Nowadays, finding and retaining top IT talent is more competitive than ever. To stay ahead in 2025, companies are focusing on hiring key roles such as software developers, cloud specialists, database managers, and systems engineers.
Many businesses also contract workers to fill skill gaps in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. On the other hand, job seekers seek good pay, career growth, and a healthy work-life balance. That said, making yourself stand out as an employer is crucial.
This IT salary guide for 2025 is here to help. It gives you up-to-date information about IT salaries so you can create competitive offers that attract top talent. Use this guide to stay ahead, make wiser hiring choices, and build a future-ready IT team.
Factors Influencing IT Salaries in 2025
As technology advances and business priorities shift, IT salaries constantly evolve to reflect each role’s unique demands. Here are some factors driving these changes and shaping IT compensation in 2025.
Demand and supply of IT professionals
2025 highlights the industry’s continuously growing need for specialized skills, such as AI development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Many tech leaders are now recruiting for new skills related to AI and automation, offering premium pay to attract experts. Specialists who can build AI-powered solutions, such as customer chatbots and predictive maintenance systems, will have no shortage of offers.
The competition doesn’t stop there—talent shortages in specific regions or industries are pushing companies to increase starting salaries, with 45% of technology managers raising pay for hard-to-staff roles like AI and machine learning specialists.
This trend is even more pronounced in fields like cybersecurity (37%) and cloud computing (30%), where the need for expertise is growing rapidly.
For this reason, standing out with attractive offers is critical to securing top talent in this fiercely competitive market.
Location and regional differences
Where your team works can significantly impact salaries. IT professionals in major tech hubs like San Francisco or Singapore often earn more because of the higher cost of living and intense competition. Meanwhile, those in smaller cities or regions with lower household expenses may earn less.
Global hiring has introduced even more dynamics to salaries. Some companies tapping into a worldwide talent pool often adjust pay based on candidate location .
In today’s landscape, it’s becoming the norm for a company in New York to hire an offshore software development team from the Philippines at a rate that works well for both parties.
Lawrence Barrett, Partner and Head of Client Services at Manila Recruitment, points out that flexible work arrangements and compensation are closely related. Many companies offer slightly higher pay to attract professionals for onsite or hybrid roles, especially in high-demand fields like IT and digital marketing.
Meanwhile, Director of Client Services Arvin Ramos notes that flexible work arrangements should enhance employees’ well-being without reducing salaries or benefits. He highlights the importance of offering allowances for remote expenses, like internet costs, to help employees succeed.
Ultimately, flexibility and compensation must align with what candidates value most—pay, benefits, or a supportive work environment. Then, candidates can decide whether to accept the offer.
Experience and skills
Similar to other jobs, IT salaries depend on a person’s expertise. Professionals with more experience or specialized skills—like blockchain, data science, or IT security—tend to earn higher pay.
Certifications from tech giants such as AWS, Cisco, Microsoft, or CompTIA can also lead to salary premiums, as they show the candidate’s verified expertise in their field.
Company size and industry
Startups may offer competitive salaries paired with equity to attract top talent, while mid-sized businesses and enterprises typically provide more structured compensation packages with additional benefits.
Moreover, certain industries consistently offer higher salaries for IT roles due to their reliance on advanced technology and specialized expertise. For example:
- Aerospace and defense require AI engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to develop cutting-edge systems and ensure security, making these roles highly valued.
- Software companies prioritize top-tier developers, quality assurance specialists, and product managers to maintain innovation and competitiveness.
- Finance and healthcare industries depend on data engineers, cybersecurity experts, and software developers to secure sensitive information, process vast datasets, and optimize digital services, leading to strong demand for skilled professionals.
Monthly IT Salary Guide in Philippine Pesos
Use this IT salary guide for a clear view of competitive rates and attract the best tech talent.
Build a Winning IT Team in 2025
As the tech world evolves, IT salaries also change based on relevant factors. To stay competitive, you need to offer more than just good pay. You must create a supportive work environment, offer flexibility, and meet the needs of today’s IT workers.
Manila Recruitment can help you find remote or offshore IT talent. We’re a recruitment agency in the Philippines that uses cutting-edge headhunting techniques and has a deep understanding of the Filipino talent market to find perfectly matched candidates for executive, technical, and specialist roles.
Contact us today to start building your IT team.
Connect with Lawrence Barrett on LinkedIn
- Work-from-Home and Hybrid Setups in the Philippines: Trends for 2025 - April 10, 2025
- IT Salary Guide 2025: An Overview of Compensation for Employers - March 17, 2025
- 8 IT Services That Can Be Outsourced to Streamline Operations - November 8, 2024
