Wage watchers: how much does a software developer earn?

Software developer Sven Gladines, 32, from Heverlee talks about what he earns and how he spends it

What do you do for a living?

I work at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) where I develop software for Toledo, our very own own digital learning platform. My task is to develop new things in consultation with lecturers and to solve problems. KU Leuven began the Toledo website in 2001, and now we have 100,000 users within the KU Leuven Association.

Do you enjoy your work?

Software development is my hobby. Before KU Leuven I worked in the private sector at Siemens, where I was totally disconnected from the end user. At KU Leuven it’s the opposite: I make something and a few days later 100,000 people are using it. You see immediately what works and what doesn’t. I can also try new things out at  KU Leuven.

What do you think of your salary?

I take home €2,088 (+health insurance, internet at home, a bike, discount in the student restaurant and the sports facilities) – that’s €12 less than I earned at Siemens, but now I have more annual holidays. The guys I studied with all drive around in Audi A4s, whereas I got a bike from KU Leuven. It’s much more convenient, because I live five minutes from my workplace and traffic jams don’t affect me. Plus maintenance and repairs are free. In the afternoon I can play tennis in the sports complex at a preferential rate.

Do you save?

I do, but within reason. I hope to buy a house near Heverlee in the future, somewhere in the country. But as a single person it is unaffordable.

What does the biggest chunk of your salary go towards?

Rent on my flat is €625. Its location is perfect, and I have a garage and a terrace.

What will you gladly pay good money for?

Travelling. I go on cycling holidays with friends, to the Vosges and Moselle regions. I also go on one big trip a year; last year it was Nicaragua. Asia and Australia are next on the list.

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