Can a foreign SAP programmer reach 100k Euro salary in Germany within 5 years?

Management consulting Life in consulting
1

Hey everyone,

I’m an international SAP programmer currently based in Germany and I’m curious about the possibility of achieving a 100k Euro annual salary within the next five years. I’d greatly appreciate insights from those with experience in the SAP field.

My background:

  • I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science from a German institution.
  • I initially explored AI/ML but transitioned to SAP development due to challenges in finding a job.
  • Presently, I’m employed at my second SAP position within a mid-sized software company, earning approximately 55k Euro.
  • I have around 1.5 years of SAP experience.
  • My German language proficiency is at a B2 level and is improving steadily.

Technical skills:

  • Proficient in ABAP and object-oriented ABAP programming.
  • Experience in warehouse management (EWM) and mobile solutions.
  • Familiarity with data exchange (IDOC) and automation testing tools.
  • Some experience with cloud platform development and user interface technologies.
  • Strong skills in Python, with knowledge of Java and C++.
  • Background in machine learning and AI.

My goal:
I aim to reach a 100k Euro annual salary while remaining focused on the technical aspects and not just management. I’m interested in roles related to system architecture, cloud development, or technical consulting.

Questions for anyone out there:

  1. Is a 100k Euro salary attainable for SAP developers in Germany after five years of experience?
  2. Should I concentrate on becoming more specialized in niche areas or maintain a generalist approach?
  3. Will transitioning to technical consulting facilitate better salary growth?
  4. Is changing jobs every few years a good strategy for quicker advancement?
  5. Which technical fields offer the best earning potential?

I appreciate any guidance or personal anecdotes you can share!

Thanks!

2

Totally doable! Your CS Master’s and SAP skills are already pointing you in the right direction. Focus on S/4HANA transformation projects - they’re huge right now and the rates are excellent. Plus your Python experience is perfect for integration work!

3

with your EWM experience, you’re already in a solid position. freelancing was a game-changer for me - jumped from 58k as an employee to 800-900€/day contracting. that’s easily 100k+ with consistent projects. your AI background is gold right now with all the copilot integration happening. consider hybrid roles doing both dev work and light consulting - companies pay premium for people who can bridge the gap with business users.

4

100k is totally doable, but you’ve got to be smart about it. I went from 52k to 95k in 3.5 years by switching companies twice and diving deep into S/4HANA migrations. Here’s what worked: pick one specialty and own it. I focused on finance modules and became the person they called for complex implementations. Your EWM background is gold - logistics is massive here. Don’t try learning everything at once. Get your German to C1 if you want those high-paying senior consulting roles. Everyone I know who hit 100k either went into Beratung or became solution architects at big companies.