IT Salary Radar for Romania (January 2026)

For the first edition of our radar in 2026, we have proposed a small change in our reporting method. In order to provide a true picture of the market, we will not limit ourselves to presenting the current figures, but will analyze their evolution compared to the previous edition (October 2025). This approach allows us to identify the direction in which the industry is heading: areas where wages are growing rapidly and segments that have reached a plateau of stabilization.

The macroeconomic context confirms an upward trend. If in the previous edition, reported to the data of June 2025, the average net salary in the IT industry (information service activities) was 11,957 RON, the most recent data from the National Institute of Statistics (relating to November) indicate an average of 12,931 RON. This increase of almost 1,000 RON above the national sector average is in line with the increase in inflation, but also highlights the ongoing competition for talent.

In the following part, we analyze the salary scales from January 2026, based on data from specialized platforms (Paylab.ro, Devjob.ro), highlighting the differences compared to the previous quarter.

IT Salaries in the First Quarter of 2026

Programming Salaries. How Much Does a Programmer Earn?

The programming area is recording increases in most specializations, with a particular focus on roles that require a complex understanding of systems (Full-Stack).

• Full-Stack Programmer
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~15,600 RON
  • A pronounced increase in the average (+2,100 RON) is observed. Companies seem to increasingly value versatile developers, capable of covering the entire development cycle, thus reducing the size of teams.
• Front-End Programmer
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~14,200 RON
  • A solid increase compared to the previous edition, which recorded a value of 12,500 RON for the average salary in this field.
• JavaScript Developer
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~13,900 RON
  • Previous edition: Range 4,939 – 16,190 RON
  • The current average consolidates towards the upper end of the previously reported range, confirming JavaScript’s status as a mainstay in web development.
• Python Developer
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~14,200 RON
  • Previous edition: Range 4,891 – 16,533 RON
  • Salaries have stabilized at a high level, with Python remaining essential for automation and Data Science projects.
• C++ Developer
  • Average salary in January 2026: 18,654 RON
  • Previous edition: up to 15,031 RON
  • This evolution shows a greater willingness of employers to pay a premium for deep technical expertise.
• Game Developer
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~12,200 RON
  • A moderate increase (+700 RON) compared to the previous edition, a sign that the gaming industry continues to recruit, but at a more cautious pace.

Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and IT Architecture Salaries. How Much Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Earn?

This is the category with the most spectacular developments since the fall report, reflecting the critical need for security and scalability.

• IT Architect
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~17,300 RON
  • The largest increase in the current report (+3,800 RON on average). The major difference suggests an acute shortage of seniors capable of designing complex systems, which has forced a recalibration of salary offers.
• DevOps Engineer
  • Average salary in January 2026: ~14,800 RON
  • The DevOps role is gaining ground (+2,000 RON), becoming indispensable in modern software production teams.
• Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Average salary in January 2026: 7,187 – 20,015 RON
  • This role reaches higher thresholds comparable to software architecture, emphasizing the importance of data security.
• System & Network Administrators
  • SysAdmin: 4,783 – 13,424 RON
  • NetAdmin: 4,256 – 11,928 RON

Data Analytics Salaries. How Much Does a Data Analyst Earn?

• Data Analyst
  • Average Salary in January 2026: 4,050 – 10,503 RON
  • A slight correction in the ranges is observed. The market for data analysts seems to have settled down, with a greater focus on entry-level (junior) profiles.

Design Salaries. How Much Does a UX/UI Designer and a Graphic Designer Earn?

• UX/UI Designer
  • Average Salary in January 2026: ~11,500 RON
  • We have a stagnation here. The average has remained identical, which indicates a mature market for this role, where demand and supply are currently balanced.
• Graphic Designer (Media & Advertising)
  • Average Salary in January 2026: 4,050 – 9,878 RON (depending on seniority/sector).
  • Compared to the previous edition, there are insignificant variations. Graphic design salaries remain constant, being influenced more by portfolio than by technical market trends.

Digital Marketing & Content Salaries. How much does a Digital Marketer earn?

• Digital Marketing Manager
  • Maximum salary in January 2026: 16,253 RON
  • Previous edition: 15,313 RON
  • A slight increase in the maximum threshold, a sign that managers who can demonstrate ROI are rewarded better.
• SEO Specialist (Search Engine Optimization)
  • Average salary in January 2026: 4,136 – 9,549 RON
• PPC Specialist (Pay-Per-Click)
  • Average salary in January 2026: 4,698 – 8,682 RON
  • A higher entry threshold is observed (minimum ~4,700 RON) compared to other marketing roles, justified by the responsibility of directly managing advertising budgets.
• Copywriter
  • Average salary in January 2026: 4,050 – 8,327 RON
  • Remains an accessible role for juniors, but the upper ceiling is slightly lower compared to technical specializations (SEO/PPC).

Conclusion: Opportunities and Directions for 2026

The comparative analysis between October 2025 and January 2026 clearly shows us that technical specialization (Full-Stack, DevOps, architecture) is the engine of salary increases. While creative or support roles have remained relatively stable, positions involving responsibility for infrastructure and complex code have recorded significant jumps.

For those at the beginning of their journey or who feel they have reached a ceiling, the market message is one of encouraging continuous learning. The difference between an entry-level role and a specialized one is deepening, and moving to the next salary level depends strictly on the skills acquired.

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