
Forget SF's $3k rent nightmare: Rwandan dev banks six figures remotely with boring Java stacks, leaving Bay Area coders in jealous dust
A developer based in Rwanda has debunked the myth that a six-figure salary requires relocation to tech hubs like San Francisco, London, or New York. By working remotely for US or EU companies, developers can earn high salaries while maintaining a lower cost of living. The strategy involves focusing on "Remote-First" companies that hire globally, such as those listed on Hacker News, We Work Remotely, and Toptal. Developers can increase their earning potential by specializing in in-demand technologies like Java and Angular, which are used by Fortune 500 companies. By adopting a product engineer mindset and understanding how to ship revenue-generating products, developers can command higher salaries. Contract work can also provide a pathway to earning $100,000 or more, with hourly rates of $50 or more. By selling to the right market, solving expensive problems, and owning the outcome, developers can earn six figures without needing to be a "10x Developer" or relocate to a tech hub.