Founder-led · technically screened
C sits closest to the hardware, so hiring for it is about genuine systems ability. We screen C developers for the low-level fundamentals — memory, pointers, undefined behaviour — that separate people who can write safe, efficient systems code from those who cannot.
C is the language of operating systems, embedded and firmware, device drivers, and performance-critical systems where control over memory and hardware matters. It rewards developers who understand exactly what the machine is doing.
Every C developer is technically assessed by us, a former software developer, before you spend a minute interviewing.
Talk to us and we’ll recommend the right approach.
C developer pay tracks the software engineer ladder, so these are the reference bands we benchmark against, by seniority and city. See the full salary benchmarks for the detail.
| Seniority | London | Berlin | Amsterdam | New York |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level | £55k–£85k | €55k–€85k | €55k–€85k | $120k–$150k |
| Senior | £85k–£120k | €85k–€120k | €80k–€115k | $150k–$200k |
| Staff / Principal | £120k–£150k | €115k–€145k | €110k–€140k | $190k–$240k |
Reference bands, benchmarked to our software-engineer placement data · reviewed July 2026.
FAQ
Real command of memory and pointers, awareness of undefined behaviour, and systems fundamentals (concurrency, low-level debugging, performance), assessed with a realistic systems or embedded task.
Yes. Much C work is embedded, firmware or OS-level, and we screen for the specific low-level experience those roles require alongside general systems ability.
Deep systems and embedded C talent is relatively scarce, so a genuine technical screen and an active network matter for reaching strong people.
Tell us what you’re hiring for and we’ll come back with a plan, and usually a technically screened shortlist faster than you’d expect.