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Cybersecurity, AI, Machine Learning, and Software Development – these IT areas, according to our latest Salary Guide are currently experiencing the highest demand for specialists. There is no shortage of candidates for these positions. In Poland, technical fields continue to enjoy significant popularity, ensuring a steady influx of talent into the labor market. However, in response to the challenges faced by the IT sector, companies are shifting focus from hiring less experienced employees to prioritizing experts in their respective fields.
Among the IT sectors reporting the highest demand for specialists are machine learning and software development. There is also increasing demand for skills in integrating artificial intelligence with existing organizational systems and securing infrastructure against cyber threats. Due to high costs and the risk of vendor dependency, FinOps managers are also in high demand. These professionals are responsible for managing and optimizing cloud costs, including infrastructure maintenance, licenses and subscriptions, data migration, and technical support.
However, Michael Page experts observe that the current market conditions are forcing companies to rely on the most experienced specialists with expert knowledge. This results in fewer recruitments compared to previous years.
The rising competition and dynamic development of new technologies are prompting businesses to seek experts who can quickly adapt to new challenges and effectively execute complex projects. As a result, the number of recruitments, particularly for less experienced positions, may indeed decline compared to previous years, and the market is becoming more demanding. Young candidates must complete relevant studies and gain practical experience through internships, projects, or volunteer work. Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and creativity are also crucial. This underscores the importance of investing in development across multiple areas to stand out in the competitive job market. On the other hand, this situation has positive aspects. The high competition and greater demands from employers push IT professionals to continuously improve, which ultimately raises the overall skill level in the market. This leads to the growth of specialized fields that are increasingly in demand. Companies are more willing to invest in employees with specific skills in these niche but promising fields, says Weronika Ceremuga, Business Development Manager at Michael Page. – Although the number of recruitments may be lower, there is still high demand for highly skilled specialists, and those who invest in their skills have the chance to find interesting jobs. Therefore, this period should be seen as a challenge for even more intensive development, both in terms of technical knowledge and adaptability skills, concludes the expert.
In light of rising energy costs and declining margins, the Nearshoring Centers trend is gaining importance. As a result, IT services are being relocated to Poland from Western Europe. Furthermore, Michael Page experts observe the migration of lower-level employees to India and the Philippines. Meanwhile, mid-level and senior specialists, especially in IT management, software engineering, and consulting, remain in Poland.
According to the Salary Guide technical fields of study in Poland are still highly popular, and the number of graduates remains high. This leads to a steady, continuous influx of new talent into the IT labor market.
Currently, there is a reduced interest from companies in hiring less experienced employees in areas that were previously in high demand, such as software development and software testing. In these fields, candidates are encountering increasing difficulty finding employers, as companies prefer experienced professionals whose onboarding time for new projects is shorter than for less experienced candidates, comments Wojciech Kasiński, Senior Consultant at Michael Page Technology. – We are currently in a situation where candidates in most IT areas cannot freely choose between job offers or set conditions regarding remote work or non-salary benefits. Nevertheless, fields related to data processing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity continue to develop dynamically, and demand for specialists in these areas remains high or is increasing. Young people who want to secure a good position in the job market should focus on developing their technical skills, especially in the aforementioned areas, adds the expert.
Priorities among individuals entering the IT job market are also shifting. They are increasingly focused on the values of the companies they are applying to. Above all, they want to ensure that the ethical standards of organizations align with their personal beliefs. Additionally, candidates are increasingly avoiding unethical industries.
Salaries in IT remain stable, with increases observed in the most sought-after areas such as AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. For example, a Security Engineer can now expect a salary between PLN 18,000 and PLN 25,000 gross, a Data Engineer between PLN 20,000 and PLN 30,000 gross, a Machine Learning Engineer between PLN 23,000 and PLN 30,000 gross, and a Cloud Engineer from PLN 25,000 to as high as PLN 31,000 gross. It is also worth noting that companies are willing to pay more for highly qualified specialists.
In addition to salaries, there are also additional benefits such as medical care and MultiSport. Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications provided by employers, are also crucial, especially for those specializing in cloud environments. Flexibility in terms of remote work and working hours is another highly valued element by IT professionals, particularly those in independent roles.
The unfavorable market conditions in IT are influencing the job market and recruitment processes in this sector. Companies are seeking experts who are expected not only to have strong technical skills but also to possess highly developed soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy.
