Polish IT Sector Defies Economic Slowdown
Despite market uncertainties and economic slowdowns affecting many European economies, Poland’s IT sector remains robust and forward-looking. The latest “IT Contracting Salary Report 2025” by Hays Poland reveals that an impressive 88% of IT companies are planning to recruit, although 43% anticipate recruitment challenges ahead.
Steady Growth Despite Market Challenges
The IT industry, though not immune to economic fluctuations, has shown remarkable stability. According to Hays Poland’s latest research, while many sectors faced financial hardships in 2023, the IT sector remains a strong player in the market. However, challenges persist, with 41% of employers citing unrealistic candidate expectations and 22% reporting a shortage of specialists and managers.
Encouragingly, the report indicates a significant 25-percentage-point drop in companies identifying skill gaps as their biggest hiring challenge. Additionally, 69% of employers report an increase in job applicants compared to previous years.
Economic Conditions Influence Salaries
The economic environment is shaping job availability and salary trends in the tech industry. While over 70% of surveyed companies expect salary increases, the majority predict they will remain below 10%. Experts note that salary expectations for junior developers and mobile application specialists have either plateaued or declined compared to last year.
“The economic context influences salary trends and hiring strategies. While IT remains resilient, companies are exercising greater caution when investing in new talent,” explains Arkadiusz Wargin, CEE Executive Director – IT & Engineering Contracting at Hays Poland.
Key Skills Driving Demand
The report highlights that IT professionals specializing in cybersecurity, data analytics, ERP systems, and artificial intelligence remain in high demand, enjoying salary growth and promising career prospects. With increasing adoption of AI, companies are actively seeking skilled professionals to drive digital transformation.
“Automation and AI are shaping the future of IT hiring in Poland. Specialists in these fields will continue to find exciting opportunities,” says Milena Osiurak, Recruitment Manager at Hays Poland.
The AI Effect on IT Careers
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the IT landscape. According to the report, the percentage of IT professionals using AI tools at work has increased by 12 percentage points to 61% over the past year. While 45% of specialists believe AI will create new career opportunities or have no impact, 34% express concerns that AI advancements could limit job prospects.
“AI brings opportunities, but it also requires professionals to upskill and adapt to remain competitive,” notes Osiurak.
Looking Ahead: Adaptation and Digital Transformation
As companies continue to focus on process automation and optimization, IT professionals need to align their skills with evolving industry demands. Hays Poland experts predict that 2025 will see an increased focus on digital transformation projects, AI-driven solutions, and the ongoing integration of advanced technologies.
