IT industry faces pressure as programmer salaries in Poland lag behind Czech Republic and Germany

Once regarded as a stable and lucrative career path, the IT industry is now facing mounting challenges, from cost pressures to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. Personnel Service experts have compared programmer salaries across Europe, revealing a stark gap between Poland and its neighbors. The average gross monthly salary for a programmer in Poland stands at just over PLN 11,300 (around €2,600), while in the Czech Republic it reaches €4,000 and in Germany as much as €4,500.

The sector’s slowdown is visible beyond wages. According to the National Debt Register, IT companies in Poland currently hold debts totaling PLN 317 million, with the average company carrying around PLN 44,700 in liabilities. Both large enterprises and sole proprietorships are affected. At the same time, some corporations are reducing headcount: Atos, for example, has announced plans to lay off around 200 employees in its Bydgoszcz operations. “On the scale of the entire market, you can see a clear adjustment of employment after the pandemic recruitment boom,” said Krzysztof Inglot, labour market expert and founder of Personnel Service.

Despite the difficulties, opportunities remain. The European Commission forecasts that the global semiconductor market will exceed one trillion dollars by 2030, opening up new prospects for investment in Central Europe. Poland is already seeing momentum, with high-tech exports growing by more than 10% in 2024 to €37.25 billion. The country has also emerged among the world’s top five most attractive markets for back-end semiconductor production. Surveys by TRUMPF Huettinger show that 55% of Poles consider Poland a promising destination for high-tech investment, underlining its potential role in the transformation of the global technology landscape.

This optimism is reflected in workforce attitudes. According to Personnel Service’s “Polish Labour Market Barometer,” 45% of employees plan to acquire new skills, driven by the desire to increase their attractiveness in the labour market, improve efficiency, and stay current with technological trends. For many, developing new competencies is seen as essential for career progression and resilience in a changing sector.

“Although Polish IT is facing many challenges today, it does not mean the end of the possibilities,” noted Inglot. “Semiconductors, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and automation are directions already shaping the market. The key is the readiness to constantly improve competences and adapt to new realities.”

Source: Personnel Service