Email us

info@ntiative.com

High Performing IT Recruitment

IT Salary in Poland

Check the Live Updates

M
Ntiative High Performing IT Recruitment
IT in Poland, Salary Insights, Talent Insights

Krakow’s Tech Talent Pool in 2023

August 30, 2023

By Sonny Van Assche

Krakow’s Tech Talent – The Eternal Challenger to Warsaw

As Poland’s second largest city, Krakow is a major alternative to Warsaw for companies seeking world-class tech talent. With over 21,000 software professionals and strengths in key skills, Krakow offers a compelling location for tech teams.

After analysing Krakow’s talent pool, some key themes stand out:

Rapid Growth Fueling Hot Job Market

Like Warsaw, Krakow saw the dynamic expansion of its tech workforce in 2022:

  • 864 new software engineering profiles added on LinkedIn
  • 3,791 engineers changed jobs in the past year
  • 932 open tech roles currently
  • 4,100 engineers open to new opportunities

This signals a tight talent market for employers where competition for professionals is intense. However, it also creates ample openings for experienced hires from competitors.

Ukraine, Belarus, India: Key Sources of International Talent

Krakow attracts skilled immigrant tech talent from neighbouring countries:

Talent Inflows:

  • Ukraine: +229
  • Other Polish provinces: +146
  • Belarus: +136
  • India: +71
  • Georgia: +28

Tech companies in Krakow leverage this global workforce while providing immigrants with quality living and opportunities.

Java, JavaScript, Python Most In-Demand

The top software engineering skills in Krakow mirror Warsaw’s needs:

  1. JavaScript
  2. Java
  3. Python

However, C++ also sees high demand in Krakow, pointing to strength in embedded systems and hardware engineering.

AGH University Anchors Education Pipeline

Krakow’s deep talent pool originates from its universities, particularly:

  • AGH University of Science and Technology
  • Cracow University of Technology
  • Jagiellonian University

AGH is Poland’s #2 tech university after Warsaw University of Technology, feeding key talent into Krakow’s workforce.

EPAM, Motorola Solutions, and Comarch Lead Tech Employment

The companies with the most tech professionals based in Krakow are:

  • EPAM Systems – 729
  • Motorola Solutions – 697
  • Comarch – 575
  • Ericsson – 405
  • Nokia – 334

However, high-growth companies like Kaseya, Tesco Technology, and Splunk rapidly expand their Krakow engineering centres to tap into the city’s talent availability.

Diversity Lags Like Warsaw

As in Poland’s capital, Krakow’s tech workforce skews heavily male, with only 16% women professionals. Improving gender balance should be a priority for the city.

Key Takeaways

  • With 21,000+ professionals, Krakow offers abundant access to skilled software engineers, plus strengths in hardware engineering.
  • Strong technical universities and immigration streams supply Krakow’s large talent pool.
  • Java, JavaScript and Python skills are most in-demand, mirroring needs in Warsaw.
  • More diversity is needed in Krakow’s tech workforce to realize the innovation benefits.
  • High-growth companies view Krakow as an alternative to pricey Warsaw for talented tech workers.

For international companies seeking world-class software engineers, Krakow is a rising hub offering a deep talent pool, key existing employers, and growth potential. Along with Poland’s capital, Krakow should feature prominently in tech hiring strategies targeting Central Europe.

More Talent Insights
Need Talent in Krakow?
Talent Insights Poland - Krakow by Ntiative

NTIATIVE is a recruitment agency for Software Development, Data Engineering and Infrastructure roles. We find tech talent in Krakow, Warsaw and all other major cities in Poland.

Read also our other posts in the Talent Insights series:

Related Posts

Krakow Talent Pool Top 100 (2025 Q1)

Krakow Talent Pool Top 100 (2025 Q1)

by | Mar 13, 2025

Last week, we shared our latest tech talent insights report for Wroclaw. For new greenfield projects in Poland and the location research on where to build the team, it often comes down to one of three locations: Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw. We can give arguments for...

Wroclaw Talent Pool Top 100 (2025 Q1)

Wroclaw Talent Pool Top 100 (2025 Q1)

by | Mar 7, 2025

We are currently working on a new project in Wroclaw. The reports and data we used for this project made us realize that we haven't conducted many Talent Insights recently. It's time to change that. We exported three tables: the Top 100 Largest Employers, the Top 100...