2026 Predictions
AI-assisted development becomes a baseline expectation
All the data forecasts rising demand for developers fluent in AI-assisted tools and model integration, with AI augmenting, not replacing, developer output
Deep cloud-native expertise becomes "table stakes" for senior hires
The same data also calls for resilience-focused, cloud-native and distributed systems expertise, with Kubernetes, microservices, and event-driven architecture positioned as core skills
Salary growth continues in some areas
The data shows shifts in 2026 to include 5-7% (mid-level software development), 7-10% (senior software development), and 6-7% (data analytics/data engineering)
Benefits and total reward matter more as competition for talent increases
Candidates overwhelmingly list remote or hybrid work, bonus structure, pension contributions, private healthcare, equity, and learning & development as key benefit expectations
The 5-10 year experience range becomes the hiring bottleneck
In 2026, we can expect a shortage of engineers with 5-10 yrs experience who can own systems and scale teams. Expect this to drive faster processes and higher offers for that group
Mid-level software development remains more employer-led
Mid-level software development engineers are more present in the market going into 2026 (directly linked to 2025/2025 layoffs) and hiring at this level is more employer-led, while senior SWE hiring remains more candidate-led
DevOps/SRE pay remains firm, especially at architect level+
Senior and architect-level DevOps/SRE roles are commanding larger salary ranges in 2026
Data engineering stays candidate-driven at senior levels
The data highlights wider ranges at senior specialist and architect+ levels and a candidate-led market for key data roles (especially those that include both engineering and commercial skills)
QA demand fragments further, and modern automation stacks win
Legacy automation requirements and high-growth skills continue to move away from each other, with AI increasingly automating repetitive testing tasks
Contracting becomes more price-competitive, even when demand exists
The general tech market in 2026 will see an increase in contractor demand and increased day-rate flexibility in a more competitive market, especially for non-critical projects
Contract rates will remain highest for sough-after delivery-critical skillsets
Rates such as €700-€820/day bands for senior full stack and senior software development contractors indicate that delivery-critical expertise remains at a premium
Contractors know their worth but want more than just the rate from employers
Global competition for talent is a permanent fixture, pushing employers to compete in areas such as autonomy, culture, and growth support, not only compensation