The IT sector in Poland has long been considered a field offering attractive career opportunities—high salaries, rapid technological development, and relatively low unemployment. Young people planning their careers often wonder which field of study will maximize their chances of finding a job in this competitive market. In 2026, not only the chosen major matters, but also how well one’s skills align with current labor-market trends. Below, we present an overview of current and forecast trends in the IT industry, the most promising study programs, a comparison of IT with other sectors in terms of stability and earnings, as well as an analysis of alternative educational paths (bootcamps, online courses, post-secondary schools). All of this aims to help answer the question: what should you study in 2026 to successfully start a career in IT?
IT Market Trends in 2025–2026 (Poland and the World)
A modern IT workplace. Dynamic market changes: Recent years have brought significant fluctuations to Poland’s IT sector—from the pandemic boom, through the cooling in 2023, to renewed growth in 2024–2025. Forecasts indicate that 2026 will be a period of moderate stabilization—promising for existing specialists, though more demanding for new entrants. Polish IT companies plan further hiring or maintaining current staffing levels, and unemployment among specialists remains very low. Global trends—especially those originating from mature markets like the USA—strongly influence the Polish market. For example, the slowdown in tech investments worldwide in 2022–2023 temporarily affected recruitment, but since 2024 the industry has returned to a growth trajectory in line with improving economic conditions.
The impact of artificial intelligence: AI has become the main driver of change in the IT job market. As early as 2025, a genuine “AI boom” was observed—in the first half of 2025, the number of IT job offers in Poland increased by 68% year-on-year due to growing company investments in AI solutions, data analytics, and software automation. Businesses are looking for AI, data science, and machine learning specialists across almost every industry. According to World Economic Forum forecasts, as many as 86% of employers globally consider AI the primary force transforming business by 2030, with automation expected to create more jobs than it eliminates—resulting in a net +78 million new positions by 2030 (170 million new roles and the disappearance of 92 million others). However, this also means a massive need for reskilling: about half of the global workforce will require upskilling by the end of the decade to keep pace with technological change. In practice, some roles are being automated—e.g., manual testers or first-line support—while demand grows for experts who build and supervise AI tools. As early as 2026, AI literacy may become a standard requirement even for junior roles, and candidates who excel at working with AI tools (the so-called augmented workforce) will be especially sought-after.
Remote work and globalization: At the same time, work models are shifting. Remote/hybrid work has become the new norm in IT, expanding employment opportunities—but also increasing competition. Surveys show that 53% of IT professionals in Poland prefer fully remote work, another 45% prefer hybrid work, and only 2% choose office-only work. As many as 86% would consider changing jobs if their employer forced more in-office presence. Companies have adapted to these expectations, helping them retain talent. The widespread acceptance of remote work means that in 2026 a Polish specialist can work for any company worldwide without leaving the country—but specialists from abroad can likewise compete for jobs in Poland. IT market globalization is evident also in the fact that more than half of Polish IT professionals are employed by companies with foreign capital (especially from the USA and Western Europe). Poland—particularly hubs like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław—has become a recognized tech center. For example, IT unemployment in Warsaw stands at just 1.2%, making the capital one of the most favorable job markets for technologists in Europe. New investments continue to flow, and Polish specialists are valued for strong education and innovation (Poland ranks among the global leaders in programming skills and the number of AI experts).
Key technology trends: Looking at 2024–2026, it is clear which areas are worth targeting. Fields with the strongest growth in demand include: artificial intelligence and data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and systems architecture. Companies are increasingly looking for interdisciplinary competencies—engineers who understand both technology and business needs. In the next section, we discuss specific study programs related to these areas and explain why they offer an advantage on the IT job market in the coming years.
Promising IT Study Fields (What Should You Study?)
Choosing a degree can be crucial for an IT career—although it’s worth remembering that the IT industry values practical, up-to-date skills above all. Still, completing the right degree provides a solid knowledge base and signals competence to employers. Below are the fields of study and specializations that in 2026 offer the best employment prospects in the IT sector.
Computer Science
Computer Science is the most popular and versatile IT-related degree. Polish computer science programs cover a wide range of subjects: from mathematics and algorithms, through programming, databases, operating systems, to the basics of artificial intelligence and computer networks. This broad education gives graduates strong theoretical foundations and the ability to solve complex problems. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science is highly valued—employers like seeing it on a CV, and graduates typically have much better chances of being hired. These studies are longer (3.5 years for engineering + 1.5 years for a master’s), but they teach systematic learning and independent knowledge acquisition—skills that are essential in a rapidly evolving industry. Computer Science also allows students to choose specializations in later years (e.g., computer graphics, databases, AI), enabling them to align with market trends. For many employers, a computer science graduate is someone who can learn how to learn—armed with strong theoretical foundations that make it easier to master new technologies on the job.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
AI-based solutions and machine learning are currently at the center of business interest. AI/ML specialists and data scientists are among the most sought-after professionals on the market. Polish universities are responding to this trend by offering AI-focused specializations or even entire fields of study (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, Data Science). These programs combine computer science knowledge with advanced mathematics, statistics, and data analysis. Forecasts for 2026 show that professions related to AI and data science will be among the fastest-growing. Already in 2024, job postings in Poland for AI and Business Intelligence/Data roles were growing at double-digit rates. Employers are seeking experts who not only build machine-learning models but also translate data into business insights. In response, new roles are emerging, such as AI Prompt Engineer (a specialist training and optimizing large language models) or AI Risk Auditor, which may become commonplace by 2026. Benefits of studying AI/ML: graduates have unique skills combining programming and data analysis, can build intelligent algorithms, and work with large datasets—skills that are already in high demand in virtually every sector (from finance to healthcare to industry).
Cybersecurity
As the economy becomes increasingly digitized, the importance of cybersecurity grows. We hear almost daily about new threats: hacking attacks, data breaches, ransomware—so companies urgently need specialists to secure their systems. A cybersecurity degree or specialization focuses on topics such as cryptography, network security, penetration testing, digital forensics, information security management, and compliance (e.g., NIS2 standards in the EU). In Poland, the number of job postings in the Security category grew by 39% year-on-year (2024 vs. 2023)—the strongest increase among all IT fields. Employers are seeking pentesters, security engineers, cloud security specialists, and compliance experts who ensure legal compliance in data protection. Cybersecurity professionals can expect not only many opportunities but also some of the highest salaries in the industry. When choosing such a program, it’s important to check whether it includes hands-on labs and up-to-date tools (e.g., ethical hacking, network monitoring, SIEM tools). The advantage of a cybersecurity degree is also the global applicability of these skills—a security specialist can work in Polish banking or in a multinational tech corporation, as security standards are international.
Software Engineering
Software Engineering is a classic foundation of the IT sector—covering the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. Programmers and software engineers remain in high demand, although their roles are evolving. Over the past decade, web application roles (frontend, backend) dominated the market. Today, traditional programming roles (frontend, backend, full-stack) make up about 37% of all job postings—compared to over 50% several years ago. This means that alongside traditional coding, the importance of adjacent specializations is growing: embedded programming (IoT), automation and robotics, system integration, or Product Management in IT. A modern software engineer is valued not only for their programming-language knowledge but also for understanding the entire product development cycle and the ability to collaborate within a team. Still, solid programming skills remain essential—technologies like Java, JavaScript, and Python have been among the most in-demand for years, and this trend is unlikely to change. Software engineering studies (often as part of computer science or as a standalone field) teach algorithmic thinking, teamwork (through group projects), and understanding design patterns and methodologies (Agile, DevOps). Job prospects: still very broad—from software companies and startups developing applications to IT departments in corporations. However, it’s crucial to keep improving your skills: by 2026, programmers should combine coding with additional competencies—such as basic AI knowledge, security awareness, or analytical thinking—to stand out from automated tools and lower-skilled competition.
Data Analysis and Big Data
Data analysis and, more broadly, Data Science have gained enormous importance in the era of the digital economy. Companies collect terabytes of information about customers, markets, and internal processes—so they need specialists who can extract meaningful insights from this data. Study programs such as Data Analysis, Big Data, or specializations in Business Intelligence teach methods of acquiring, processing, and visualizing data, statistical modeling, and applying machine learning for analytical purposes. In practice, the graduate profile partially overlaps with the AI/ML field described earlier, but here the emphasis is placed more strongly on the business applications of data.
Already today, nearly one in five IT job postings in Poland requires knowledge of SQL, followed closely by Python—showing how critical data analysis and process automation skills have become. BI specialists, Big Data analysts, and data engineers are highly sought after in finance, e-commerce, marketing, manufacturing—everywhere data supports decision-making. According to the forecasts mentioned earlier, data-related categories show stable, high growth in demand for specialists.
A data analysis graduate can combine IT competencies with business awareness: not only do they know the tools (databases, languages such as R/Python, visualization platforms), but they also understand the business context, making them a valuable bridge between IT and business. Looking toward 2030, it is hard to imagine any company not using data analytics—making this field a choice with long-term relevance on the job market.
Cloud Technologies (Cloud Computing) and DevOps
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way companies use IT infrastructure. More and more services are moving to the cloud (public, private, or hybrid), which creates demand for experts who can design, maintain, and secure these environments. Study programs related to Cloud Computing or specializations such as Cloud Engineering teach topics such as distributed system architecture, managing AWS/Azure/GCP services, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and infrastructure automation.
DevOps, on the other hand, is an approach that combines software development with operations—DevOps specialists and Site Reliability Engineers (SRE) are responsible for automating deployments, ensuring system uptime, and quickly responding to failures. In Poland, the DevOps role is already among the highest-paid in the market. By 2026, virtually every medium and large company will rely on cloud solutions, which means constant demand for cloud architects, cloud engineers, and DevOps professionals. Such study programs provide a solid foundation in system administration, scripting, and CI/CD tools.
Importantly, graduates with cloud competencies often combine this knowledge with other domains—such as security (cloud security) or networking—becoming highly specialized professionals. The key advantage of this career path is its high versatility: cloud and automation skills are in demand across the board—from startups building new SaaS products, through financial institutions migrating legacy systems to the cloud, to the gaming, e-commerce, and mobile services industries.
The IT Sector Compared to Other Industries – Stability and Salaries
High salaries and low unemployment are hallmark features of the IT sector. For individuals choosing a career path, it’s important to compare the attractiveness of IT with other sectors of the economy. In terms of job stability and pay, IT clearly stands out.
For years, the tech industry has had the lowest unemployment rates. Overall unemployment in Poland remains around 5–6%, while among IT specialists it is several times lower (around 2% in major cities, and as low as ~1% in top hubs like Warsaw). This means that it is employers who compete for candidates, not the other way around—qualified IT professionals rarely remain unemployed for long. Even when slowdowns or isolated layoffs occur in certain companies, other employers quickly absorb available specialists (according to reports, as many as 58% of IT companies in Poland plan to increase hiring despite news of job cuts in global corporations). In contrast, traditional industries such as manufacturing, trade, or construction are far more sensitive to economic downturns—layoffs and fluctuations in workforce demand occur much more frequently.
Salaries in IT are among the highest in the market. Average IT pay significantly exceeds the average wages in most other sectors. For example, the estimated average gross salary in IT in Poland is around 12,000 PLN per month, compared to approx. 10,000 PLN in finance, 8,000 PLN in construction, and under 6,000 PLN in services. Of course, these are aggregated figures—skilled programmers or system architects can earn considerably more (experienced Java or DevOps professionals often reach 20,000–30,000 PLN per month), while beginners in simpler roles may start closer to the national average.
Still, the trend is clear: IT salaries grow faster than in most sectors, driven by talent shortages and global competition for skilled professionals. Even temporary slowdowns have not changed this—IT salaries accelerated again in 2024 and 2025, recording double-digit year-over-year increases. In contrast, fields such as education, culture, or public administration offer significantly lower and slower-growing wages. Additionally, IT jobs often come with attractive benefits (private healthcare, training budgets, flexible hours), further boosting the sector’s appeal.
In summary, the IT industry in Poland offers a unique combination of job stability and high earnings, rarely found in other sectors. Of course, this requires continuous upskilling—but in return, it provides opportunities for rapid career growth and salaries comparable to those in Western Europe. It’s also important to note that IT skills are easily transferable between industries—for example, a data analyst can work in banking, e-commerce, or telecommunications—which further enhances job security. Compared to many traditional professions, IT roles appear more resistant to automation and economic crises (it is other industries that digitalize and need IT professionals, not the other way around). Therefore, for individuals seeking both employment security and above-average salaries, choosing IT-related studies is a logical path.
University Degrees vs. Alternative Paths – What to Choose to Enter IT?
The traditional route into an IT career goes through higher education, but it is not the only option. In recent years, many alternative education paths have emerged: coding bootcamps, online courses, post-secondary schools, or self-study. Each of these has its advantages and drawbacks, and their effectiveness and recognition in the job market varies. Below is a brief comparison of these options in the context of preparing for an IT career.
Coding Bootcamps
A bootcamp is an intensive, weeks- or months-long course focused on practical programming training. Their popularity in Poland has grown since around 2013. Bootcamps aim for rapid acquisition of practical skills—teaching specific technologies, frameworks, and project-based learning, often simulating real developer tasks. The advantage is the short duration and focus on landing the first job: in a few months, one can move from zero to junior developer level. Many people have successfully transitioned into IT this way.
The downside is the cost—bootcamps are paid programs, often several to over ten thousand PLN, which may appear costly compared to “free” public university studies. However, one must remember that university programs take 5 years, during which full-time work is limited, whereas a bootcamp can help you start earning sooner (the return on investment can therefore be relatively quick, provided the graduate actually finds a job).
Regarding market recognition, this has been changing dynamically. A few years ago, employers strongly favored university graduates; today, many declare that practical skills matter above all. A bootcamp graduate who can demonstrate real projects and problem-solving skills has a chance to get hired even without a degree. However, it must be honestly stated that a short course cannot replace a full education—industry discussions often point out that bootcamps tend to overpromise. Many graduates who do not continue learning struggle to meet the expectations of junior roles.
Experts highlight that the era of mass “code typing” is ending—companies seek people who think critically and understand business, and an education model based solely on short, intensive courses may be insufficient. In summary: a bootcamp is a good option for highly motivated individuals who want to enter the industry quickly—but it’s worth choosing reputable programming schools and being ready for continuous learning after the course.
Online Courses and Self-Learning
The internet has opened vast opportunities for self-directed learning—from e-learning platforms (Udemy, Coursera, edX, Pluralsight, etc.) to rich free resources, tutorials, and documentation. Online courses allow you to learn at your own pace, often at a fraction of the cost of university studies or bootcamps (and sometimes for free).
By 2025, employers increasingly appreciate candidates who show initiative in self-education—certificates from reputable platforms (e.g., courses endorsed by universities or major tech companies) can be a valuable asset. The quality of the course is crucial: completing one strong, recognized course (e.g., Google’s Data Analytics certificate, or Stanford’s Algorithms course) is worth more than several random, low-value trainings.
Many IT professionals are self-taught, and employers value such people for their discipline and passion for continuous growth. However, during recruitment, certificates alone are not enough—companies will verify practical skills through technical tasks and coding interviews. Online courses do not provide a formal degree, but they provide knowledge—what you do with it (projects, a GitHub portfolio, open-source contributions) determines your real value on the market.
Self-learning requires motivation and consistency; for many, it is an excellent complement to formal education or a pathway to reskilling, but it also demands the ability to plan one’s own study path. A growing trend is increased acceptance of such education—the recognition of online courses is rising, especially when candidates can demonstrate how the acquired skills translated into real projects.
Post-Secondary Schools and IT Technical Schools
An alternative route for those not pursuing higher education are post-secondary schools and IT technical schools (at the secondary level). These schools offer programs such as IT technician or programming technician, usually lasting two years and ending with a vocational exam. Their advantages include low entry requirements—accepting secondary-school graduates even without a matriculation exam—and a practical curriculum oriented toward specific professions.
For some individuals, this may be a way to acquire foundational IT knowledge and enter the job market in junior roles such as IT support, helpdesk, network administration, or junior programming. The drawbacks? Unfortunately, the recognition of post-secondary diplomas in the IT industry is limited. For developer or engineering positions, many employers still prefer candidates with higher education or at least a strong project portfolio. Program quality also varies—some schools lag behind market requirements.
Still, a post-secondary school can be a good solution for those who want practical basics and plan to continue their education later (e.g., engineering studies) or simply need formal certification for entry-level roles. In Poland, the IT technician title is widely recognized, but primarily for simpler tasks (IT support, computer repair, basic system administration). Summary: post-secondary schools allow entry into the industry for those not attending university, but their graduates generally need to continue learning to compete for more advanced positions.
Future Outlook (to 2030)
Looking ahead, it seems almost certain that demand for qualified IT professionals will continue to grow. By 2030, digital transformation will expand into more sectors—industry (Industry 4.0), public administration (e-government), and emerging areas such as AI in everyday life, the Internet of Things in smart cities, or green energy technologies supported by IT.
Forecasts suggest that globally, automation will create more jobs than it eliminates, but those entering the job market must be prepared for continuous learning and reskilling. In Poland, as in the rest of the world, the key pillars of the digital economy will be: data, AI, security, and cloud. Most innovation will revolve around these areas, making them ideal fields for skill development.
Companies already emphasize that graduating from university is only the beginning—employees will frequently upskill, often learning new technologies every few years. Postgraduate programs in narrow IT specializations and internationally recognized certifications (e.g., AWS/Azure cloud certificates, CISSP security certifications) are becoming increasingly popular.
For those at the start of their educational journey, the 2030 outlook is promising: IT professions seem relatively resistant to automation (they are the ones building automation). Even if some roles disappear or change (e.g., manual testers or traditional server administrators), new ones will emerge (AI-related professions, climate-data analysts in Green IT, etc.).
A key trend is competency blending—developers understanding business, project managers learning AI basics, data analysts grasping security principles. Such multi-disciplinary skill sets will be a major advantage. Competition may be global, but so are the opportunities—Polish specialists already work for companies worldwide, and their skill level is valued across Europe. By 2030, we may say the same about the next generation of graduates.