How to get a six figure remote tech job in 2026
Tech stack, companies to target, strategies for juniors, geo-politics of remote work
There’s many reasons to want to be working remotely in 2026 (and beyond)
Just a few here:
People consistently choose it over big tech onsite (proof it’s better)
And then, the obvious: purchasing power
It’s definitely possible
Coaching graduate who got a 150k remote job last year (from Spain) recently getting bombarded by emails and LinkedIn recruiter DMs about 100k+ remote opportunities
There’s many companies offering such opportunities and the number is actually way higher than high paying big tech onsite opportunities in Europe (recently I’ve been adding hundreds of 100k+ remote roles each week to EuroTopTech)
Offshoring is unstoppable, might as well learn to ride the wave
If you’re a junior engineer
It’s gonna be almost impossible to get a $100k+ remote job in tech (at least straight away).
In this case, the best you can do is this:
(from a msg I just sent to a junior dev asking about high-pay remote)
But DO IT. Don’t wait:
Tech Stack
Tech stack tier lists for high-paying tech roles:
1. TS/node.
70% of high-paying fully remote companies use it.
Being a backend/fullstack dev with extensive experience in js/ts/node will open the most doors.
Of course: language is not enough. Also know your infra, systems and UI/UX chops.
2. Python
Used often either for tooling/scripting or AI/ML stuff.
Some companies use it for backend services too.
In 2026: just know your way around Python. It's not gonna get you the job alone, but for the right niches / some companies is a must have.
3. Go
Several mid-scale startup/scaleup use it and if you know it it can be a competitive advantage.
4. Rust
Similar to Go, but more niche / more competitive advantage: fewer roles, but if you know it and they look for people who know it, it can almost by itself get you the job.
A bit of a wild card. Can be one of the best to know, in some ways, because of the low-competition access to high-paying jobs in the crypto space.
5. C++
Unexpected, but I'm increasingly seeing top tier ($200k+ FULLY-REMOTE) roles requiring it, and overall knowledge of low-level programming.
Often in security, sometimes in crypto, sometimes in finance.
If you're an onsite embedded dev, zoom-in on this niche (join the Euro Top Tech Discord to get a few more tips).
(above is from the EuroTopTech Discord Community)
6. Java
Generally popular, but more for old school companies and big tech.
Usually also acceptable as an OOP knowledge proof for remote startups too.
Some remote companies also use it. Especially some doing latency-sensitive web services: in this sense, you can make similar considerations to the ones done for C++ in 5.
7. PHP/Ruby
Some companies use it.
Generalist vs specialist
Remote USA is king
:/
Extra pointers
The geo-political / macro angle
You need to stop thinking in terms of "salaries are higher here/there"
Detach yourself from local incomes → Stop wasting money on overpriced items
Then someone on X said that “the yoga teacher is doing pretty well tho”
To which I said
If you’re a knowledge worker in tech, there’s no reason for you wanting to be labour.
Do you want to be him?
“Nic then why are you still based in high cost Switzerland?”
1. Inertia
2. I’m anyway flexible / remote and my setup is optimised even though based in Switzerland
This article is brought to you by:
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