Understanding average IT salaries in Romania in 2026 has become essential for companies hiring engineers and for professionals planning their next move. Romania remains one of Europe’s strongest tech hubs, yet salary expectations have shifted significantly in recent years.
At first glance, the narrative is simple. IT is still the highest-paying sector in Romania, with an average net salary of around 8,000 RON per month.
However, once you move beyond averages, the picture becomes far more complex. Salaries vary dramatically depending on experience, specialization, and whether a developer works locally or remotely for international companies.
The Reality Behind IT Salaries in Romania in 2026
Romania’s IT sector no longer operates as a low-cost alternative to Western Europe. Instead, it sits somewhere in the middle: still competitive, but increasingly influenced by global demand.
The average IT salary across job listings in 2026 sits at around €3,200 per month, with remote roles pushing that number even higher.
Yet this average hides a wide spread. Most professionals fall into a broad range between 3,800 RON and nearly 20,000 RON per month, depending on role and seniority.
This gap is what defines the Romanian tech market today. It is not a single salary curve, but multiple overlapping ones.
Junior Developer Salaries in Romania
For junior developers, the entry point into the industry remains relatively accessible, but expectations have changed.
In 2026, junior developers typically earn between €15,000 and €25,000 per year, depending on city and company.
This range reflects more than just skill level. It reflects awareness. Entry-level developers now understand the global market. They compare local offers with remote opportunities, often expecting faster salary progression than in previous years.
As a result, companies increasingly compete not only on salary, but on learning opportunities, mentorship, and career growth.
Mid-Level Developers: The Backbone of the Market
Mid-level developers represent the core of Romania’s IT workforce. These professionals usually have three to five years of experience and handle most of the actual product development.
Their salaries typically fall around €2,300 to €3,000 per month on average, with strong variation depending on technology and company type.
At this level, specialization starts to matter. Developers working in backend systems, cloud infrastructure, or high-demand languages tend to move toward the upper end of the range.
This is also the stage where competition intensifies. Companies are no longer just hiring potential; they are hiring impact.
Senior Developers: Where Salaries Accelerate
Senior developers tell a very different story.
In 2026, senior engineers in Romania typically earn between €40,000 and €60,000 per year, with top performers going even higher.
Monthly, this often translates into €4,000+, especially for those working remotely or in specialized roles.
The reason is simple. Senior talent remains scarce. Companies are willing to pay a premium for developers who can design systems, lead teams, and make architectural decisions.
This creates a sharp salary curve. The difference between a mid-level and senior developer is not incremental. It is significant.
High-Paying Tech Roles in Romania
Not all IT roles pay equally. In fact, specialization has become one of the biggest salary drivers in 2026.
C++ developers, for example, reach averages above 18,000 RON per month, reflecting the demand for deep technical expertise.
IT architects command around 17,300 RON monthly, as companies compete for professionals capable of designing complex systems.
DevOps engineers and cloud specialists typically earn around 14,000–15,000 RON, while full-stack developers approach similar levels.
Cybersecurity specialists show the widest range, from around 7,000 RON up to 20,000 RON, depending on experience and responsibility.
At the top end of the market, niche technologies like Golang can push salaries even higher, with averages reaching €5,700 per month in some cases.
This reinforces a clear pattern. Generalists earn well. Specialists earn significantly more.
The Impact of Remote Work on IT Salaries in Romania
Remote work has reshaped the salary landscape more than any other factor.
In 2026, remote roles in Romania average around €3,600 per month, compared to significantly lower salaries for office-based roles.
This difference reflects access to international budgets. Companies from Germany, the UK, and the US now hire Romanian developers without requiring relocation, often offering higher compensation than local firms.
As a result, the Romanian IT salary market has effectively split into two layers. One operates locally. The other competes globally.
What Developers Actually Experience
Beyond official salary reports, real-world discussions among developers reveal another layer of reality.
On platforms like Reddit, developers often share salaries ranging from 15,000 to over 20,000 RON net for senior roles, with some reaching even higher through hybrid or freelance arrangements.
These numbers highlight something important. Official averages often lag behind what top performers actually earn.
In practice, salaries depend heavily on negotiation, company type, and the ability to access international opportunities.
Why IT Salaries Continue to Rise in Romania
Several forces continue to push salaries upward.
First, demand remains strong. Companies across Europe rely on Romanian engineers for both nearshore and remote teams.
Second, the supply of experienced developers grows more slowly than demand. While universities produce thousands of graduates each year, senior expertise takes time to develop.
Third, global competition increases pressure on local salaries. Developers compare offers across borders, forcing companies to adjust.
As a result, IT salaries in Romania grew by around 15% year-over-year in 2026, reinforcing the sector’s position as the highest-paying in the country.
The Real Takeaway
Looking at average IT salaries in Romania in 2026, one thing becomes clear. The market is no longer defined by low cost, but by value.
Junior salaries remain accessible but increasingly competitive. Mid-level roles form the backbone of the industry but face growing pressure. Senior developers and specialists command premium compensation, often aligned with global markets.
Romania still offers strong technical talent and competitive pricing compared to Western Europe. However, the gap is narrowing.
And for companies entering the market, the key insight is simple. You are not just hiring in Romania anymore.
You are hiring in a global tech economy that happens to include Romania.
