Software Engineer salaries in Cologne range from 47.700 € to 137.800 € in 2026. The mid-level median is 76.850 €, which is 6% above the Germany national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
47.700 € – 61.480 €
Median: 54.590 € · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
63.600 € – 90.100 €
Median: 76.850 € · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
95.400 € – 137.800 €
Median: 116.600 € · per year
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
Estimated Software Engineer Salary in Cologne, Germany
3 sourcesMedian: 96.725 € per year (adjusted for Cologne cost of living)
Junior
54.590 €
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
76.850 €
3-5 yrs
Senior
116.600 €
6+ yrs
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia | 76.850 € | moderate |
| Munich, Bavaria | 89.900 € | high |
| Frankfurt, Hesse | 87.000 € | high |
| Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg | 83.375 € | high |
| Hamburg, Hamburg | 81.200 € | high |
| Berlin, Berlin | 79.750 € | high |
| Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia | 79.750 € | high |
City figures scale Germany’s national software engineer range by local cost of living and are indicative. Actual pay varies by employer, seniority, and total compensation.