Turkey’s economy grew slower in 2022 due to domestic challenges following strong growth in 2021. However, major tech companies showed interest in the country. Microsoft opened a research center, employing hundreds of engineers, while Amazon invested $100 million in its first logistics center in Istanbul, creating over 1,000 jobs. Turkey’s potential as an outsourcing destination is highlighted, with details on digital transformation, hiring models, and job boards for developers. Discover more about Turkey’s tech scene and opportunities for developers in this article.
Technological Development in Turkey: Startups, Education, and Salaries
Turkey has seen remarkable growth in its startup ecosystem, with support from government agencies and investment programs. Hot sectors such as gaming, e-commerce, food delivery software, fintech, and deep tech have made significant progress. The gaming industry, in particular, witnessed a surge, with 213 new startups established and Turkey’s share reaching $1.2 billion in 2021. E-commerce giants like Trendyol and Hepsiburada have also achieved impressive valuations, attracting substantial investments.
Startup Sector
The first quarter of 2022 marked record-high investment volumes in Turkey’s startup ecosystem, reaching $1.3 billion in 42 deals. Big Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft have shown interest, with Amazon investing $100 million to create over 1,000 jobs in its logistics center in Istanbul and Microsoft opening an R&D center aiming to recruit hundreds of engineers.
English Proficiency
English proficiency among Turkish software engineers is ranked low, but some universities offer English-only programs. Middle East Technical University (METU), Boğaziçi University, and Istanbul Technical University are renowned institutions offering computer science education in English.
Tech Community & Salaries
Turkey’s cost-effectiveness and large tech community make it attractive for companies. However, software engineer salaries are significantly lower compared to the U.S. or Western Europe due to differences in living costs and tax rates. A senior software engineer in Turkey with 7–9 years of experience earns an average of $54,000-$88,000 annually, compared to $213,000-$354,000 in the U.S.
Hiring Remote Developers from Turkey: Options and Recommendations
As remote work gains prominence, companies are seeking alternative hiring models to tap into the global talent pool. Here, we explore various hiring options, their benefits, and where to find software engineers in Turkey.
Hiring In-House Remote Developers
Companies can establish a core software development team remotely with full-time employees. Early hires are dedicated to the product and tend to stay longer. However, this model can be costly, requiring coverage for expenses like vacations, bonuses, taxes, and health insurance.
To find remote developers, companies can post job listings on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Jobs in Ankara. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource for filtering candidates based on location, industry, and service category.
Project Outsourcing
Outsourcing involves assigning entire projects to external development services managed by the in-house team.
While outsourcing reduces control, it eliminates concerns about English proficiency. A project manager fluent in both Turkish and English can act as a liaison.
To find reliable outsourcing companies in Turkey, seek recommendations from your network or consult review aggregators like Clutch and GoodFirms.
Hiring Remote Contractors via Staff Augmentation
Staff augmentation entails hiring full-time software developers from outsourcing agencies to supplement the existing in-house team.
Hiring remote contractors is efficient as they have already been vetted for skills and experience. Employers are relieved of responsibilities like retirement contributions and health insurance.
You can find remote contractors on platforms like YouTeam.
Hiring Freelancers
Freelancers are suitable for short-term projects, simple tasks, or companies with limited budgets. However, freelancers may have multiple commitments and less control compared to contractors or in-house employees.
Find freelancers through talent searches, job postings, or using recruiters on platforms like Upwork. When filtering for Turkish freelancers, consider criteria such as job success rate, earnings, and English proficiency.
When hiring remote developers from Turkey, assess your specific needs, budget, and project requirements to determine the most suitable hiring model.
Final Thoughts
Turkey emphasizes engineering and natural sciences education, making its tech talent attractive for cost-effective solutions. English proficiency varies, but salaries for software engineers are lower compared to the US and Western Europe.
