2025 IT Salaries Guide: The CEE Region

IT Salaries Guide: The CEE Region [2025 Edition]

Snapshot: CEE IT salary ranges in fintech

ML / AI Engineer

The demand for AI and ML engineers is expected to grow by 40% by 2027

Mid-level engineers' total employment costs in Bulgaria start from €4,600, scaling up to €7,200 for seasoned seniors.

Blockchain

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain, once an abstract concept, has become a vital force in the fintech landscape.

In Poland, hiring mid-tier Blockchain talent can cost from €4,400, while seasoned professionals may reach up to €8,000.

Security

Security Architects/ Engineers

74% of data breaches are attributed to human error. With that in mind, security architects build robust Fintech architectures that are resistant to cybersecurity threats from all sources

For experts in Ukraine, employer costs range between €6,700 and €7,700 for highly experienced seniors.

The power of together

120+

filled fintech tech roles for companies in Europe and the US

96%

of our candidates pass the trial period

4.3%

low attrition rate & talent that stays

The power of...

Expertise.

Your AI projects need the right minds behind them.
Get insights into the exact roles, skills, and technologies required to turn your AI vision into reality. From data scientists to ML engineers – we’ve mapped it all out.

Savings.

Optimise your budget without sacrificing quality.
Learn where to find top-tier AI talent for up to 70% less than in Western markets without compromising on skills or experience. Smart decisions start here.

Precision.

Avoid the common pitfalls that sink AI projects.
This checklist gives you actionable steps to define your goals, measure success, and build a team and tech stack tailored to your needs.

Scalability.

Set up for success now and in the future.
Plan for growth with insights into tools, frameworks, and infrastructure that will make your AI project scalable, secure, and ready to evolve with your business.

...AI done right.

Why CEE should
be on your radar

By 2026, the global IT skills shortage could cost businesses $5.5 trillion. Hiring top tech talent gets tougher everywhere. So, is Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) still the go-to destination for IT recruitment? Absolutely. And here's why:

Over 1 million tech professionals specialising in AI, DevOps, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Poland alone is home to 494,000 software engineers, making it one of Europe’s largest talent hubs.
Ukraine adds another 300,000 engineers, including 1,500 AI specialists, plus expertise in cybersecurity and QA.

With rising global demand for niche roles, the CEE region provides both greater affordability and world-class expertise. Salaries here are 30-50% lower than in the US and some Western European countries, helping you maintain high-quality delivery while optimising costs.

Take a look inside

Our guide goes beyond salary benchmarks. It also brings you the latest insights into attracting top tech talent, tackling market challenges, and navigating trends that impact skills demand.

Download the guide now and gain access to:

Complete salary benchmarks – Explore detailed Cost to Company data for the 10 most in-demand tech roles, from software engineers to DevOps specialists, across Ukraine, Poland, and Bulgaria.
Technology and consumer trends – Learn why demand for roles like AI engineers is set to grow 40% by 2027.
Hiring best practises – Discover strategies that deliver a 95.7% retention rate, helping you reduce turnover costs.
Tech teams cost comparison – See how a team built in Ukraine costs €377,760 annually, compared to €758,527 in the US.

CEE salary
ranges snapshot.

QA
Engineers

Check every project for bugs and errors and deliver exceptional user experiences with top-notch QA talent.

Poland: Employer costs start at €2,620 for mid-level QA engineers and rise to €7,320 for senior professionals.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Engineers

Improve your defences with cybersecurity experts skilled in threat detection and risk management.

Ukraine: Employer costs range from €2,235 for mid-levels to €7,795 for experienced professionals.

Data/ML/AI
Engineers

Use AI and machine learning expertise to drive smarter decision-making and streamline complex processes.

Bulgaria: Mid-level engineers cost €2,875, scaling up to €7,370 for senior talent.

Who is this guide for?

Why is the CEE region recommended for tech hiring?

How accurate is the salary data?

Will this help me with hiring challenges?

Can this guide help me optimise costs?