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German IT workers demand 7% raises—but companies plan just 3.6%

A stark divide emerges as tech workers push for inflation-beating raises. Will firms risk dissatisfaction—or adjust budgets to retain top talent?

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In this image we can see an advertisement and the picture of woman working at the desktop.

German IT workers demand 7% raises—but companies plan just 3.6%

IT workers in Germany are expecting bigger pay rises than companies plan to offer. A recent survey reveals a gap between employee hopes and employer budgets for 2026. While staff anticipate a near-7% increase, projections suggest a more modest rise of just 3.6%.

In 2024, IT salaries climbed by 3.85%, slightly above inflation. For 2026, however, forecasts predict a slower growth rate of 3.6%—still ahead of inflation but below the wider industry average. Despite this, 71% of IT professionals believe their organizations will grant raises, while 29% doubt it.

The data highlights a clear divide between what IT professionals want and what employers can provide. With raises expected to slow and hiring challenges persisting, companies may struggle to keep staff satisfied.

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