Thinking about computer engineering? Then you want to know one thing first. What is the real computer engineering salary in Nepal?
Here is the short answer. Most freshers earn Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 a month. After two to five years, pay often grows to Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. Senior engineers and team leads can earn Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,50,000 or more.
The IT field in Nepal is growing fast. IT service exports crossed $1 billion in 2025, says the Kathmandu Post. About 100,000 people now work in the field. More work means more jobs and better pay for skilled engineers.
In this guide, you will see pay by experience, by company and by role. You will also learn which skills raise your salary the most.
Your pay grows fast in this field. The first two years pay the least. After that, skills matter more than years.
|
Level |
Experience |
Monthly salary (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
|
Intern or trainee |
During or just after study |
5,000 to 15,000 (some are unpaid) |
|
Fresher |
0 to 2 years |
25,000 to 45,000 |
|
Mid-level |
2 to 5 years |
50,000 to 1,00,000 |
|
Senior or team lead |
5+ years |
1,00,000 to 2,50,000+ |
These ranges come from Necojobs (July 2026) and Necojobs IT salary guide (June 2026). PayScale shows a similar picture. Its data puts early-career developers at about Rs 48,600 a month in total pay. Mid-career developers get about Rs 62,500.
Keep in mind that these are averages. A strong fresher with good projects can start much higher. A weak senior can earn less than a smart junior.
Salary by Type of Company
Where you work changes your pay a lot. Here is how the main employers compare.
IT and outsourcing companies
These firms build software for clients in the US, UK, Australia and Europe. They usually pay the most to freshers and grow pay the fastest. The work is fast and you learn modern tools.
Startups and small local firms
Startups often pay less at the start. But you get to try many tasks, from coding to testing to talking with clients. That mix can raise your pay quickly in your next job.
Banks and telecom companies
Banks, telecoms and large firms hire computer engineers for networks, systems and security. Pay is steady, with bonuses and good benefits.
Government jobs
The government hires computer engineers through Lok Sewa. A gazetted third class officer starts at a basic salary of Rs 48,058 a month in 2083/84. With the 10% incentive and the Rs 5,000 dearness allowance, that comes to about Rs 57,900. See the 2083/84 pay scale. You also get a pension path and job safety.
Remote and freelance work
Many Nepali engineers now work for foreign clients from home. Pay can be much higher than local jobs, but it depends on your skills and English. Most people start remote work after one or two years in an office job.
Salary by Job Role
Computer engineers can work in many roles. Some pay more because fewer people have the skills.
|
Role |
Monthly salary (Rs) |
What you do |
|---|---|---|
|
Cloud, DevOps or cybersecurity |
70,000 to 1,50,000+ |
Run servers, automate releases, protect systems |
|
Software or web developer |
50,000 to 1,20,000 |
Build apps, websites and software |
|
Network or system engineer |
35,000 to 70,000 |
Set up and fix networks and servers |
Source: Necojobs IT salary guide, June 2026. These ranges cover all levels, not only freshers.
Developers with strong skills and real project work can earn Rs 1,20,000 to Rs 2,50,000 or more. This is most common in outsourcing firms and foreign companies.
Other roles are growing too. These include QA testing, data analysis, AI and machine learning, and embedded systems. Many students first meet these fields in college projects and events. One example is our IC-AICSE 2026 AI conference.
Computer vs Software vs IT Engineering: Who Earns More?
The short answer: the job matters more than the degree name. All three degrees lead to similar jobs and similar pay.
|
Degree |
Main focus |
Common first jobs |
|---|---|---|
|
Hardware and software together |
Developer, network engineer, embedded engineer |
|
|
Building and testing software |
Developer, QA engineer, DevOps engineer |
|
|
Systems, networks and IT services |
System admin, network engineer, IT officer |
Computer engineers have one edge. They learn both hardware and software. So they can apply for more kinds of jobs, from coding to networks to electronics.
Want to know more about the degree itself? Read our guide to studying computer engineering in Nepal or the guide to software engineering in Nepal.
Skills That Raise Your Salary
In Nepal, skills beat marks when it comes to pay. These skills are in high demand right now:
Soft skills count too. Clear English helps you win foreign clients and remote jobs. Good teamwork helps you become a team lead sooner.
Here are three simple ways to grow your pay:
Computer Engineering Jobs in Nepal: How to Get Your First One
Most computer engineering jobs in Nepal are in Kathmandu Valley. Pokhara and Butwal have some IT jobs too, but pay there is often a bit lower.
Before you apply, remember one rule. To work as an engineer in Nepal, you must pass the Nepal Engineering Council licence exam. Government jobs ask for it. Many private firms like to see it too.
Here is how to land your first job:
Interested in other engineering fields? Read our guide to civil engineering jobs in Nepal for freshers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary of a computer engineer in Nepal?
Most freshers earn Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 a month. Freshers with strong skills or projects can start higher, mainly in outsourcing firms.
What is the highest computer engineering salary in Nepal?
Senior engineers and team leads can earn Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 2,50,000 or more a month. Top remote engineers working for foreign firms can earn even more.
Do computer engineers earn more than software engineers?
Not really. Pay depends on your role and skills, not the name of your degree. A good developer earns about the same with either degree.
Is computer engineering a good career in Nepal?
Yes. Nepal's IT exports crossed $1 billion in 2025, and about 100,000 people work in IT. Demand for skilled engineers keeps growing.
What is a government computer engineer's salary in Nepal?
A gazetted third class officer starts at Rs 48,058 basic a month in 2083/84. With allowances, that is about Rs 57,900.
Which skills pay the most?
Cloud, DevOps, cybersecurity and AI skills pay the most right now. They are rare in Nepal, so firms pay more to get them.
Start Your Computer Engineering Career
The computer engineering salary in Nepal starts modest but grows fast. Learn in-demand skills, build real projects and get your NEC licence. Do these, and your pay can double in a few years.
Still choosing a college? Everest Engineering College has taught engineering under Pokhara University since 2001, in Sanepa, Lalitpur. Explore our BE Computer program or the Master's in Computer Engineering. You can also check the admission criteria and scholarships.
Sources