Most In-Demand Developer Skills for 2025
The demand for tech talent is reaching new heights as the Dutch labor market faces a persistent skills shortage. With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation, these areas are expected to dominate hiring trends by 2025.
The Generative AI Boom
Job postings mentioning Generative AI or related skills have skyrocketed across Europe. Over the past year, France experienced a 6.8x increase, Germany saw a 3.9x rise, and Ireland noted 4.6x growth in AI-related job opportunities. GenAI is particularly sought after in software development and data analytics, making these crucial skills for developers to acquire.
Fastest-Growing Tech Skills
A study by BairesDev identified the fastest-growing tech skills based on client demand:
- Machine Learning: 383% growth.
- Angular, Flutter, Kotlin, and Terraform: Rapidly rising in popularity.
- Core Technologies: Skills in React, .NET, Python, Node.js, and Java remain foundational.
The demand for data infrastructure expertise is also surging, with tools like Snowflake, MongoDB, and Databricks driving AI product development.
The Tech Skills Gap
Despite the growing need for skilled professionals, Europe faces a significant tech skills gap. Alarmingly, 40% of working adults lack basic digital competencies, and one-third of Europeans lack adequate digital skills. This deficit starts in education, with fewer students pursuing STEM subjects, ultimately shrinking the talent pool.
Promising Outlook in the Netherlands
Amid challenges, the Netherlands offers a positive job outlook for tech professionals:
- Job Growth: A 15% increase in tech roles is predicted by 2025.
- Hiring Trends: 35% of Dutch companies plan to expand permanent roles, with 27% hiring for flexible positions.
- Top Cities: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are hubs for tech opportunities.
Homegrown companies like Booking.com, Philips, and ING, along with global giants like Netflix, Microsoft, and Amazon, contribute to a thriving tech ecosystem.
Preparing for the Future
As rapid digital transformation accelerates demand for skilled developers, the right expertise in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning will position professionals for success. For those equipped with these skills, the Dutch job market is rich with opportunity and growth potential.
