Throughout the developed world, businesses, governments, and other organisations are undertaking digital transformations, which are creating a surge in demand for those with the skills to analyse, specify, project manage, develop, and implement change. The most highly sought-after skills are data analysis, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Like everywhere, Belgium suffers from a massive demand for the same IT skills that are in demand everywhere, which leads to intense international competition for the same talent pool, inevitably driving up costs. It is not IT alone that exhibits this trend, as businesses need specialists in skills beyond IT, mainly when working on time-limited projects.
As remote work becomes an entrenched feature that seems unlikely to end, clients adapt to remote or hybrid business models. A critical aspect of this for contractors and companies alike is that there are fewer geographic limits on where you may source contractors, thus broadening the talent pool.
Companies are increasingly using project-based growth models, which enable them to respond quickly to market conditions and scale up or scale down as needed. Using an agile workforce on such projects naturally stokes demand for flexible contract workers.
It’s not all roses, and there are some significant limitations. Companies must respond to a talent shortage by offering enticing remuneration to attract and retain talent. Belgium is also a challenging market to employ people, and compliance is both arduous and expensive, with strong employee protection. Further, Belgium is a multilingual country where not all companies and their staff speak English, so the ability to communicate in French, Flemish, and German is valuable.
What are the skills and sectors most in demand for contractors?
The most highly sought-after skills in the Belgian contractor market are no surprise. Topping the list are IT personnel with specialised skills and experience in software development, data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity.
There is a strong demand for engineers with a focus on civil, chemical, and industrial automation. Compliance, accounting and auditing, and financial analysis are the hottest demands in finance. Certifications, agile methodologies and project planning are the in-demand skills in project management.
Unsurprisingly, the hot sectors are as follows:
Software companies, IT startups, and IT consultancies constantly need talent. The pharmaceutical industry seeks people with expertise in clinical trials, data analysis, research, and development. The need for manufacturing automation stokes demand for project management and process automation experts. The Belgian government relies increasingly on contractors in many areas, including IT, project management and research.
What is the typical pay rate or fee structure for contractors in Belgium?
So many factors determine what is typical, so you can only look at the elements and generalities. But here goes:
The critical determinants of rates are skills and experience. The more specialised and rare and the more years in the sector, the greater the remuneration. Larger entities involved in the more profitable sectors tend to have deeper pockets and can afford to attract the best talent. Similarly, larger, multi-national companies can offer higher rates. Companies tend to pay more for short-term, highly skilled personnel, but longer-term assignments needing commitment and greater responsibility can attain high rates, too.
Working on-site in the major cities of Brussels and Antwerp have higher daily rates.
Last, negotiation skills can influence the rate the contractor can achieve.
The general pay ranges for IT contractors are €40-€70 per hour for junior or mid-level, €70-120 per hour for seniors to experts and €120-200 for specialists. For other engineering, finance and project management contractors, the rates are €35-60 per hour for juniors to mid-level and € 60- 100+ per hour for seniors to experts.
The fee structures are hourly, daily, fixed price and retainer, so there are no surprises here.
The above figures are indicative, and reality will vary case by case. As in much of life, everything is negotiable.
About Access Financial
With offices in Benelux and eight locations globally, we understand all aspects of contracting in Belgium and abroad. We are a competent and professional choice for all contractors, recruitment businesses and end-clients operating in the Belgian market. Reach out to us today for complimentary guidance and assistance.
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