Polish IT Salaries

It is no surprise that salary levels in the IT industry increase with the level of seniority. However, as studies show, the difference between the highest positions is no longer as distinct as in previous years. Changes in the IT job market have also affected the level of rates offered. Still, juniors earn the least, but there is also significantly less work for them. Companies are focusing on "mids" and "seniors". This way, they do not have to build large teams, while having experienced employees.

In IT, employment is usually based on an employment contract or a B2B contract. Especially the latter allows for negotiating competitive rates. However, as the example of Biedronka shows, employees still appreciate the benefits associated with an employment contract and related benefits. If the offer is attractive, they have no problem resigning from the contract. Often the entire package offered by the employer is more profitable than what can be obtained within B2B. However, to make it so, modern and diverse benefits tailored not only for the employee but also for their close ones must be offered, and this is not so common.

The difference in earnings is clearly visible when considering a mandate contract or a specific-task contract. Following market trends, experts and managers can expect the best rates. There is a difference of over 3500 PLN between a "mid" and a "junior," which only confirms that now is the best time in the market for "mids" and "seniors", for whom the salary amount is directly proportional to their knowledge and experience.

Data confirms that in almost all specializations, despite the economic crisis, there is an increase in wages. An interesting exception are two categories of specialists - Data Scientist and UX Designer. In both cases, the decrease in salaries compared to previous months is caused by the interest in these areas among people starting their careers or changing their profession. The influx of specialists without experience or with little professional experience lowers the average for these categories of experts. The decrease in salaries in the Data Scientist/Machine Learning/AI group is surprising insofar as we observe an increase in interest in specialists from this field, which in turn results from the dynamic development of artificial intelligence. It is likely that we will soon observe the opposite trend and an increase in earnings in this area.

It is also worth noting the deepening difference in the levels of salaries of IT Architects employed under a contract of employment and those cooperating on B2B terms. Despite the slowdown in the IT market, such experienced experts are of interest and are targeted by recruiters from the industry. The dynamics of changes in the sector and the associated uncertainty, however, have not remained completely without impact on companies' approach to cooperation with them - a larger group decides on the services of more flexible freelancers, which translates into their higher earnings.

The IT sector in Poland, despite challenges such as the pandemic, economic turbulence, and high inflation, maintains stability with 41.1% of respondents rating it similarly to the previous year. However, 45.8% see its condition as worse, highlighting the perception of obstacles. Technological innovations, such as chat GPT and investments by global technology leaders, point to the importance of Polish IT specialists. The dynamic transformation of the industry, requiring the retraining of 50% of workers by 2025, is key to its development.

Despite this, the sector struggles with hiring limitations and layoffs, impacting the labor market, especially for women and juniors. Reports indicate a gradual stabilization with positive recruitment forecasts, but the market has become more selective. Recruitment problems and the lack of investment in employee skill development pose challenges, with automation threatening 14% of jobs. Nevertheless, the industry is adapting to the changing reality, with Poland having potential for further development thanks to innovations and attractive employment costs. The last months of 2023 bring hope for the Polish IT market, with the thawing of the National Recovery Plan and the expected decrease in inflation, which favors the renewal of investments.