Today I read the most interesting article about Java programmers that I've seen in a long long time. Yakov Fain wrote an article asking "How much Java programmers make in your country." As of the time I write this post he has gotten 83 replies and some are very eye opening.

A few samples based on $USD Net Income per Month:

• USA $4500
• Russia $800 - $1000
• UK $1500-3500
• Spain $2400
• Bulgaria $800 - $1500
• Poland $1500 - $1800
• Hong Kong $2300

The above are just a few responses he has gotten but in no way does the article justice. Many of those that have replied left some very interesting details about their lives and the economic realities that surround them.

Examples of the details are:

• What individuals pay in taxes per month
• How much a month they spend on food
• Health insurance coverage/expenses
• Housing costs
• Transportation costs (i.e. whether they own a car or use public transportation and why)

So whether your interested in a good read, are a fellow Java programmer, or are looking to hire a Java programmer I recommend checking out Yakov Fain's post on JavaLobby. This is a unique collection of information that I've never seen presented in such a way before.

One draw back to JavaLobby's forum format is that you need to click on each message in order to read them. This interface can get very frustrating. Please JavaLobby fix your forums to allow an easy way to read all message on a thread. I would suggest something like SlashDot's way of displaying forum threads. It can't be that hard.