The Netherlands is a tech-savvy nation and a center of innovation, ranking among the top 10 countries globally and in the top 5 within the EU, according to the Global Innovation Index 2024. Recently, the Netherlands has become a tech hub for several reasons, including supportive government policies, incentive tax reductions, and a diverse, multicultural working environment, which whet the appetites of big multinational companies and startups. The Netherlands offers numerous IT jobs that appeal to tech professionals worldwide by providing work-life balance, job satisfaction, and competitive salaries.
The Netherlands has the 4th best education system globally, according to the Gradding Education Index 2024. Individuals who learn and understand the dynamics of digital innovation in the Netherlands could prepare themselves for a thriving tech career. To keep up with the digital transformation, IT jobs in Holland require highly qualified IT training through bootcamps or conventional education methods.
This article will explore the most in-demand, highest paying jobs in the Netherlands. It will also highlight the best cities that are ideal for IT professionals to flourish in and offer guidance on the most sought-after skills for starting an IT career in the Dutch ecosystem.
What Are the Top 7 IT Jobs in Demand?
Here are the top 7 IT jobs in demand in the Netherlands:
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Architect
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- IT Manager
- Web Developer
In the selection process, the list is organized to highlight the most popular professions with solid growth potential and high salaries. In the following section, all salary figures are gross amounts for December 2024, which represent the salary before tax deductions.
1. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers are essential to modern IT operations by building and maintaining practices. DevOps engineers are in high demand as they provide scalable and reliable IT infrastructure for the public and private sectors. The job postings increased by 20% compared to the last year and are projected to increase by around 30%, according to the Talentup analysis.
The average wage of a DevOps engineer in the Netherlands is €76,366 annually, and the base wage ranges by experience between €52,616 and €93,243, according to the Economic Research Institute.
2. Cloud Architect
A cloud architect designs and shapes the cloud computing environment. Cloud is the future, and it is estimated that 75% of Dutch companies will embrace cloud computing services by 2028, which is 2 years ahead of the EU’s 2030 Digital Decade vision, according to the report published by Public First, which is commissioned by AWS.
The average compensation of a cloud architect is quite competitive, and it is about €112,808 annually, ranging between €80,206 and €136,385, according to the Economic Research Institute.
3. Software Engineer
Software engineers create, develop, and maintain software to ensure that programs meet the required high-quality and functional standards. Software engineers are in high demand because they provide innovative, secure, and user-friendly solutions. Job roles in this position are projected to increase by nearly 15% within one year, according to Talentup.
In the Netherlands, the annual wage for software engineers is €86,234, with a range between €68,219 and €116,955, according to Levels. fyi.
4. Data Scientist
Data scientists understand, analyze, and explain bulk data to forecast trends and support decision-makers. Data science is popular in the Netherlands as companies should analyze large volumes of data and extract valuable insights to remain competitive in the market. In this context, the job growth is projected to reach 25% in the following 5 years, according to the Talentup insights.
The average gross wage for a data scientist in the Netherlands is about €78,804, generally ranging from €62,692 to €100,178, according to Levels.fyi.
5. Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists protect sensitive data, networks, and systems from cyber-attacks. In today’s digital era, cybersecurity specialists are becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands since they ensure the cyber environment’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The cybersecurity job market is estimated to increase at an annual rate of 6.96% in the following 5 years, according to the Statista Netherlands Market Forecast.
The average total compensation of a cybersecurity specialist is €94,282 in the Netherlands, ranging between €66,097 and €116,427, according to the Levels.fyi.
6. IT Manager
IT managers are responsible for orchestrating employees and resources in line with the organizational objectives to ensure that daily tasks and systems run correctly. They are in high demand due to their ability to effectively manage resources, boost productivity, and solve problems. The IT market in the Netherlands is projected to grow by 5.05% over the next 5 years, according to the Statista Netherlands Forecast, which shows the importance and requirement of having skilled IT managers.
The average compensation of an IT manager in the Netherlands is about €91,400 annually, according to the Salary Explorer.
7. Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for devising and optimizing websites and applications. The Netherlands is one of the leading nations in digital transformation, and the IT market is vast, with many players competing for success. As a result, web developers are in high demand to create and optimize fully functional, user-friendly, and graphically appealing products that are essential for staying competitive.
The average compensation of a Web Developer in the Netherlands is €80,262 annually, ranging between €55,541 and €97,839, according to the Economic Research Institute.
Is the Netherlands a Tech Hub for High-Demand IT Jobs?
Yes, the Netherlands is a tech hub and attraction center for 5 main reasons. First, its workforce is highly educated and skilled for its data-driven economy. Second, the Dutch government promotes technological transformation and innovation by offering supportive programs and tax incentives. Third, it is a haven for startups by providing new ventures and entrepreneurs to thrive. Fourth, the Netherlands offers extensive transportation networks, which makes it a technology center for both overseas nations and Europe. Fifth, it is appealing to international tech professionals since the Netherlands embraces different cultures and provides a multilingual working environment.
What are the Best Cities in the Netherlands to Start a Career in IT?
Amsterdam, the Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Utrecht are the top 5 cities in the Netherlands to start an IT career. These cities offer many job opportunities, strong government support, competitive salaries, rich cultural diversity, and an excellent work-life balance. These 5 cities are also ideal locations for startups, multinational organizations, and major technology companies to build an IT career.
What are the Most Sought-After IT Skills in the Netherlands?
Here are the top 10 most sought-after IT skills in the Netherlands:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- DevOps
- Software Development
- Virtualization
- Automation
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Blockchain and Decentralized Technologies
While the abovementioned list represents IT skills in high demand for IT jobs in the Netherlands right now, some emerging technologies may significantly shape the digital landscape in the future, including quantum computing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), edge computing, and advanced robotics applications.
How to Kickstart Your IT Career in the Netherlands?
After choosing the right career path, individuals should follow 5 key steps to begin an IT career in the Netherlands. First, get thorough IT training through traditional education or bootcamps to build technical skills. Second, obtain job-related certifications to show technical expertise. Third, gain hands-on experience through practical projects and internships. Fourth, network with other professionals and develop soft skills to reinforce technical abilities. Fifth, apply for jobs with a strong resume to start an IT career in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has become a tech hub for high-demand IT jobs due to its skilled workforce, supportive government programs, central geographic location, and multicultural environment. Amsterdam, the Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Utrecht are among the best cities in the Netherlands to start an IT career.
The top 7 famous IT job roles are DevOps engineer, cloud architect, software engineer, data scientist, cybersecurity specialist, IT manager, and web developer. Additionally, some of the most sought-after IT skills for professionals include artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, DevOps, software development, virtualization, automation, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT).
Individuals with job-focused IT training, technical skills, certifications, and hands-on experience can successfully build an IT career in the Netherlands. Furthermore, networking and soft skills will increase the chance of landing a job quickly.
