The IT and digital landscape in the Netherlands is evolving at remarkable speed. Companies are accelerating their digital transformation, strengthening their technological foundations, and investing heavily in modern cloud environments, AI integration, and advanced cybersecurity.
In this blog, we highlight the key trends and insights from the Robert Half Salary Guide 2026 for IT in the Netherlands.
1. IT as the strategic engine of digital transformation
IT teams play a central role in bringing Dutch organisations’ digital ambitions to life. They drive automation to a higher level, ensure secure and scalable systems, and implement new technologies that are essential for business continuity.
As digital environments become more complex, organisations increasingly need professionals who not only possess deep technical expertise but can also think strategically. Skills in cybersecurity, data science, software development and research-driven IT analysis are becoming critical to keeping companies future-ready.
2. Strong demand for future-focused IT talent
According to the Robert Half Salary Guide 2026, 33% of Dutch companies plan to expand their IT teams in the coming year. This growth spans areas such as IT security, infrastructure, and service and support functions. Organisations are seeking to reinforce their technological foundations, modernise systems and create space for strategic innovation.
In practice, this means that professionals with experience in security, network management, cloud environments and data management hold a particularly strong position in today’s labour market.
3. Talent shortages drive higher salaries
The shortage of specialised IT talent remains significant and continues to push salaries upward. Nearly 70% of IT managers indicate they are willing to offer higher compensation when talent is scarce and roles are difficult to fill.
Skills in cybersecurity, DevOps, DevSecOps, business intelligence and programme management are particularly well rewarded. This creates compelling growth opportunities for professionals, while encouraging organisations to invest in internal training to retain critical expertise.
4. Development, AI skills and upskilling take centre stage
Since specialized skills command higher value, IT professionals are highly motivated to invest in continuous development. Interest is strongest in advancing programming knowledge, building generative AI solutions, deepening cloud expertise and sharpening cybersecurity capabilities.
With innovation moving quickly, expanding skills in these areas not only increases employability but also builds a strong foundation for the IT roles of the future. Certifications such as ITIL, CCNA, CISSP, Prince2 and cloud credentials from Azure, AWS and GCP remain essential for validating expertise.
5. Where is IT talent most in demand?
Demand for IT professionals spans the entire Dutch market. Organisations across multiple industries are hiring for roles such as software engineer, DevOps engineer, data scientist or analyst, cloud engineer or architect, and cybersecurity specialist. Roles that bridge innovation, security and infrastructure are particularly fast-growing, as companies recognise that digital progress relies on systems that are safe, scalable and efficient.
A digital future full of opportunity
The IT labour market in the Netherlands continues to expand—driven by rapid technological progress, ongoing digital acceleration and a sustained need for specialised expertise.
Whether you are an employer looking to strengthen your IT team or a professional ready to take your skills to the next level, 2026 offers abundant opportunities for those who embrace technology and prepare for the next chapter in digital transformation.
How much should I earn or offer?
Discover the Guide
Discover all trends and salaries in IT in the Robert Half Salary Guide.
