The IT job market in Poland is dynamic and robust, solidifying its position as a major tech hub in Central and Eastern Europe. The market is defined by strong demand for specialized professionals, competitive salaries, and a shift towards hybrid work models.
Current Market Trends and Outlook
Poland’s IT sector continues to thrive, with a notable recovery in the first half of 2025. According to data from Just Join IT, the number of job postings increased by nearly 70% compared to the previous year. This growth is driven by a combination of global tech companies expanding their presence in Poland and local businesses accelerating their digital transformation efforts.
- Growing Demand: The demand for IT specialists is strong, with an estimated shortage of around 50,000 IT professionals in the country. This creates a favorable environment for skilled candidates.
- Shift to Hybrid Work: The fully remote model is giving way to a more balanced hybrid approach. In the first half of 2025, hybrid work listings accounted for 47.1% of all job offers, surpassing fully remote positions for the first time.
- AI’s Impact: Artificial intelligence is reshaping the market. While it’s creating new, high-demand roles, it’s also making it harder for entry-level “junior” developers to find work, as companies are increasingly using AI to handle basic tasks. The number of junior-level offers has grown at a much slower rate (around 20%) compared to the overall market.
In-Demand Skills and Highest-Paying Roles
The highest-paying jobs in Poland’s IT sector are concentrated in highly specialized areas. Experience and niche skills are key determinants of salary.
- Highest Paying Roles:
- IT Directors / CIOs: Salaries can range from PLN 20,000 to PLN 45,000+ per month.
- Software Development Directors / Managers: These roles command salaries of PLN 20,000 to PLN 38,000+.
- Senior Java Developers: Java remains a highly valued skill, with senior developers earning up to PLN 41,000 on an employment contract or PLN 30,000 net on a B2B contract.
- Data and AI Specialists: Roles in AI/ML engineering, data science, and data analysis are experiencing the most dynamic growth in job postings, and salaries reflect this demand.
- DevOps and Cybersecurity: As companies prioritize digital infrastructure and security, DevOps engineers and cybersecurity specialists are in high demand and are among the highest-paid professionals.
- Key Skills:
- Programming Languages: Java, Python, and JavaScript continue to be the most sought-after.
- Cloud Platforms: Expertise in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is highly valued.
- Data and Analytics: Skills in data visualization, predictive modeling, and big data technologies are critical.
- Soft Skills: Beyond technical expertise, employers seek candidates with strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.
Salary and Compensation
IT salaries in Poland are attractive, especially when considering the relatively low cost of living. The average IT salary in the first half of 2025 was PLN 22,769 gross per month, a 12% increase from the previous year.
- Employment Contracts (UoP) vs. B2B: A significant portion of IT professionals work on B2B (business-to-business) contracts, which often offer higher net earnings due to different tax structures.
- Regional Differences: Salaries are highest in major tech hubs. The average gross monthly salary in late 2024 in cities like Kraków, Gdańsk, and Warsaw exceeded PLN 10,000, while other cities like Katowice and Wrocław were slightly lower but still competitive.
- Non-Wage Benefits: In addition to salary, comprehensive benefits packages are common. These often include private medical insurance, wellness and mental health support, and learning and development budgets.
The Recruitment Process for Foreigners
Poland is an attractive destination for foreign IT professionals due to its open economy and strong demand for talent.
- EU Citizens: For EU/EFTA citizens, the process is straightforward, with no work permit required.
- Non-EU Citizens: A job offer from a Polish company is typically the first step to obtaining a work permit. Highly skilled professionals may be eligible for an EU Blue Card, which offers a streamlined path to residency.
- Language: While English proficiency is often sufficient for technical roles, learning Polish is beneficial for daily life and long-term career integration.
- Job Search Platforms: The most effective job portals for IT roles include Just Join IT, Pracuj.pl, No Fluff Jobs, and Bulldogjob. LinkedIn is also a primary tool for networking and finding opportunities.
