How much IT specialists earn in Moldova

Salaries in technical IT

The income of technical specialists in the IT industry depends on what exactly an IT specialist does. Salary increases proportionally with increasing qualifications.

Developers

Software developers, being the main "builders" of the IT industry, are in the centre of attention. According to the latest data from job search services - rabota.md, bestjobs.md, linkedin.com and a number of others - for newcomers The average IT salary for Backend Developer specialisation is MDL 17,500 per month and ranges from 6,500 to 28,500. This amount is equivalent to 400-1600$. 

At the same time, experienced developers can expect a significantly higher level of payment, especially in the segments of specialised technologies: artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, cybersecurity. The salary of an IT specialist with 2-5 years of active development varies between 1800-3000$ per month. Those who have been working in their field even longer and have high professional qualities may well expect to be paid 3500-5000$ and above. 

Designers

Graphic and web designers also play an important role in creating unique and attractive digital products. The salaries of IT specialists in this field depend on the complexity of projects, portfolio and experience.

In Moldova, a beginning designer earns from 5,800 to 17,000 lei (320-1000$). Mid-level designers on average earn from 17,000 lei to 30,000 lei (1000-1700$). "Advanced" specialists can expect higher incomes.

It should be noted that IT salaries depend on the software tools and technologies used, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch and others. Specialisation in different areas of design - graphic, UX/UI design, animation and others - can also influence how much an IT worker gets paid. 

Testers

Testing products for safety and efficiency is an integral part of the development cycle. IT salaries in Moldova in this area range from 5,600 to 17,800 lei (320-1000$) for entry-level specialists. Additional certifications and knowledge of popular tools - Selenium, JUnit, Appium - can affect the attractiveness for the employer and, as a consequence, the earnings of an IT specialist. 

Middle-level specialists can expect salaries from 17,700 lei to 35,000 lei (1000-2000$). Senior level specialists, respectively, are higher - from 35,000 lei to 53,000 lei and higher (2000-3000$).

Architects

System Architects responsible for creating the structural and logical architecture of software products is a highly sought after field. However, this position requires some experience in product development, and professionals with the necessary experience will not be considered for this position.

Experienced professionals apply for vacancies with salaries from 40,000 lei and above (from 2000$).

Salaries of non-technical specialists: occupations and trends

IT salaries in professions that are not directly related to development provide a wide range of career advancement and professional development opportunities. Let's take a look at a few key specialisations:

• Project Managers. These specialists are responsible for planning, control and successful implementation of IT product development. Salaries in the IT field of project managers depend on the scope of tasks and the level of their experience. In Moldova, entry level can range from 7500-10000 lei (400-600$), while experienced employees receive from 27,000 (more than 1500$).
• Product Managers. Specialists responsible for product vision, strategic development and control of new functionality implementation. The initial level of remuneration of such specialists in Moldova coincides with that of project managers - 7500-10000 lei (400-600$). However, with the development of this area over the last few years, the situation is changing and experienced specialists can expect a salary from 25,000 to 45,000 lei and more (1400-2500$).
• Marketing specialists. Marketing IT specialists, whose salaries range from 18,000-25,000 lei (1000-1400$), play an important role in popularising products and increasing brand awareness. 
• Data Analysts. Data analysts fulfil the important function of extracting valuable information for making strategic decisions. Salaries in IT in this field range from 6500 to 20 000 lei (370-1140$) for people with little experience. 

We will obtain more precise information by analysing the responses from the developer survey and product managers.

In addition, there are many other professions in the non-technical sector: HR-specialists, IT-lawyers, seals, communication managers and others. All these areas have their own peculiarities and requirements that affect the salary. 

How does skill level affect pay?

The salary of an IT specialist in Moldova depends primarily on his/her professional level. The categories Junior, Middle and Senior represent a conditional division, which allows to clearly define the experience and skills of a candidate. However, it should be remembered that each company may have its own criteria for determining the professional suitability of a specialist to perform specific tasks. 

1. Juniors are just starting their career. How much do IT specialists who get a job for the first time earn? As a rule, they are assessed at the lower end of the salary scale on the market, but this employment option is a great opportunity to get a quick start and gain invaluable experience. 
2. Middle specialists already have the experience and skills to do their job effectively without constant supervision. As a result, they can take on more responsible tasks and expect to earn a competitive income that reflects their level of expertise. 
3. How much do IT specialists at the Senior level earn? They have in-depth knowledge of their field and are able to make key strategic decisions. That's why their pay is the highest in the market, reflecting their leading role in projects and their significant contribution to the company's success. 

It is important to note that the average salary of an IT specialist in Moldova depends not only on experience. It is also influenced by other factors: specialisation, education, additional certifications and the level of demand for specific skills on the labour market. For example, foreign companies are able to pay the labour of Moldovan specialists much better than local companies. However, much depends on the market for which services are provided and how solvent it is. Therefore, a clear career development plan, continuous training and learning new skills are essential. IT vacancies can significantly increase income. 

Prospects of IT industry development in Moldova

According to the Government Decision of 21 December 2023, taking into account the projected level of the economy for 2024, the average monthly salary will be 13,700 lei. This is approximately the average salary of an IT specialist in Moldova at the Junior level for most specialisations. Middle and Senior have an opportunity to get much more. 

The potential of Moldova's IT industry in 2024 reflects several key aspects:

1. Growth of the startup ecosystem. Supporting innovative ideas is becoming a priority for the Moldovan authorities. The creation of incubators and accelerators, as well as the provision of financial support and tax incentives, favours the development of IT entrepreneurship.
2. Strengthening educational programmes. Educational development, including co-operation between universities and companies, helps to create qualified personnel. This is important for providing the industry with competent specialists and increasing demand for IT professions, whose salaries on the global labour market continue to grow. 
3. Adoption of modern technologies. The use of AI, BigData, IoT and other innovations stimulates efficiency growth in various sectors of the economy. 
4. International co-operation. Strengthening communication with foreign companies and investors facilitates the exchange of experience, attraction of investments and transfer of advanced technologies. 
5. Focus on quality. Active implementation of innovations allows Moldovan IT specialists to occupy a competitive position in the market and attract clients from all over the world. 

The comparison of IT salaries in Moldova shows a constant growth. The trend will only increase in the future. One of the success factors is the work of Moldova IT Park. This is a virtual structure that was created in 2018. On the initiative of the government, resident firms within it pay a fixed tax of 7% on income. Thanks to this, the average salary of an IT specialist in Moldova has increased significantly. At the end of 2022, this industry was already contributing 3.5% to the country's GDP, and 85% of IT products were exported to the EU, the US, Britain and Canada.