Hiring data engineers in Poland has become a smart strategy for companies wanting to scale data teams without paying high Western market rates. Poland offers a unique combination of strong technical skills, language proficiency, and competitive hiring costs.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about hiring data engineers in Poland: where to find the best talent, what skills to look for, what costs to expect, and how to choose the right hiring model for your business.
Why Hire Data Engineers in Poland?
Poland is one of the largest and fastest-growing IT hubs in Central and Eastern Europe. As of 2024, over 500,000 professionals are working in the Polish ICT sector, with a notable rise in specialized roles like data engineers, ETL developers, data architects, and data scientists.
Why are companies worldwide hiring data engineers in Poland?
- Strong technical skills: Languages like Python, SQL, Scala; cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure); and tools like Airflow and dbt are widely used.
- English fluency: Almost all Polish IT specialists speak English fluently.
- Favorable time zone: Ideal for collaboration with the UK, DACH region, and the US.
- Lower hiring costs: Up to 40% lower compared to Western Europe and North America.
What Does a Data Engineer Actually Do?
A data engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining systems that process data at scale. They build data pipelines, connect various sources, and support analytics and data science teams.
In short, without data engineers, your data won’t be available where and when it matters most.
Skills to Look for When Hiring
A qualified data professional should bring:
- Proficiency in Python, SQL, and optionally Scala or Java.
- Hands-on experience with Apache Airflow, dbt, Spark, Kafka, and Snowflake.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Understanding of DevOps principles and CI/CD pipelines.
- Knowledge of data architecture and modeling is a strong plus.
How to Attract Top Data Talent
To successfully hire data engineers in Poland, make sure to:
- Provide a clear and detailed job description, including responsibilities, salary range, collaboration model, and tech stack.
- Highlight remote or hybrid work options. In IT, flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s a basic expectation.
- Offer realistic career development paths, mentorships, upskilling budgets, and training opportunities.
- Foster a transparent and feedback-driven company culture. Candidates value clear communication and fast decision-making.
Or head on to our article about IT recruitment for a more in-depth look into the process.
Define Your Needs Before Hiring
Before launching the recruitment process, define:
- Role specifics: Do you need someone for building data pipelines, maintaining data warehouses, or integrating systems?
- Tech requirements: Clearly outline which tools and platforms are essential.
- Project scope: Bigger, more complex projects often require senior-level expertise.
Common Challenges in Hiring Data Engineers
- Job title confusion: “Data Engineer” can mean different things. Sometimes it’s closer to an ETL developer or platform engineer.
- Short candidate availability: Top talent is usually available for just 2–3 weeks.
- Global competition: Companies from the UK, Germany, and the US are hiring from the same talent pool.
- Passive candidates: The best ones don’t apply. Instead, they wait for the right offer.
That’s why speed, clear communication, and a tailored offer matter.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Data Engineer in Poland?
Offering competitive salaries is vital to attract top talent. Polish salaries are generally 30–40% below Western European benchmarks, making Poland highly cost-effective.
According to recent data, mid-level data engineers in Poland earn approximately PLN 492,100 annually, while senior engineers can expect around PLN 597,306.
Here’s an overview for 2024:
| Experience Level | B2B (Net/month) | Employment Contract (Gross/month) |
| Junior | 10,000–14,000 zł | 8,000–11,000 zł |
| Mid | 16,000–22,000 zł | 13,000–18,000 zł |
| Senior | 24,000–34,000 zł | 18,000–28,000 zł |
It’s important to note that compensation varies by experience, tech stack, and location.
Where to Find Data Engineers in Poland
Finding exceptional data engineers takes more than just posting a job ad. To reach the top candidates—many of whom aren’t actively job hunting—you’ll need to tap into a mix of direct sourcing, industry-specific platforms, and community networks.
Here are the most effective channels:
- LinkedIn Recruiter with targeted outbound messages
- Niche job boards: JustJoin.IT, NoFluffJobs, Bulldogjob
- Tech communities: Slack groups, Discord, PyData meetups
- Crowdstaffing partners like Talent Place, who tap into wide recruiter networks
Hiring Models: B2B, Employment Contract, or Employer of Record?
Choosing the right hiring model can be tricky, as Poland offers several flexible options to suit both local and international employers.
Here’s how each model works and who it’s best for:
- B2B contracts: Popular among senior engineers, offering flexibility and tax benefits.
- Employment contract (UoP): Ideal for junior/mid-level candidates seeking stability.
- Employer of Record (EOR): Perfect for foreign companies without a legal entity in Poland.
If you want to know more about the different hiring models available in Poland, head to our article comparing B2B and UoP employment. We’ve also shared an in-depth overview of the benefits of using an Employer of Record (EOR) on the All IT Club blog.
Final Thoughts: Gain a Competitive Edge with Polish Data Engineers
Hiring data engineers, ETL developers, or data architects in Poland is a strategic move for any company looking to build advanced, data-driven systems.
But remember, top talent doesn’t stay on the market for long. Acting fast and offering a compelling deal can be the difference between hiring a star and starting over.
Need help hiring? Reach out to Talent Place. Our IT recruitment experts use a proven crowdstaffing model to connect you with top-tier data professionals faster and more effectively.
FAQ
Q1: What are the common challenges in hiring data engineers in Poland?
A1: The primary challenges include high demand leading to competition for top talent, navigating legal and compliance requirements, and aligning compensation packages with market expectations.
Q2: How long does the hiring process typically take?
A2: The duration varies but generally ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the role and the efficiency of the recruitment process.
Q3: Are English language skills common among Polish data engineers?
A3: Yes, many Polish IT professionals are proficient in English, especially those with experience in international companies or projects.
Q4: Can foreign companies hire Polish data engineers without a local entity?
A4: Yes, through Employer of Record (EOR) services or B2B contracts, foreign companies can legally employ Polish professionals without establishing a local presence.
Q5: What is the average salary for a junior data engineer in Poland?
A5: Junior data engineers typically earn between PLN 120,000 to PLN 180,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
Q6: How can companies ensure compliance with Polish labor laws?
A6: Partnering with local legal experts or EOR services can help navigate labor laws, tax regulations, and ensure proper employment contracts are in place.
