Hiring Developers from Eastern Europe: A Brief Overview/

Eastern Europe has become a prime destination for outsourcing software development, thanks to its combination of skilled labor, competitive costs, and growing tech infrastructure. In this article, we’ll focus on Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria—three key countries in this region—and break down the costs, talent quality, and other key considerations when hiring developers from these countries.

1. Cost of Hiring Developers in Eastern Europe

Here are the hourly rates for mid-level and senior software engineers based on typical salaries in each country:

• Ukraine
  • Mid-Level Engineer: $10 to $15 per hour
  • Senior Engineer: $15 to $25 per hour
• Serbia
  • Mid-Level Engineer: $12 to $18 per hour
  • Senior Engineer: $18 to $27 per hour
• Bulgaria
  • Mid-Level Engineer: $10 to $16 per hour
  • Senior Engineer: $16 to $24 per hour

These rates are based on standard annual salaries and reflect typical employer-paid salaries, not freelance rates. The hourly rates are calculated assuming 2,080 working hours per year (40 hours per week).

2. English Proficiency

English proficiency in Eastern Europe is moderate to good, especially within the tech sector. Many developers working with international clients in Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria have advanced English skills, making communication relatively easy for U.S. and European clients.

3. Number of Engineers and Talent Pool

• Ukraine has a rapidly expanding tech sector, with over 200,000 software engineers and one of the largest tech talent pools in Eastern Europe.
• Serbia is home to around 50,000 developers, with a strong focus on IT outsourcing.
• Bulgaria has about 70,000 developers, supported by a robust education system and a growing reputation as an IT outsourcing hub.

4. Developer Skill and Global Ranking

Developers from Eastern Europe have a strong reputation for their technical expertise, particularly in languages like Java, C++, Python, and mobile development. Ukraine consistently ranks among the top countries globally in developer skill reports, particularly in competitive programming. Bulgaria and Serbia, while smaller, also have highly skilled developers, especially in web development, mobile apps, and software engineering.

5. Do Big Companies Hire Engineers in These Countries?

Yes, several global companies have development centers or outsourcing partnerships in Eastern Europe:

• Ukraine: Companies like Google, SAP, and Grammarly have strong ties to the Ukrainian tech ecosystem.
• Serbia: Companies like Microsoft, GoDaddy, and NCR operate in Serbia, leveraging its growing talent pool.
• Bulgaria: HP, IBM, and SAP have development centers in Bulgaria, particularly in Sofia.

6. Trustworthiness and Work Ethic

Eastern European developers are highly regarded for their reliability, professionalism, and work ethic. Many of them have experience working with international clients and are familiar with agile methodologies and remote work, making them excellent choices for outsourcing or remote collaboration.

7. Timezone Considerations

• Ukraine operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is 7 to 10 hours ahead of the U.S. (depending on the U.S. timezone).
• Serbia operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 6 to 9 hours ahead of the U.S..
• Bulgaria operates on Eastern European Time (EET), making it 7 to 10 hours ahead of the U.S..

All three countries have sufficient overlap with both U.S. and European business hours, making them convenient locations for remote teams or outsourced development projects.

8. Note on Ukraine: Impact of the War

Before the ongoing war, Ukraine was considered one of the very best destinations globally for outsourcing software development. The country offered an abundant, highly skilled workforce at competitive rates, and many global companies had development operations in cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv.

However, the war has introduced significant instability and risks:

• Disruption in services: Frequent disruptions due to the conflict have impacted electricity, internet access, and general infrastructure.
• Relocation and safety concerns: Many Ukrainian developers have relocated within or outside of the country, adding logistical complexity to long-term engagements.
• High risk: The ongoing nature of the conflict makes Ukraine a risky location for outsourcing, particularly for companies seeking uninterrupted services.

While Ukraine’s developers remain highly skilled and resilient, the current situation means businesses should approach with caution. It may be better suited for short-term or project-based work, with the understanding of potential disruptions.

In conclusion, Eastern Europe offers highly skilled software developers at competitive rates, with Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria leading the way. However, businesses considering Ukraine should be mindful of the ongoing war and its impact on operational stability. For companies looking for lower-risk options, Serbia and Bulgaria provide similar technical expertise in a more stable environment.