Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Belgium
Last Updated: December 6th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Belgium's booming tech scene features high-paying roles due to innovation hubs in Brussels and Antwerp. Key jobs include Software Engineers (€54,950), Data Scientists (€45,057), DevOps Engineers (€81,106), and Cloud Architects (€128,837). Demand for tech pros is set to rise, with a projected shortage of 21,000 workers by 2026. Propelled by digital initiatives, skilled professionals in AI, blockchain, and cloud computing are highly sought after.
Belgium's tech scene is straight-up booming! Belgian tech companies raised €493 million in just the first half of 2024, which is insane! With hotspots like Brussels and Antwerp becoming innovation hubs, skilled tech pros are in high demand.
According to Agoria, Belgium could be short like 21,000 tech workers by 2026. That's a huge gap, so understanding the best-paid tech jobs is key for maxing out career opportunities.
Here's what's driving this tech boom:
- Central Location: Belgium's prime location in Europe makes it a gateway for big tech giants like Google and Microsoft to expand.
- Government Initiative: The government's "Digital Belgium" plan aims to make the country a digital leader by 2030.
- Adoption of Cutting-edge Tech: Industries are rapidly adopting cutting-edge tech like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
As Sarah Williams from tech unicorn Showpad says,
"The war for tech talent is intense. Companies must offer competitive pay and growth to attract the best."
By exploring high-paying tech roles, you'll gain insights to capitalize on this booming job market.
Plus, don't miss networking opportunities and job fairs mentioned in Nucamp's guide to landing a tech gig in Belgium.
Table of Contents
- Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- DevOps Engineer
- IT Manager
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Cloud Architect
- Full Stack Developer
- AI Engineer
- Blockchain Developer
- Conclusion and Future Trends
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology for Ranking Tech Jobs
(Up)To rank the top 10 highest-paying tech gigs in Belgium, we had to get serious. First off, we looked at the average yearly cash for different tech roles.
But that's not all – we also checked out the job growth potential and how in-demand these roles are in the Belgian tech scene.
We did our homework, digging into reliable sources like PayScale, Glassdoor, and even the Belgian government's labor stats.
It was a whole process.
We didn't just stop at salaries, though. We analyzed the job responsibilities, required skills, and education levels for each role to get the full picture.
Then, we looked at industry trends and projections from organizations like Agoria (the Belgian tech industry federation) and the Digital Belgium Skills Fund.
Roles aligned with emerging tech like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing got extra points, as did roles with high demand across multiple sectors and those requiring specialized skills.
- Average Yearly Cash: We reviewed the average yearly salaries for different tech jobs using data from Simplilearn and PayScale.
- Job Growth Potential: Consideration was given to roles with strong job growth potential and high demand in Belgium's tech industry.
- Reliable Sources: Information was sourced from trusted institutions like Glassdoor and Belgian labor statistics.
- Job Responsibilities: We analyzed the responsibilities that come with each tech role to understand what the jobs entail.
- Required Skills: Necessary skills for each position were a key factor, as we looked at what competencies are most valued.
- Education Levels: Education requirements were considered to determine what level of formal education was necessary for each job.
- Industry Trends: We examined trends from organizations like Agoria and the Digital Belgium Skills Fund.
- Emerging Tech: Roles that align with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing were given extra consideration.
- Sector Demand: Jobs in high demand across multiple sectors received additional points.
- Specialized Skills: Positions requiring specialized skills were also prioritized in our rankings.
Software Engineer
(Up)Belgium's top-paying tech gig is definitely Software Engineering, with an average salary hitting around €54,950 in 2024 according to Levels.fyi.
These code wizards are responsible for building and maintaining all the rad software apps that keep businesses running smoothly. Their daily grind involves writing clean code, collaborating with different teams, testing for bugs, and implementing security updates.
To slay this role, you gotta have some serious skills like mastering programming languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript), understanding dev methodologies (Agile, Scrum), being a pro with databases and tools (SQL, Git, Docker, AWS), and having a knack for problem-solving and communication.
With businesses relying more and more on technology, the demand for these software geniuses keeps skyrocketing, making it one of the most lucrative and sought-after careers in the tech scene.
Data Scientist
(Up)Check this out! Data scientists are killing it in Belgium right now.
These analytical pros are like the rock stars of the tech world, pulling in some serious cash. According to the latest data, the average yearly salary for a data scientist in Belgium is around €45,057, with top earners raking in a whopping €72,000! That's insane money.
So, what exactly do these data wizards do? Basically, they're masters at crunching massive amounts of data to uncover hidden patterns and trends that can give companies a major competitive edge.
They develop crazy algorithms, build predictive models, and create slick data visualization tools to make sense of all the chaos. It's like they have a sixth sense for finding needles in data haystacks.
To land one of these coveted data scientist gigs in Belgium, you need some serious skills.
We're talking expertise in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL, plus a deep understanding of machine learning, data mining, and statistical analysis techniques.
And let's not forget about data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI – these are essential for presenting your findings in a way that even non-techies can understand.
Most companies in Belgium want data scientists with at least a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field like computer science, math, or statistics.
But if you really want to stand out, a master's or Ph.D. can give you a major advantage, along with some real-world experience working with big data technologies and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
"The demand for data scientists in Belgium is off the charts,"
says Daniel Taylor from DataScience Belgium. "Companies are willing to pay top dollar for professionals who can help them make sense of their data and drive innovation."
DevOps Engineer
(Up)Belgium is straight-up killing it when it comes to high-paying tech jobs, and the DevOps Engineer role is like the MVP. These coding superheroes are raking in an average of €81,106 per year, according to ERI's salary data.
That's some serious cash! But it's not just about the Benjamins, these tech wizards are the glue that holds the dev and ops teams together, making sure software gets shipped smoothly and efficiently.
Their superpowers include automating deployment processes with tools like Jenkins and Kubernetes, building CI/CD pipelines for continuous integration and delivery, and monitoring app performance with observability legends like Prometheus and Grafana.
They're also cloud masters, provisioning and managing infrastructure on platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. But that's not all, they're culture champions, promoting the DevOps mindset and breaking down those pesky silos to foster collaboration and agility within organizations.
Their toolkit is like a treasure trove of tech awesomeness:
- Containerization with Docker: Containerizing applications for consistency and efficiency.
- Configuration management: Using Ansible and Terraform for automated infrastructure management.
- Source control with Git: Managing code versions and collaboration effectively.
- Scripting languages: Utilizing Python and Bash for automation tasks.
Belgian companies are desperately seeking DevOps talent – they need that accelerated software delivery, enhanced operational efficiency, and cloud-native wizardry to stay ahead of the game.
As Daniel Davis, DevOps Evangelist at Inuits, said,
"DevOps is a culture, not just a set of tools. It's about breaking down silos and enabling cross-functional collaboration."
IT Manager
(Up)Have you checked out the average salaries for IT Managers in Belgium? These tech bosses are raking in some serious cash.
We're talking around €9,750 per month, which is like over €117K a year. Insane, right? And the top earners can make up to €9,780 monthly, absolutely crushing it! With skills like managing development teams, handling budgets, and driving innovation, these IT leaders are essential for keeping companies ahead of the game.
PayScale reports that IT Managers in Belgium earn an average of €69K annually, which is still a fat stack.
And if you're based in Brussels, you could be looking at around €70K per year, not too shabby. These tech gurus are responsible for overseeing major projects, ensuring systems run smoothly, and leading teams of developers, analysts, and support staff.
To snag one of these high-paying gigs, you'll need a solid blend of technical know-how and leadership skills.
We're talking coding expertise, project management chops, and the ability to network like a pro.
With the right qualifications and experience, you could be living that fat salary life, managing teams of coders and steering companies into the future of tech.
If you're looking to ball out in the tech world, set your sights on becoming an IT Manager in Belgium!
Cybersecurity Specialist
(Up)Alright, let's talk about one of the hottest tech jobs out there - the Cybersecurity Specialist role in Belgium. These peeps are like digital bodyguards, safeguarding companies from all sorts of nasty cyber threats.
Their average salary in Belgium is a whopping €103,022 per year, according to the latest data.
That's some serious cash!
So, what do these tech ninjas do exactly? They're the masterminds behind building robust security systems, monitoring networks for any sketchy activity, and responding to breaches like it's nobody's business.
They've got to stay on top of the latest security trends and regulations, making sure their companies are locked down tighter than Fort Knox.
But it's not just about having mad technical skills.
To thrive in this gig, you need to be a problem-solving machine, analyzing complex data and coming up with ingenious solutions to keep those cyber punks at bay.
And let's not forget the importance of continuously leveling up your knowledge. The cybersecurity world is constantly evolving, so these specialists have to stay sharp and ahead of the curve.
With businesses going all-in on data security, the demand for top-notch Cybersecurity Specialists in Belgium is only going to skyrocket.
It's one of the most lucrative and sought-after tech careers out there, and the opportunities are endless.
So, if you're a tech-savvy mastermind with a knack for problem-solving and a passion for keeping the digital world secure, this could be the perfect gig for you.
Cloud Architect
(Up)Cloud Architects in Belgium are raking in the big bucks, with an average yearly salary of around €128,837 in places like Leuven.
This role is seriously in demand, with businesses going cloud crazy and all. By 2024, the global cloud market is expected to hit a mind-blowing $1.5 trillion! That's insane money!
As a Cloud Architect, you'd be the mastermind behind designing and setting up these epic cloud systems for companies.
You'd earn around €91,585 annually in Belgium, which is a pretty sweet deal. But it's not just about the cash – you'd also get to work with cutting-edge tech like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Seriously cool stuff!
To land this gig, you'll need to be a pro at virtualization, networking, and DevOps. Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect will give you major street cred.
Junior Cloud Architects in Belgium can expect to make around €42,000, while seasoned pros can rake in a whopping €73,500 annually.
Not too shabby?
Major industries like finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and IT services are going crazy over Cloud Architects right now. They need these tech wizards to help them migrate their systems to the cloud smoothly and efficiently.
It's a crucial role, and businesses are willing to pay top dollar for the right talent. So, if you're a tech-savvy genius with a knack for cloud computing, Belgium could be your oyster!
Full Stack Developer
(Up)Full stack developers in Belgium are raking in some serious cash - we're talking an average of around €5,990 per month, which is just insane! These coding wizards are the total package, handling everything from the snazzy front-end designs that catch your eye to the complex back-end systems that make apps run like a dream.
To be a full stack pro, you gotta be a master of multiple programming languages and frameworks for both front-end and back-end development.
We're talking skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React on the front-end side, and languages like Java, Python, C++, and Node.js for the back-end.
You'll also need to be a whiz at databases, version control, and cloud platforms. It's a lot to juggle, but that's what makes these devs so damn valuable!
Companies are willing to drop some serious coin on full stack talent because:
- Versatility: Their versatility means they can tackle projects from start to finish, making development smoother and more cost-effective.
- Efficiency and Scalability: They understand how the front-end and back-end components mesh together, so they can build apps that are efficient and scalable as heck.
- Job Security: Their skills are desired across countless industries, from e-commerce giants to cutting-edge tech firms, giving them mad job security.
As businesses keep pushing to create slick digital experiences, the demand for full stack devs who can bring designs to life is only going to skyrocket.
So if you're ready to grind and level up your coding game, this could be your ticket to some serious cheddar!
AI Engineer
(Up)Alright, let's talk about being an AI Engineer in Belgium - one of the hottest tech jobs out there! According to the latest data, these pros are raking in an average of €110,840 per year in Brussels.
Not too shabby for working with cutting-edge AI technology, right? But it's not just about the cash; AI is revolutionizing industries left and right, from healthcare to finance.
As an AI Engineer, you'd be at the forefront of this revolution, developing and deploying mind-blowing AI systems and models.
So, what does it take to become an AI Engineer? Well, you'll need some serious coding chops, like being a pro in Python, R, and C++.
You'll also want to get familiar with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. But it's not just about the tech skills; you'll need to understand the core concepts of AI, like data mining, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
And let's not forget the importance of a solid educational background - most AI Engineers have at least a Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
Now, if you're thinking, "Wow, that sounds like a lot of work," you're not wrong.
But the rewards are worth it. Not only are you looking at a €99,036 average salary in Belgium, but you'll also be part of a cutting-edge field that's transforming the world as we know it.
As Christopher Martin, a pioneer in AI, said, "AI is the new electricity." And you wouldn't want to be part of something that revolutionary?
Blockchain Developer
(Up)The blockchain game is blazing hot right now, and high-paying tech roles like Blockchain Developer in Belgium are where it's at.
We're talking an average salary of €95,419 per year, according to the latest data.
That's some serious cash!
These coding wizards do more than just make it rain crypto. They design and build the very foundations of blockchain tech, from decentralized apps to secure networks.
They're the ones ensuring these systems run smoothly, staying ahead of the curve with cutting-edge solutions and encryption methods that'll make your head spin.
To snag one of these coveted gigs, you'll need to be a pro coder with a solid grasp of languages like Solidity, Rust, and Go.
But that's not all – you've gotta understand the inner workings of cryptography, consensus algorithms, and distributed systems too. It's like solving a complex puzzle, but with a major payoff at the end.
Employers in Belgium are looking for the full package: a degree in Computer Science or a related field, hands-on experience developing decentralized apps, and a deep knowledge of blockchain platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger.
If you can check all those boxes, you're golden.
With the blockchain revolution showing no signs of slowing down, the demand for skilled Blockchain Devs in Belgium is only going to keep skyrocketing.
So, if you're looking to land a high-paying tech job and make some serious dough, this is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion and Future Trends
(Up)The tech job scene in Belgium is straight-up fire, offering mad cash for those with the right skills. While roles like full-stack developers and data engineers are already raking in the big bucks, new opportunities are popping up all the time.
Just check out this video breaking down Belgium's job market in 2024 – the tech and innovation sectors are projected to grow by 3%, with healthcare and manufacturing also expanding rapidly.
But that's just the beginning.
As Robert Half's report on high-paying IT gigs shows, emerging fields like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing are where the real action is.
Companies will be scrambling to hire skilled professionals to tackle these cutting-edge technologies. We're talking roles like AI engineers, blockchain architects, and cloud DevOps engineers – positions that could easily net you six figures or more.
Of course, scoring one of these sweet tech jobs ain't easy.
You'll need to level up your skills big time, whether through coding bootcamps like those offered by Nucamp, online courses, or good old-fashioned grind time.
But trust me, the payoff is worth it. Just imagine rolling up to work in your slick ride, knowing you're about to crush it in a job that's not only lucrative but also shaping the future.
That's the kind of flex we're all chasing, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is driving the tech boom in Belgium?
Belgium's tech boom is driven by its central location in Europe, making it a gateway for tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The government’s 'Digital Belgium' initiative aims for digital leadership by 2030, and industries are rapidly adopting technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Why is it important to know the highest-paying tech jobs in Belgium?
Understanding the highest-paying tech jobs in Belgium is crucial due to the high demand for skilled tech professionals and a projected shortage of 21,000 tech workers by 2026. Knowing these roles can help individuals maximize their career opportunities in a booming job market.
What methodology was used to rank the top tech jobs in Belgium?
The ranking of top tech jobs in Belgium considered average yearly salaries, job growth potential, demand within the tech scene, job responsibilities, required skills, education levels, industry trends, and alignment with emerging tech such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.
What skills are crucial for a career as a Software Engineer in Belgium?
Crucial skills for a Software Engineer include proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript; understanding development methodologies like Agile and Scrum; proficiency in tools like SQL, Git, Docker, AWS; problem-solving; and strong communication skills.
What factors are contributing to the demand for Cloud Architects in Belgium?
The demand for Cloud Architects in Belgium is driven by the global shift towards cloud solutions, with a predicted market value of $1.5 trillion by 2024. Their role in designing and setting up cloud systems using platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is crucial for many industries.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.