. a Senior C++ dev much more.

 

[fighthall]

Junior: R15k to R24k
Intermediate: R25k to R35k
Senior: R35k to R50k
Architect: R50k plus

That applies to any software. I dont think its the case that C++ will pay more than C#. C++ is both less used by the marketplace and also less known by developers. In other words, there is less demand for it than C#/Java, even if skills for it are more rare.

These are good figures to work with, maybe in some cases will be higher, but like all things it gets impacted by variables such as education, company location, company size as well as the demands of the job.

Ideally, you should have a clear picture what the company expects from you and what you can bring to the table, this will determine how much you can ask/expect in terms of remuneration.

 

[Recruit2network]

It really depends on the nature, size and management's perception on what people should be paid.

I've seen companies severely underpay in this field as well.

In this way you are not finding the best talent - you are diverting them elsewhere.

 

[AthenianOwl]

Junior: R15k to R24k
Intermediate: R25k to R35k
Senior: R35k to R50k
Architect: R50k plus

That applies to any software. I dont think its the case that C++ will pay more than C#. C++ is both less used by the marketplace and also less known by developers. In other words, there is less demand for it than C#/Java, even if skills for it are more rare.

Damnit UNISA never offers any other programming languages as part of a CS degree course The only language that I'm very familiar with is C++ and now I'm in the final year of my CS degree. In other words, I'm screwed

 

[Mr.Jax]

Damnit UNISA never offers any other programming languages as part of a CS degree course The only language that I'm very familiar with is C++ and now I'm in the final year of my CS degree. In other words, I'm screwed

Naah, don't worry.

If you are proficient in c++, you will find it easy to learn other languages. (Just my opinion, based on my own experience).

I don't think you will have problems applying for a job either (if it was me hiring at least, again based on my own experience).

 

[cguy]

Naah, don't worry.

If you are proficient in c++, you will find it easy to learn other languages. (Just my opinion, based on my own experience).

I don't think you will have problems applying for a job either (if it was me hiring at least, again based on my own experience).

Agreed. Also in my experience, C++ is a lot more prevalent overseas if you ever want to go that route.

 

[wolv]

Senior -40 to 70 [ not only based on skills, but seniors IMO must have extensive domain knowledge of the applications]

Architect - 65 plus normally closer to 100k