Hire from Pakistan
How much does it cost to hire a developer in Pakistan? (2026)
Published 2026 estimates put freelance developers in Pakistan at roughly $16–62 per hour (median about $31) and agencies at roughly $36–109 per hour (median about $63). For remote full-time roles with foreign employers, one salary dataset shows a median of about $43,000 a year for software developers, higher for specialities such as React, DevOps and backend. Seniority, speciality and the hiring model move these numbers most.
Published ranges, by hiring model.
These are third-party estimates, not Kif data, and they vary by source. Use them as a starting point, then confirm with what candidates actually ask for.
| Model | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer (hourly) | About $16–62/hour, median about $31 | Project Cost Estimator, 2026 |
| Agency (hourly) | About $36–109/hour, median about $63 | Project Cost Estimator, 2026 |
| Remote full-time, software developer | Median about $43,000/year | Plane remote salary data |
| Remote full-time, backend developer | Median about $51,000/year | Plane remote salary data |
| Remote full-time, DevOps | Median about $66,000/year | Plane remote salary data |
What moves the price.
- Seniority: senior engineers who can own a system end to end cost far more than juniors who need direction.
- Speciality: AI/ML, DevOps and senior frontend roles sit at the top of the ranges.
- Hiring model: agencies add a margin for management; an EOR adds a monthly fee per employee.
- Overlap: requiring many hours in the US day can raise the rate, since it means evening work in Pakistan.
- English and client experience: engineers used to working directly with US teams command a premium.
Budget for the total cost, not just the rate.
- Payment fees and currency conversion on international transfers.
- EOR or payroll fees if you employ rather than contract.
- Equipment or internet stipends, if you offer them.
- Your own time to interview, onboard and manage across time zones.
Common questions
What is the hourly rate for a developer in Pakistan?
One 2026 estimate puts freelancers at about $16–62 per hour with a median near $31, and agencies at about $36–109 per hour with a median near $63. Rates rise with seniority and speciality.
Is hiring in Pakistan cheaper than in the US?
Usually substantially, for comparable experience, but the gap narrows for senior and specialist engineers who work directly with US teams. Compare total cost, including fees and management time.
Are these Kif's own salary figures?
No. They are published third-party estimates, linked on this page. Kif does not publish salary data yet.
Your next step
Make the role worth matching.
Describe the work, confirm the requirements, and review the fit.