Emerging technologies are changing industries across Europe, driving a huge demand for skilled professionals.
At Tech StaQ, we first encountered Emerging Tech roles in 2019 when we were tasked with finding global talent focused on quantum computing. Since then, we have consistently received requests to fill these types of profiles. Companies offer higher salaries to attract top talent in AI, blockchain, and AR/VR. If you’re hiring or job hunting, understanding these trends can help you stay competitive.
Why Are Salaries Rising in Emerging Tech?
- Remote Work: With remote work becoming common, European professionals can now compete for global salaries.
- Limited Talent Pool: Many emerging tech roles need very specific skills, and there aren’t enough experts to meet the demand.
- Global Competition: Companies worldwide are tapping into Europe’s tech talent, creating more demand and higher pay.
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Salary Benchmarks for Emerging Tech Roles
AI Developer Salaries
AI is booming, with applications in healthcare, finance, and automotive industries. Salaries for AI developers reflect the growing demand:
- Junior AI Developer: €45,000–€65,000 per year
- Experienced AI Specialist: €65,000–€90,000 per year
- Senior AI Engineer: €90,000–€130,000+ per year
Salaries are highest in cities like London, Amsterdam, and Munich, where AI innovation is strong.
Blockchain Engineer Salaries
Blockchain is no longer just about cryptocurrency. It’s used in supply chains, finance, and more, creating high demand for experts:
- Blockchain Developer: €50,000–€75,000 per year
- Smart Contract Engineer: €70,000–€100,000 per year
- Blockchain Analyst: €55,000–€80,000 per year
Switzerland, with its focus on fintech, offers some of the highest blockchain salaries in Europe.
AR/VR Developer Salaries
AR and VR are expanding beyond gaming into areas like healthcare and real estate. Here’s what professionals can earn:
- Junior AR/VR Developer: €40,000–€60,000 per year
- 3D Modeler: €45,000–€70,000 per year
- Senior Simulation Engineer: €80,000–€120,000 per year
Cities like Paris and Stockholm are becoming key AR/VR hubs.
Top European Tech Hubs for Emerging Technologies
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a top destination for startups and tech talent. Salaries for emerging tech roles are competitive, and the cost of living is lower than in other major cities.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a leader in blockchain and fintech, offering high salaries and great opportunities for international professionals.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is growing as a tech hub, especially in IoT and AR/VR. While salaries are slightly lower, the city’s affordable lifestyle attracts many professionals.
When planning your recruitment strategy, it’s essential to understand how emerging technologies are driving the demand for specialized roles. Learn more in our main article, Emerging Technologies and the Growing Demand for Tech Talent, to see how these trends are shaping the future of work.
How to Stay Competitive
For Companies:
- Offer Competitive Pay: Research salary benchmarks for your roles and locations.
- Upskill Your Team: Provide training to help employees take on emerging tech roles.
- Highlight Benefits: Flexible work, relocation support, and perks like wellness programs can make your offers more appealing.
Industries Using Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies are transforming a wide range of industries. From powering fintech innovations to driving growth in proptech, martech, renewable energy, and healthcare, these technologies are creating new opportunities and challenges. For example:
- Fintech: Blockchain and AI are revolutionizing banking, payments, and fraud detection.
- Proptech: AR/VR and IoT are reshaping real estate with virtual tours and smart building management.
- Martech: AI-driven tools are improving customer targeting and campaign optimization.
- Renewable Energy: IoT and AI are optimizing energy production and consumption.
- Healthcare: AR/VR is enhancing medical training, while AI supports diagnostics and patient care.
For Job Seekers:
- Research Salaries: Know the market rates for your skills and location.
- Build Specialized Skills: Focus on areas like AI, blockchain, or AR/VR that are in high demand.
- Explore Remote Work: Look for opportunities to work with global companies offering competitive pay.
Looking Ahead
Over the years, we have built a small pool of emerging tech candidates. Some of them we’ve successfully connected with thriving companies, while others we lost to competitors who out-offered us. These are exciting times when everything is changing fast, and companies who want to succeed must jump on this high-speed train to stay ahead.
Ready to stay ahead in emerging technologies and build a tech team equipped for the future? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can connect you with the talent you need to innovate and grow.