While JavaScript is the most-used programming language in the Netherlands, SQL remains a crucial part of any developer’s data-wrangling tool kit. Here, we’ll look at the average SQL developer salary by experience and how average SQL developer salaries compare to those of Python, TypeScript, and JavaScript developers.
Average junior SQL developer salary trends
The average junior SQL developer salary is €46 711 per year for developers with at least two years of experience.
At this stage of their careers, junior SQL developers earn 6.3% more than the average Python developer, 13.8% more than a junior JavaScript developer, and 16,1% more than their TypeScript counterparts.
Once they have four years of experience under their belts, SQL developers can look forward to a 13.3% pay rise giving them an average annual salary of €52 900. This makes it the most significant increase of their careers.
While they’re still earning 3.5% more than the average intermediate JavaScript developer, SQL developers in the Netherlands now trail their Python counterparts at this stage of their careers by 2.7%.
Average SQL Developer Salaries by Experience
Average Salary by Years Experience, showing 25th and 75th percentiles
| Years of Experience | 25th Percentile | Average | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-4 | €35,000 | €46,711 | €55,000 |
| 4-6 | €37,500 | €52,900 | €62,500 |
| 6-10 | €52,500 | €57,950 | €65,000 |
| 10+ | €55,000 | €64,885 | €72,500 |
Average senior SQL developer salary trends
Salary growth for SQL developers initially slows once they become seniors and follows a downward trend regardless of tech stack or role. The main reason for this is that companies have to consider salary increases more carefully as a developer’s salary level becomes “more expensive”.
That’s not to say that there’s no growth at all: After they’re been in the profession for at least six years, senior SQL developers can look forward to a 9.5% increase.
This gives them an average annual salary of €57 950. They now trail their Python counterparts by 6.8% and senior TypeScript developers by 5.1%. JavaScript developers also overtake them at this experience level.
However, salary growth for SQL developers picks up slightly after they pass the ten-year mark:
The average senior SQL developer's salary increases by 12% to give them an annual salary of €64 885.
Despite the uptick in salary growth, the gap between them and their Python counterparts has widened to 9%.
Keep in mind
The data in this article is taken from OfferZen’s 2022 Netherlands report: State of the Software Developer Nation. In this article, ‘salary’ refers to the gross annual salary (before tax) provided by 510 survey respondents.
We only included salary insights for experience levels with enough data points to ensure that the amounts represent SQL developers in the country. That’s why we excluded entry-level developer salaries for this article.
Average salaries are single data points and only one part of a bigger story. Many respondents may earn significantly more or less than these averages. However, we hope to map underlying trends by tracking the average salaries for different experience levels.
These averages should not be used to estimate what your actual salary will or should be.
Salaries depend on the company size, industry, individual, perks and nature of work. These factors all influence the salary a company will offer to a prospective hire. In addition, most developers are “fluent” in several languages, which will affect the final figures.
It’s also important to remember that every individual’s context is different. Salary is a personal conversation that should take place between employee and employer.
Related resources:
- 2022 Netherlands report: State of the Software Developer Nation
- How to Negotiate a Job Offer That's More Than Just the Money
- How to Negotiate when Hiring Developers
- Python Developer Salary Trends in the Netherlands
- JavaScript Developer Salary Trends in the Netherlands
- TypeScript Developer Salary Trends in the Netherlands
- Full Stack Developer Salary Trends in the Netherlands
- React Developer Salary Trends in the Netherlands