Hi! I've done work in Sydney from 2011-2013, India 2013-2014, and now Singapore from early 2020 up to today.
Overall, I would say that there's larger gaps between companies than there are internally to countries. Especially in India, I was consulting and definitely spent time on an Infosys campus in Bangalore where they had unscrewed half of the overhead lights to save money, but I also worked with some places that felt more or less like any other high-tech company anywhere else in the world.
Similarly, when I was looking for work here in Singapore, there were definitely folks that were looking to hire folks with 15 years of experience and pay them $80k/year, but there were also several companies that offered high-paying jobs with interesting work. There were definitely FEWER companies, but the flip side is that the hit rate was much higher -- I ended up getting at least a first interview with 70% of the companies I sent my resume to here, as opposed to the 20-25% I generally find in the US. In general, companies are very keen to hire "American" tech talent, especially if you have a "name-brand" on your resume.
In terms of compensation, if you are relocating, you really do have to look at the holistic quality-of-life. I ostensibly took a "paycut" in US$ terms from my Google NYC job for my role here in Singapore, but I also went from a tiny 2 bedroom apartment and a 45 minute subway ride to a 3 bedroom walking distance to work with a full-time nanny who works 6 days a week, cleans, and cooks in addition to watching our two kids.
Living "overseas" has been a great joy in my life -- I may end up back in America for some time but I also see myself living elsewhere for as much or more time. I can't recommend it enough -- the world is a pretty incredible place!
It might not just be American tech talent though. I'm "local" (with an Australian degree), minimal name-brand, and 10 years experience. I've gotten first interview offers from many of the top companies in the region. The senior to staff developer range is in very high demand.
Overall, I would say that there's larger gaps between companies than there are internally to countries. Especially in India, I was consulting and definitely spent time on an Infosys campus in Bangalore where they had unscrewed half of the overhead lights to save money, but I also worked with some places that felt more or less like any other high-tech company anywhere else in the world.
Similarly, when I was looking for work here in Singapore, there were definitely folks that were looking to hire folks with 15 years of experience and pay them $80k/year, but there were also several companies that offered high-paying jobs with interesting work. There were definitely FEWER companies, but the flip side is that the hit rate was much higher -- I ended up getting at least a first interview with 70% of the companies I sent my resume to here, as opposed to the 20-25% I generally find in the US. In general, companies are very keen to hire "American" tech talent, especially if you have a "name-brand" on your resume.
In terms of compensation, if you are relocating, you really do have to look at the holistic quality-of-life. I ostensibly took a "paycut" in US$ terms from my Google NYC job for my role here in Singapore, but I also went from a tiny 2 bedroom apartment and a 45 minute subway ride to a 3 bedroom walking distance to work with a full-time nanny who works 6 days a week, cleans, and cooks in addition to watching our two kids.
Living "overseas" has been a great joy in my life -- I may end up back in America for some time but I also see myself living elsewhere for as much or more time. I can't recommend it enough -- the world is a pretty incredible place!