GITNUXREPORT 2026

Custom Software Development Industry Statistics

The custom software development industry is large, rapidly growing, and fueled by digital transformation worldwide.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

45% of custom software projects overrun budgets by 50%+ in 2023.

Statistic 2

Security vulnerabilities affect 62% of custom dev projects in 2023.

Statistic 3

39% failure rate for custom software projects due to poor requirements in 2023.

Statistic 4

Talent shortage impacts 70% of custom dev firms' timelines in 2023.

Statistic 5

Integration issues with legacy systems challenge 55% of projects 2023.

Statistic 6

28% of custom dev delayed by regulatory compliance in 2023.

Statistic 7

Scope creep causes 52% of custom projects to exceed timelines 2023.

Statistic 8

Cybersecurity breaches cost custom dev firms average $4.45M in 2023.

Statistic 9

41% struggle with scalability in custom software post-launch 2023.

Statistic 10

Vendor lock-in affects 33% of cloud-based custom projects 2023.

Statistic 11

67% cite communication gaps as top custom dev challenge 2023.

Statistic 12

Economic uncertainty delayed 25% of custom dev investments 2023.

Statistic 13

36% of projects face data privacy compliance hurdles like GDPR 2023.

Statistic 14

Technical debt burdens 48% of ongoing custom software maintenance 2023.

Statistic 15

29% report API compatibility issues in integrations 2023.

Statistic 16

Supply chain disruptions impacted 22% of custom dev hardware needs 2023.

Statistic 17

User adoption failures in 31% of enterprise custom software 2023.

Statistic 18

54% challenged by rapid tech evolution keeping pace 2023.

Statistic 19

Budget cuts hit 37% of custom dev initiatives mid-2023.

Statistic 20

Cross-platform compatibility issues in 43% mobile custom apps 2023.

Statistic 21

26% face ethical AI concerns in custom ML projects 2023.

Statistic 22

Performance optimization delays 35% of high-load custom systems 2023.

Statistic 23

Remote team coordination challenges 59% of distributed custom dev 2023.

Statistic 24

47% struggle with sustainable/green coding mandates 2023.

Statistic 25

IP protection risks in outsourcing noted by 40% of firms 2023.

Statistic 26

By 2030, 75% of enterprises will use AI-driven custom dev tools.

Statistic 27

Quantum-resistant encryption will be standard in 60% custom software by 2028.

Statistic 28

Average custom software development project costs $250,000 in the US in 2023.

Statistic 29

Hourly rates for custom dev in North America average $100-$150 in 2023.

Statistic 30

Offshore custom dev reduces costs by 40-60% vs in-house, averaging $30-$50/hour in 2023.

Statistic 31

MVP custom software development averages $80,000 globally in 2023.

Statistic 32

Enterprise custom ERP systems cost $1.2 million on average in 2023.

Statistic 33

Custom mobile app dev costs $50,000-$250,000 depending on complexity in 2023.

Statistic 34

Maintenance of custom software accounts for 15-20% of initial dev cost annually in 2023.

Statistic 35

AI/ML custom solutions average $150,000-$500,000 in development costs 2023.

Statistic 36

Nearshore custom dev rates average $50-$80/hour in Latin America 2023.

Statistic 37

Custom web app dev starts at $40,000 for basic, up to $300,000 advanced in 2023.

Statistic 38

Cloud migration for custom software costs average $100,000 per project 2023.

Statistic 39

ROI on custom software averages 243% within 3 years per 2023 studies.

Statistic 40

Custom CRM development costs $100,000-$400,000 in 2023.

Statistic 41

Bug fixing in custom dev adds 20-30% to total project budget in 2023.

Statistic 42

Eastern Europe custom dev hourly rate $35-$60 in 2023.

Statistic 43

Custom SaaS platform dev averages $300,000-$1M in 2023.

Statistic 44

Scope creep increases custom dev costs by 52% on average in 2023.

Statistic 45

India custom dev rates $20-$40/hour, saving 60% vs US in 2023.

Statistic 46

Custom e-commerce platforms cost $80,000-$500,000 in 2023.

Statistic 47

Post-launch support for custom software: $25,000/year average 2023.

Statistic 48

Blockchain custom dev costs $100,000-$300,000 per project 2023.

Statistic 49

IoT custom software dev averages $120,000 in 2023.

Statistic 50

Agile custom projects 28% under budget vs Waterfall in 2023.

Statistic 51

Custom BI dashboard dev costs $50,000-$150,000 2023.

Statistic 52

Ukraine custom dev rates $30-$50/hour amid market shifts 2023.

Statistic 53

The custom software development market in 2023 saw a 14.2% increase in SaaS integrations.

Statistic 54

68% of enterprises adopted microservices architecture in custom software by 2023.

Statistic 55

AI/ML integration in custom dev projects rose to 55% in 2023 from 32% in 2020.

Statistic 56

Blockchain adoption in custom software reached 28% among Fortune 500 in 2023.

Statistic 57

Low-code platforms used in 47% of custom dev in 2023, reducing time-to-market by 40%.

Statistic 58

72% of custom software now incorporates DevOps practices as of 2023.

Statistic 59

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) implemented in 35% of new custom projects in 2023.

Statistic 60

61% of custom software features serverless architecture in 2023.

Statistic 61

IoT integration in custom dev surged to 42% project inclusion in 2023.

Statistic 62

53% of custom software uses Kubernetes for container orchestration in 2023.

Statistic 63

Headless CMS adopted in 29% of custom e-commerce software in 2023.

Statistic 64

76% of developers prioritize cybersecurity in custom software design in 2023.

Statistic 65

API-first development approach used in 64% of custom projects in 2023.

Statistic 66

48% of custom software incorporates AR/VR elements by 2023.

Statistic 67

Edge computing integrated in 31% of custom IoT software in 2023.

Statistic 68

59% shift to event-driven architectures in custom software in 2023.

Statistic 69

Quantum computing pilots in custom dev reached 12% of large firms in 2023.

Statistic 70

67% of custom software now uses multi-cloud strategies in 2023.

Statistic 71

NoSQL databases preferred in 52% of scalable custom apps in 2023.

Statistic 72

44% of custom dev includes sustainability-focused green coding in 2023.

Statistic 73

Jamstack architecture in 38% of frontend custom software in 2023.

Statistic 74

55% adoption of GitOps for CI/CD in custom dev teams 2023.

Statistic 75

49% of custom software features composable architecture in 2023.

Statistic 76

Web3 integrations in 21% of fintech custom software in 2023.

Statistic 77

63% use of automated testing tools in custom dev pipelines 2023.

Statistic 78

37% incorporation of 5G optimizations in custom mobile software 2023.

Statistic 79

51% of custom software leverages data mesh principles in 2023.

Statistic 80

46% adoption of zero-trust security models in custom apps 2023.

Statistic 81

34% use of digital twins in industrial custom software 2023.

Statistic 82

The global custom software development market was valued at USD 28.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 52.4 billion by 2030.

Statistic 83

In 2023, North America held the largest share of the custom software development market at 38.5%, driven by high demand from tech giants and startups.

Statistic 84

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth in custom software development at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2028 due to digital transformation initiatives.

Statistic 85

Custom software development services revenue in the US reached $145.2 billion in 2022, marking a 12.3% year-over-year increase.

Statistic 86

The enterprise segment accounted for 62% of the custom software development market in 2023, fueled by needs for tailored ERP and CRM solutions.

Statistic 87

By 2025, the custom software market in Europe is forecasted to hit €45 billion, with Germany leading at 25% regional share.

Statistic 88

Cloud-based custom software development grew by 15.4% in 2023, comprising 55% of total deployments.

Statistic 89

The healthcare sector's custom software spend increased to $18.7 billion globally in 2023, up 11% from 2022.

Statistic 90

SMEs adoption of custom software rose to 42% in 2023 from 35% in 2021, boosting market growth.

Statistic 91

The global custom software outsourcing market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027, growing at 7.8% CAGR.

Statistic 92

In 2024, BFSI sector dominated custom software with 28% market share, valued at $22.1 billion.

Statistic 93

Custom software development in retail grew 13.2% YoY in 2023 to $12.5 billion globally.

Statistic 94

Latin America's custom software market expanded to $4.2 billion in 2023, CAGR 10.1% projected to 2030.

Statistic 95

On-premise custom software still holds 45% market share in 2023 despite cloud shift.

Statistic 96

India's custom software export revenue hit $50 billion in FY2023, up 16%.

Statistic 97

The low-code/no-code segment within custom dev grew 22% in 2023 to $15 billion.

Statistic 98

Custom software for manufacturing reached $10.8 billion in 2023, CAGR 9.5% forecast.

Statistic 99

UK custom software market valued at £8.5 billion in 2023, 7.2% growth.

Statistic 100

By 2030, AI-integrated custom software will comprise 40% of market revenue.

Statistic 101

Custom mobile app development subset grew to $85 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 102

Australia's custom software industry hit AUD 12 billion in 2023, up 8.9%.

Statistic 103

E-commerce custom software demand surged 18% in 2023 to $9.3 billion.

Statistic 104

Middle East custom software market to grow at 11.3% CAGR to $6.5 billion by 2028.

Statistic 105

Legacy system modernization drove 25% of custom dev projects in 2023.

Statistic 106

Global custom software R&D spend reached $32 billion in 2023.

Statistic 107

Canada’s custom software market valued at CAD 15 billion in 2023, 10% YoY growth.

Statistic 108

Telecom custom software segment at $14.2 billion in 2023, growing 8.7%.

Statistic 109

By 2026, custom software market to exceed $400 billion globally.

Statistic 110

Energy sector custom dev hit $7.9 billion in 2023 amid green tech push.

Statistic 111

Custom software in education grew to $5.6 billion in 2023, 12% increase.

Statistic 112

Global custom software developers numbered 28.7 million in 2023.

Statistic 113

Average salary for custom software developers in US was $121,000 in 2023.

Statistic 114

65% of custom dev firms reported talent shortages in 2023.

Statistic 115

Women represent 26% of custom software development workforce globally in 2023.

Statistic 116

India has 5.4 million custom software developers, 19% of global total in 2023.

Statistic 117

42% of custom dev roles require remote work capabilities in 2023.

Statistic 118

Entry-level custom dev jobs grew 8% YoY to 450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 119

71% of custom software teams use Agile methodologies in 2023.

Statistic 120

Average tenure of custom software devs at firms is 2.8 years in 2023.

Statistic 121

58% of firms upskilled staff in AI for custom dev in 2023.

Statistic 122

Freelance custom devs earned average $98/hour globally in 2023.

Statistic 123

33% growth in custom dev apprenticeships in Europe 2023.

Statistic 124

US custom software employment hit 1.2 million in 2023, up 4.5%.

Statistic 125

49% of custom devs have 5+ years experience in 2023.

Statistic 126

Diversity hiring in custom dev rose to 24% non-white in US 2023.

Statistic 127

67% of custom dev managers report burnout issues in 2023.

Statistic 128

Bootcamp grads filled 15% of junior custom dev roles in 2023.

Statistic 129

Eastern Europe custom devs average $45/hour, 2x US rates adjusted.

Statistic 130

56% of custom teams are hybrid remote/office in 2023.

Statistic 131

Certifications boosted custom dev salaries by 18% in 2023.

Statistic 132

39% of custom devs freelance part-time in 2023.

Statistic 133

Age demographic: 45% of custom devs under 30 in 2023.

Statistic 134

62% prioritize work-life balance in custom dev job choices 2023.

Statistic 135

Brazil has 1.1 million custom software professionals in 2023.

Statistic 136

51% of firms use contractors for peak custom dev demand 2023.

Statistic 137

Mental health days offered by 44% custom dev companies 2023.

Statistic 138

Average custom software project team size is 7.2 members in 2023.

Statistic 139

Philippines custom dev workforce at 300,000, growing 12% in 2023.

Statistic 140

73% of custom devs use multiple programming languages daily 2023.

Statistic 141

Global custom software dev average salary $72,500 in 2023.

Trusted by 500+ publications
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Fueled by explosive global demand projected to reach $52.4 billion by 2030, the custom software development industry is the dynamic engine behind today's digital transformation.

Key Takeaways

  • The global custom software development market was valued at USD 28.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 52.4 billion by 2030.
  • In 2023, North America held the largest share of the custom software development market at 38.5%, driven by high demand from tech giants and startups.
  • The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth in custom software development at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2028 due to digital transformation initiatives.
  • The custom software development market in 2023 saw a 14.2% increase in SaaS integrations.
  • 68% of enterprises adopted microservices architecture in custom software by 2023.
  • AI/ML integration in custom dev projects rose to 55% in 2023 from 32% in 2020.
  • Global custom software developers numbered 28.7 million in 2023.
  • Average salary for custom software developers in US was $121,000 in 2023.
  • 65% of custom dev firms reported talent shortages in 2023.
  • Average custom software development project costs $250,000 in the US in 2023.
  • Hourly rates for custom dev in North America average $100-$150 in 2023.
  • Offshore custom dev reduces costs by 40-60% vs in-house, averaging $30-$50/hour in 2023.
  • 45% of custom software projects overrun budgets by 50%+ in 2023.
  • Security vulnerabilities affect 62% of custom dev projects in 2023.
  • 39% failure rate for custom software projects due to poor requirements in 2023.

The custom software development industry is large, rapidly growing, and fueled by digital transformation worldwide.

Challenges & Future Outlook

  • 45% of custom software projects overrun budgets by 50%+ in 2023.
  • Security vulnerabilities affect 62% of custom dev projects in 2023.
  • 39% failure rate for custom software projects due to poor requirements in 2023.
  • Talent shortage impacts 70% of custom dev firms' timelines in 2023.
  • Integration issues with legacy systems challenge 55% of projects 2023.
  • 28% of custom dev delayed by regulatory compliance in 2023.
  • Scope creep causes 52% of custom projects to exceed timelines 2023.
  • Cybersecurity breaches cost custom dev firms average $4.45M in 2023.
  • 41% struggle with scalability in custom software post-launch 2023.
  • Vendor lock-in affects 33% of cloud-based custom projects 2023.
  • 67% cite communication gaps as top custom dev challenge 2023.
  • Economic uncertainty delayed 25% of custom dev investments 2023.
  • 36% of projects face data privacy compliance hurdles like GDPR 2023.
  • Technical debt burdens 48% of ongoing custom software maintenance 2023.
  • 29% report API compatibility issues in integrations 2023.
  • Supply chain disruptions impacted 22% of custom dev hardware needs 2023.
  • User adoption failures in 31% of enterprise custom software 2023.
  • 54% challenged by rapid tech evolution keeping pace 2023.
  • Budget cuts hit 37% of custom dev initiatives mid-2023.
  • Cross-platform compatibility issues in 43% mobile custom apps 2023.
  • 26% face ethical AI concerns in custom ML projects 2023.
  • Performance optimization delays 35% of high-load custom systems 2023.
  • Remote team coordination challenges 59% of distributed custom dev 2023.
  • 47% struggle with sustainable/green coding mandates 2023.
  • IP protection risks in outsourcing noted by 40% of firms 2023.
  • By 2030, 75% of enterprises will use AI-driven custom dev tools.
  • Quantum-resistant encryption will be standard in 60% custom software by 2028.

Challenges & Future Outlook Interpretation

The custom software industry is a masterclass in optimistic chaos, where soaring budgets, evolving security threats, and shifting requirements are the norm, proving that the most advanced code still depends on fallible human communication and planning.

Costs & Investments

  • Average custom software development project costs $250,000 in the US in 2023.
  • Hourly rates for custom dev in North America average $100-$150 in 2023.
  • Offshore custom dev reduces costs by 40-60% vs in-house, averaging $30-$50/hour in 2023.
  • MVP custom software development averages $80,000 globally in 2023.
  • Enterprise custom ERP systems cost $1.2 million on average in 2023.
  • Custom mobile app dev costs $50,000-$250,000 depending on complexity in 2023.
  • Maintenance of custom software accounts for 15-20% of initial dev cost annually in 2023.
  • AI/ML custom solutions average $150,000-$500,000 in development costs 2023.
  • Nearshore custom dev rates average $50-$80/hour in Latin America 2023.
  • Custom web app dev starts at $40,000 for basic, up to $300,000 advanced in 2023.
  • Cloud migration for custom software costs average $100,000 per project 2023.
  • ROI on custom software averages 243% within 3 years per 2023 studies.
  • Custom CRM development costs $100,000-$400,000 in 2023.
  • Bug fixing in custom dev adds 20-30% to total project budget in 2023.
  • Eastern Europe custom dev hourly rate $35-$60 in 2023.
  • Custom SaaS platform dev averages $300,000-$1M in 2023.
  • Scope creep increases custom dev costs by 52% on average in 2023.
  • India custom dev rates $20-$40/hour, saving 60% vs US in 2023.
  • Custom e-commerce platforms cost $80,000-$500,000 in 2023.
  • Post-launch support for custom software: $25,000/year average 2023.
  • Blockchain custom dev costs $100,000-$300,000 per project 2023.
  • IoT custom software dev averages $120,000 in 2023.
  • Agile custom projects 28% under budget vs Waterfall in 2023.
  • Custom BI dashboard dev costs $50,000-$150,000 2023.
  • Ukraine custom dev rates $30-$50/hour amid market shifts 2023.

Costs & Investments Interpretation

The sobering reality is that while a quarter-million-dollar custom software project might seem steep, the real trick is avoiding the costly allure of scope creep and bug fixes, because, like a bad relationship, the initial investment is just the start of a long-term, high-maintenance commitment with a surprisingly good potential return.

Key Trends & Technologies

  • The custom software development market in 2023 saw a 14.2% increase in SaaS integrations.
  • 68% of enterprises adopted microservices architecture in custom software by 2023.
  • AI/ML integration in custom dev projects rose to 55% in 2023 from 32% in 2020.
  • Blockchain adoption in custom software reached 28% among Fortune 500 in 2023.
  • Low-code platforms used in 47% of custom dev in 2023, reducing time-to-market by 40%.
  • 72% of custom software now incorporates DevOps practices as of 2023.
  • Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) implemented in 35% of new custom projects in 2023.
  • 61% of custom software features serverless architecture in 2023.
  • IoT integration in custom dev surged to 42% project inclusion in 2023.
  • 53% of custom software uses Kubernetes for container orchestration in 2023.
  • Headless CMS adopted in 29% of custom e-commerce software in 2023.
  • 76% of developers prioritize cybersecurity in custom software design in 2023.
  • API-first development approach used in 64% of custom projects in 2023.
  • 48% of custom software incorporates AR/VR elements by 2023.
  • Edge computing integrated in 31% of custom IoT software in 2023.
  • 59% shift to event-driven architectures in custom software in 2023.
  • Quantum computing pilots in custom dev reached 12% of large firms in 2023.
  • 67% of custom software now uses multi-cloud strategies in 2023.
  • NoSQL databases preferred in 52% of scalable custom apps in 2023.
  • 44% of custom dev includes sustainability-focused green coding in 2023.
  • Jamstack architecture in 38% of frontend custom software in 2023.
  • 55% adoption of GitOps for CI/CD in custom dev teams 2023.
  • 49% of custom software features composable architecture in 2023.
  • Web3 integrations in 21% of fintech custom software in 2023.
  • 63% use of automated testing tools in custom dev pipelines 2023.
  • 37% incorporation of 5G optimizations in custom mobile software 2023.
  • 51% of custom software leverages data mesh principles in 2023.
  • 46% adoption of zero-trust security models in custom apps 2023.
  • 34% use of digital twins in industrial custom software 2023.

Key Trends & Technologies Interpretation

The software world, in a remarkable act of unshackling itself, is frantically building everything as a secure, microservices-driven, AI-infused, multi-cloud, event-triggered Lego set, proving that the future is less about monolithic code and more about intelligently snapping together the right pieces faster than the competition.

Market Size & Growth

  • The global custom software development market was valued at USD 28.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 52.4 billion by 2030.
  • In 2023, North America held the largest share of the custom software development market at 38.5%, driven by high demand from tech giants and startups.
  • The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth in custom software development at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2028 due to digital transformation initiatives.
  • Custom software development services revenue in the US reached $145.2 billion in 2022, marking a 12.3% year-over-year increase.
  • The enterprise segment accounted for 62% of the custom software development market in 2023, fueled by needs for tailored ERP and CRM solutions.
  • By 2025, the custom software market in Europe is forecasted to hit €45 billion, with Germany leading at 25% regional share.
  • Cloud-based custom software development grew by 15.4% in 2023, comprising 55% of total deployments.
  • The healthcare sector's custom software spend increased to $18.7 billion globally in 2023, up 11% from 2022.
  • SMEs adoption of custom software rose to 42% in 2023 from 35% in 2021, boosting market growth.
  • The global custom software outsourcing market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027, growing at 7.8% CAGR.
  • In 2024, BFSI sector dominated custom software with 28% market share, valued at $22.1 billion.
  • Custom software development in retail grew 13.2% YoY in 2023 to $12.5 billion globally.
  • Latin America's custom software market expanded to $4.2 billion in 2023, CAGR 10.1% projected to 2030.
  • On-premise custom software still holds 45% market share in 2023 despite cloud shift.
  • India's custom software export revenue hit $50 billion in FY2023, up 16%.
  • The low-code/no-code segment within custom dev grew 22% in 2023 to $15 billion.
  • Custom software for manufacturing reached $10.8 billion in 2023, CAGR 9.5% forecast.
  • UK custom software market valued at £8.5 billion in 2023, 7.2% growth.
  • By 2030, AI-integrated custom software will comprise 40% of market revenue.
  • Custom mobile app development subset grew to $85 billion globally in 2023.
  • Australia's custom software industry hit AUD 12 billion in 2023, up 8.9%.
  • E-commerce custom software demand surged 18% in 2023 to $9.3 billion.
  • Middle East custom software market to grow at 11.3% CAGR to $6.5 billion by 2028.
  • Legacy system modernization drove 25% of custom dev projects in 2023.
  • Global custom software R&D spend reached $32 billion in 2023.
  • Canada’s custom software market valued at CAD 15 billion in 2023, 10% YoY growth.
  • Telecom custom software segment at $14.2 billion in 2023, growing 8.7%.
  • By 2026, custom software market to exceed $400 billion globally.
  • Energy sector custom dev hit $7.9 billion in 2023 amid green tech push.
  • Custom software in education grew to $5.6 billion in 2023, 12% increase.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

Apparently, the world has decided that while off-the-shelf software is a decent appetizer, every serious sector from healthcare to banking is now demanding its own exquisitely tailored, cloud-based, AI-infused main course, and they’re willing to pay hundreds of billions for chefs from Silicon Valley to Bangalore to cook it up.

Workforce & Employment

  • Global custom software developers numbered 28.7 million in 2023.
  • Average salary for custom software developers in US was $121,000 in 2023.
  • 65% of custom dev firms reported talent shortages in 2023.
  • Women represent 26% of custom software development workforce globally in 2023.
  • India has 5.4 million custom software developers, 19% of global total in 2023.
  • 42% of custom dev roles require remote work capabilities in 2023.
  • Entry-level custom dev jobs grew 8% YoY to 450,000 in 2023.
  • 71% of custom software teams use Agile methodologies in 2023.
  • Average tenure of custom software devs at firms is 2.8 years in 2023.
  • 58% of firms upskilled staff in AI for custom dev in 2023.
  • Freelance custom devs earned average $98/hour globally in 2023.
  • 33% growth in custom dev apprenticeships in Europe 2023.
  • US custom software employment hit 1.2 million in 2023, up 4.5%.
  • 49% of custom devs have 5+ years experience in 2023.
  • Diversity hiring in custom dev rose to 24% non-white in US 2023.
  • 67% of custom dev managers report burnout issues in 2023.
  • Bootcamp grads filled 15% of junior custom dev roles in 2023.
  • Eastern Europe custom devs average $45/hour, 2x US rates adjusted.
  • 56% of custom teams are hybrid remote/office in 2023.
  • Certifications boosted custom dev salaries by 18% in 2023.
  • 39% of custom devs freelance part-time in 2023.
  • Age demographic: 45% of custom devs under 30 in 2023.
  • 62% prioritize work-life balance in custom dev job choices 2023.
  • Brazil has 1.1 million custom software professionals in 2023.
  • 51% of firms use contractors for peak custom dev demand 2023.
  • Mental health days offered by 44% custom dev companies 2023.
  • Average custom software project team size is 7.2 members in 2023.
  • Philippines custom dev workforce at 300,000, growing 12% in 2023.
  • 73% of custom devs use multiple programming languages daily 2023.
  • Global custom software dev average salary $72,500 in 2023.

Workforce & Employment Interpretation

While the global army of 28.7 million custom developers commands an average US salary of $121,000, the industry is a paradoxical engine of high demand and high churn, where talent shortages, frantic upskilling in AI, and a 2.8-year average tenure collide with a growing insistence on remote work, better balance, and mental health support—proving the code is increasingly being written for humans, by humans, who are finally demanding to be treated as such.

Sources & References