The ideal IT Specialist: what are their salary expectations?

The IT sector is one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the economy, where the demand for highly qualified specialists is constantly growing. Both in Poland and worldwide, information technology is gaining increasing importance, enhancing the attractiveness of IT-related professions. What are the current salary expectations of IT specialists? What salaries can IT professionals expect?

How much does an IT Specialist want to earn?

In today's business environment, IT specialists often can dictate their salary terms because the demand for their skills is still significantly higher than the supply. The demands of IT specialists are constantly increasing due to continuous technological development and the growing complexity of IT projects. This is particularly evident in the programming field, where there is a shortage of qualified candidates, and companies compete for talent. Specializations such as C++, PHP, Front-end, or .Net developers are particularly in demand, affecting their ability to negotiate salaries.

Moreover, employers must offer competitive salaries to attract and retain talented employees. As a result, salaries in IT-related positions are often in the five-digit range.

IT Specialists' salaries by job

According to statistical data, the average salary in the IT sector in Poland is approximately 18,843 PLN gross. How do salaries look in various IT professions?

Average Gross Monthly Salaries in the IT Industry in Poland by Job Title

Source: Antal Salary Report 2023

System Administrator

System administrators are responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining IT systems within companies. Their tasks include monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring data security. The average salary for system administrators in Poland ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 PLN gross per month.

C++ Developer

C++ developers specialize in creating software using the C++ programming language. They work on designing, implementing, and testing applications and IT systems. In Poland, the average salary for C++ developers is between 15,000 and 20,000 PLN gross per month.

PHP Developer

PHP developers are involved in creating web applications and websites using the PHP language. Their tasks include writing code, testing applications, and maintaining existing systems. The average salary for PHP developers in Poland ranges from 14,000 to 19,000 PLN gross per month.

Front-end Developer

Front-end developers are responsible for creating interactive and responsive user interfaces for websites and web applications. Their salaries average from 15,000 to 25,000 PLN gross per month.

Product Owner

Product owners are key members of Agile teams, responsible for managing the product backlog, defining requirements and priorities, and ensuring the smooth development process. Their salary ranges from 16,000 to 20,000 PLN gross per month.

Network Administrator

Network administrators design, configure, and maintain network infrastructure within companies. Their duties include managing network devices, ensuring security, and troubleshooting network connection issues. The average salary for network administrators in Poland ranges from 14,000 to 20,000 PLN gross per month.

Database Administrator

Database administrators are responsible for managing databases, including designing, configuring, optimizing, and securing them. Their salaries in Poland average from 15,000 to 23,000 PLN gross per month.

.Net Developer

.Net developers specialize in creating applications and solutions based on Microsoft's .Net platform. Their average salary ranges from 15,000 to 24,000 PLN gross per month.

Oracle Developer

Oracle developers are involved in creating applications and solutions using the Oracle database. Their salaries in Poland average from 15,000 to 24,000 PLN gross per month.

In which cities do IT Specialists earn the most?

Higher salaries for IT specialists typically occur in larger cities, especially those with a high concentration of technology companies and startups. However, the choice of city with the highest salaries can also depend on the cost of living in that region.

Which cities in Poland are the best choices for IT specialists?

• Warsaw – The capital of Poland is one of the main business and technology hubs in the country. The job market competition in the IT sector is intense here, and IT specialists' salaries are often higher than in other cities. Warsaw also offers a wide range of job opportunities, from large corporations to dynamic startups.
• Kraków – The second-largest city in Poland is also a significant center for the IT industry. With the presence of many outsourcing companies, research centers, and universities, Kraków attracts both experienced specialists and young talents. Salaries in Kraków are often attractive compared to the national average.
• Wrocław – Another city that plays an important role in the IT sector. Its dynamically developing technology ecosystem attracts numerous investments, increasing the demand for IT specialists. Salaries in this sector in Wrocław are competitive, and living costs can still be lower than in Warsaw or Kraków. Additionally, there are many international companies here.
• Tricity – Consisting of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, the Tricity metropolitan area is also an important hub for the IT industry in Poland. Technological development supported by local universities and technology parks makes this region attractive for IT specialists. Salaries are typically on par with other major cities in Poland.
• Poznań – Poznań is another city worth mentioning when it comes to high salaries for IT specialists. The presence of many international companies and a developed startup ecosystem make Poznań an attractive place to work for IT professionals.

Summary: How much does an IT Specialist earn?

An IT specialist with high technical skills, experience, and analytical abilities often expects a competitive salary that matches their qualifications. In the face of continuous demand for IT specialists, such professionals' financial expectations are growing, especially in technology centers where the competition for talent is particularly intense.

IT specialists often can also count on non-salary benefits, such as flexible working hours, language learning funding, remote work, or professional development opportunities, which are increasingly valued by employees in the technology sector.

Ultimately, to retain the ideal IT specialist, employers must offer attractive salary conditions that take into account both current market trends and the individual needs and expectations of the employee.