It is widely known that Berlin has a very vibrant digital scene, it’s rapid and vigorous growth in recent years has been really exciting to see and we believe in the next few years Berlin will become Europe’s technology hot bed, challenging the likes of Silicon Valley.

[To view the most up to date Berlin Salary Survey for 2019 click here:]

We’ve noticed a significant trend of many large brands uprooting their main offices and headquarters and plotting them in Berlin. This has been more noticeable since Brexit, with a big push in setting up bases across Europe. Because the cost of setting up in Berlin is lower than elsewhere, it is more inviting for businesses in the current climate to make the move. Samsung Next, Samsung’s innovation hub, for example have decided to focus their capacity in Berlin.

The trend is not just taking hold of brands, but also international agencies, as well as innovation labs and management consultancies, including the likes of Design Labs at Bain & Company, BCG Digital Ventures, McKinsey Digital Lab and digital agencies Anomaly and R/GA. Of course, there are trendsetters like SapientRazorfish who have been in Berlin for years, but there is a clear acceleration in more agencies and businesses popping up, which is hugely exciting to see.

These changes have meant there is now, more than ever, a big demand for talent, which has resulted in a candidate short market. There is a huge need for specialised roles. German businesses are beginning to warm up to hiring English speaking candidates, offering opportunities to global talent. Salaries have not changed much since our report in 2017 – but it is very clear that Berlin salaries are on the up. With top end talent such as CTOs/ECDs – companies will pay high end salaries, offering relocation packages, bonuses and even equity – to secure A List candidates, however mid to lower end salaries are not yet as competitive as they could be.

Design will always be a big trend in Berlin – it is a city that breeds creativity. Design agencies such as Idean, Designit and SinnerSchrader Berlin Studio – have also recently opened in Berlin. Similarly, experience design remains a hot topic in the city and specialists in this field are hot property – UX Strategists / UX Analysts / Product Designers etc.

At the intersection between Business / Design / Technology – new roles are developing; i.e. Digital Transformation Consultants, Data UX Designer, UX-Writer, Agile Coaches, Machine Learning Developers and Virtual Reality Engineers to name a few. Innovation and creativity have become a competitive advantage in a very fast paced technology driven environment therefore, you need people who understand design thinking and design processes to act as drivers in this development.

Cogs have our finger on the pulse. Let us help you fulfil your potential. If you are looking for opportunities in Berlin, check out our live roles or contact the team today: