Spain has managed to consolidate its attractive role for technological talent within the Microsoft ecosystem, although salaries in senior positions continue to be far from the large European markets. This is confirmed by the Microsoft EMEA Technology Trends and Salaries Guide 2026prepared by the Adecco Group, which analyzes the evolution of ICT talent in 13 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The study reflects a clear snapshot of the market: while junior and medium profiles show competitiveness compared to Italy or France, the most qualified positions (in cloud architecture, security or data) continue to be marked by a notable salary gap with the United Kingdom, Germany or Switzerland.
The wage gap remains, although Spain gains attractiveness in technological talent
According to the guide, Spanish salaries in technology are between 20 and 40% lower than those in northern Europe. However, the country maintains a positive evolution in employability and development of specialized profiles in Microsoft environments, driven by the modernization of systems, automation with Power Platform and the deployment of artificial intelligence.
Switzerland is positioned as the country with the highest salaries in the entire EMEA region, doubling the Spanish figures at senior levels. For example, an Azure solutions architect can earn 175,000 euros per year in Switzerland, compared to the 80,000 euros they earn in Spain. On the other hand, .NET developers, Power BI data analysts or D365 CRM consultants in Spain offer salary ranges that are competitive with respect to Italy and close to those in France.
“Competition is no longer just in technology, but in how companies integrate it”
Oscar Rodríguez, Head IT Industry at The Adecco Group, summarizes the paradigm shift like this: “We are seeing a paradigm shift, companies no longer compete just by adopting technology, but by their ability to integrate it into the business strategy to generate real return through talent.”
An idea reinforced by Patricia Zamacola, Director of Technology at LHH Recruitment Solutions, who states that “people will make the difference in this new era. Technology is already part of the heart of business, but it will be people who define the true competitive advantage.”
Along the same lines, Francisco Racionero, president of IAMCP, highlights the strategic value of the report by pointing out that “this study gives us a key perspective on the evolution and value of specialized talent within our ecosystem, helping Microsoft partner companies make strategic decisions.”
Where Spain is most competitive and where the distance persists
Medium profiles show a better balance between salaries and opportunities. A .NET or Power Platform software developer can earn between 35,000 and 45,000 euros annually, figures similar to those in France and Italy. Positions such as Microsoft 365 systems administrator or Power BI analyst also stand out, with salaries that are in the medium-high range of the southern European region.
On the other hand, the gap is accentuated in high-value senior positions. An Azure cybersecurity specialist can charge up to 90,000 euros in Spain, but in Switzerland that figure rises to 180,000. The same happens with data engineers or cloud architects, where salaries in the north are double those in the Spanish market.
Madrid and Barcelona lead salaries within the country, exceeding the national average by between 5 and 10%, especially in sectors such as banking, consulting and technology. Both cities are consolidating themselves as key hubs for digital talent linked to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Talent loyalty goes beyond salary
The guide highlights that the attraction of technological talent in Spain does not depend only on salary. Factors such as flexibility, continuous training, corporate purpose or well-being programs have gained weight in professionals’ decisions to remain in an organization.
Technology companies are increasingly betting on hybrid models and on reskilling internal, in order to accompany the rapid evolution of digital solutions. This approach, according to the study, is key to retaining talent and maintaining competitiveness compared to other more remunerative markets.
The report also shows sustained growth of artificial intelligence in the transformation of technological work. The integration of AI into platforms such as Azure or Power BI not only redefines technical competencies, but is changing hiring and professional development strategies within the Microsoft ecosystem.
