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I Took 5 Job Interviews for a PHP Full-Stack Dev Position in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2024 – Here’s the Average Money Offer

September 26, 2024

As a full-stack developer currently working with the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack, I decided to explore the job market in Thessaloniki, Greece. Given the city’s growing tech scene, I was curious to see what opportunities were out there and, more importantly, how companies valued my skills. Over the course of a few months, I interviewed for five different full-stack developer positions.

Why I Decided to Test the Job Market

I’ve been employed for a few years now, and while I’m content with my current position, I’ve always believed in staying informed about the job market. Whether it’s benchmarking your salary or understanding industry trends, it’s good to know where you stand. With Thessaloniki slowly emerging as a tech hub, I felt it was the right time to explore new possibilities and see what kind of offers companies were willing to make.

The Interview Process: What to Expect as a LAMP Full Stack Dev

The companies I interviewed with ranged from small startups to more established businesses. Although each had its own interview process, most of them followed a similar pattern:

  1. Initial Screening: This typically involved a phone or Google meet call with a recruiter or hiring manager. These conversations focused on my background, current projects, and why I was looking to explore new opportunities.

  2. Technical Interview: This part was the most variable. Some companies asked me to complete coding challenges (mostly PHP and JavaScript-based tasks), while others were more interested in discussing past projects and my thought process around specific tech stacks.

  3. Cultural Fit Interview: As a full-stack developer, collaboration with other teams is crucial. Some of interviews emphasized whether I would fit in with their team culture, working style, and communication methods.

  4. Offer Stage: After multiple rounds of discussions, the companies presented their offers. Here’s where things got interesting.

What I Was Offered

The salary offers I received:

  • Lowest Offer: €1,100 net per month (Feb 2024)
  • Highest Offer: €1,800 net per month (Mar 2024)
  • Average Offer: €1,350 net per month

Additional Benefits

Beyond the base salary, a few companies also offered benefits like:

  • Remote Work Options: 1 out of the 5 companies had partial remote working options.
  • Health Insurance: 3 out of the 5 companies provided additional health insurance beyond the standard public healthcare.
  • Flexible Hours: 1 out of the 5 companies emphasized flexible work schedules.
  • Training & Development: 1 out of the 5 companies offered a budget for personal development (online courses, certifications, etc.).

Insights Into the Thessaloniki Job Market for Full Stack Developers

  • Market Saturation: Thessaloniki’s tech scene is growing but still developing. While there’s a steady demand for full-stack developers, it’s not as saturated as larger European cities like Athens or Berlin. This likely contributes to the relatively modest salary offers.

  • Skills in Demand: Every company I interviewed with required solid experience with PHP and MySQL. However, those that valued JavaScript (especially frameworks like Vue.js or React) tended to offer slightly higher salaries.

  • Remote Work: Remote work is becoming more common, but it’s not universal. If remote work is a priority for you, it’s something you’ll need to negotiate or filter for in your job search.

  • Cost of Living: While Thessaloniki is not as expensive as Athens, it’s still important to factor in the cost of living. The average salary offers would allow for a decent quality of life in the city, but they’re not extravagant by any means.

Is It Worth Exploring the Market?

If you’re currently employed as a full-stack developer and you’re happy with your current role, you may not find significantly better offers in Thessaloniki unless you’re specifically looking for a new challenge or a better work environment.

However, if you’re on the lower end of the salary spectrum, it could be worth exploring new opportunities.