The Polish IT market in 2026 is a space where optimism meets hard business calculation. After a period of stabilization, the industry has clearly defined its priorities: efficiency driven by AI, the flexibility of the hybrid model, and high valuations for niche specializations.

1. AI: Record rates and the wew definition of a senior

Artificial Intelligence has ceased to be just a trend and has become the highest-paid category in the industry. According to the latest data, the AI/ML category has seen spectacular salary ceilings, reaching as much as PLN 99,490 net on a B2B invoice for top-tier experts.

• Salaries: The average salary in AI/ML currently stands at approximately PLN 19,500 (B2B) and PLN 16,400 (employment contract).
• Expectations: Interestingly, juniors in this field have the highest aspirations – their financial expectations are over 56% higher than actual market offers.

2. Where is the highest pay? Architecture and Data take the lead

If you are looking for the highest rates, investors and recruiters are focusing on system foundations and data.

*For architects, real earnings for Seniors on B2B often exceed PLN 30,000, with records reaching PLN 67,000.

3. Hybrid Work: The End of 100% Remote Dominance?

While remote work is still highly desired, the hybrid model has become the standard for building organizational culture and supporting juniors.

• The 2026 model: Companies are increasingly moving away from full remote work in favor of office meetings (e.g., the 4/1 model).
• Juniors: This group feels the return to offices most strongly. Employers are prioritizing in-person mentoring to accelerate onboarding, which is crucial given the high demands of AI-driven projects.

4. Biggest surprises: the surge in Analytics

The biggest surprise of 2026 is the Analytics category. This field recorded one of the highest salary increases for employment contracts (+14.1%). Companies have realized that while having data is one thing, interpreting it and turning it into business strategy in the age of AI is worth every penny.

5. Challenges: The gap between expectations and reality

Reports indicate a growing gap in the market:

• Juniors often expect rates 30-50% higher than those offered in job advertisements.
• Seniors in niches such as C or Embedded can count on stability, but Data Engineers and Cloud Architects are currently the most sought-after by recruiters.

How can we support you in 2026?

The 2026 IT market belongs to “Data-Driven” specialists. If you can build system architecture, manage massive data sets, or implement AI models, your negotiating position is stronger than ever.

How does IT Connect fit into this landscape?

As a strategic partner, we understand that with such high rates and complex projects, every recruitment mistake is a significant cost.

• For Companies: Through our personal outsourcing model, we take the risk of hiring top AI or Architecture experts off your shoulders. We care for their wellbeing and mental health, providing you with a motivated specialist who strengthens your organization from day one.
• For Candidates: Are you looking for projects that offer market rates while respecting your Work-Life Blend? At IT Connect, we believe that “people are not numbers”. We will help you find a place where your niche skills (like Data or Analytics) are valued in a modern, human-centric cooperation model.