What IT Professionals Expect in 2025 – Salary Expectations and Retention Strategies

What IT Professionals Expect in 2025 – Salary Expectations and Retention Strategies

As the tech industry continues to evolve at pace, understanding what truly matters to IT professionals has never been more important. At Cathcart Technology, our close connection with IT professionals offers valuable insights of the market and the IT Salary Guide 2025 highlights exactly what candidates want in 2025.

According to our survey of 590 IT specialists across the industry, 31% are open to changing jobs in 2025 and 34% actively searching. This signals a highly mobile workforce, with many professionals seeking better opportunities, salary growth, or improved work-life balance.

Compensation is the leading factor driving resignations, cited by 24% of respondents. Other common reasons include company restructuring, poor work-life balance, and limited career growth. These findings highlight the growing importance of a well-rounded employee experience.

When it comes to salary expectations, 40% of tech professionals expect at least a 15% pay rise when switching jobs, while 34% aim even higher — targeting a 20% increase. These figures underline the need for competitive offers and a clear path for progression to stay ahead in the talent race.

Whether you are looking to grow your team or enhance your internal strategies, understanding what motivates today’s tech professionals is essential to staying competitive.

📥Download the full IT Salary Guide 2025 to explore market benchmarks, salary expectations, and how to stay ahead in the tech talent race: Download Here