Pay Transparency in the IT Sector
Last updated:
IT is a sector that pays well - and a sector that has historically kept salaries private. Many contracts include pay secrecy clauses. Salary ranges in job postings are rarely seen.
That changes from January 2027.
What Does the Directive Change for IT Professionals?
From January 2027, the EU Pay Transparency Directive applies in full to the IT sector. Pay secrecy clauses are invalid. Job postings must include a salary range. And you can ask what your job category earns on average - broken down by gender.
For IT professionals who for years have been guessing at market salaries, this is a significant advantage.
What Do IT Professionals Earn in Denmark?
IT is one of the best-paid sectors in Denmark. Based on verified payslips from LønRadar:
| Role | Median salary (incl. pension) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | 50,000-58,000 DKK/month |
| Data Engineer | 57,000-62,000 DKK/month |
| IT Architect | 70,000+ DKK/month |
| Engineering Manager | 75,000+ DKK/month |
Source: LønRadar verified payslips, May 2026. See all IT salary statistics.
IT Companies: What Do You Need to Do?
Pay secrecy clauses are common in tech contracts - particularly in international companies. They are invalid from the directive's entry into force.
Job postings on LinkedIn, GitHub Jobs and similar platforms must from January 2027 include a salary range. "Competitive salary" is not sufficient.
See the complete checklist for companies.
Will IT Salaries Fall?
That is the concern many IT professionals have. Experience from Norway and Sweden - which have had transparency rules for far longer - suggests the opposite.
Top talent retains their high salaries. Undervalued groups are lifted. The total pay bill increases - not decreases.
Are you earning what your IT role is worth?
LønRadar gives you precise salary figures for your IT role, region and experience level. Based on verified payslips from 1,000+ IT professionals.
Get your free salary reportFrequently asked questions
Is it normal for IT companies to have pay secrecy clauses?
It is not uncommon, particularly in international companies operating in Denmark. These clauses become invalid from the directive's entry into force, and IT companies should review and update all employment contracts.
How do I use LønRadar in connection with pay transparency?
LønRadar gives you concrete salary figures for your job title, region and experience level based on verified payslips. Those are precisely the figures you need when assessing whether your salary is in line with the market.
Will IT salaries fall as a result of the directive?
It is unlikely. Research from countries with pay transparency typically shows that salaries rise for undervalued groups, while top positions rarely fall significantly. IT professionals with high market value are minimally affected.
Does the directive apply to consultants and freelancers in IT?
Freelancers and self-employed consultants are not employees and are therefore not covered by the directive's rights. However, it does apply to IT consultants who are employed by a consultancy firm and contracted out to clients.