If you’ve ever dreamed of living and working in one of Europe’s most beautiful and technologically advanced countries, France should be at the top of your list. With its vibrant tech ecosystem, international companies, and government-backed innovation hubs, IT jobs in France with €60,000 annual salary are becoming increasingly accessible — not just for locals but for skilled professionals from around the world.
Whether you’re a software engineer, data analyst, cybersecurity expert, or IT project manager, France offers a strong job market, excellent work-life balance, and a competitive salary structure. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about securing a high-paying IT job in France — from salary expectations and in-demand skills to visa sponsorship and job application tips.
Why France is a Growing Hub for IT Professionals
In recent years, France has rapidly evolved into a European tech powerhouse. With cities like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Lille emerging as major digital innovation centers, the country is attracting global investors and tech startups alike.
Here are some reasons why IT professionals are looking toward France:
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Strong Economy: France is the 7th largest economy in the world, offering stability and career growth for skilled workers.
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Tech Innovation: Initiatives like La French Tech promote innovation, startups, and digital transformation.
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Government Support: The French government actively supports tech talent, including international professionals through simplified visa processes.
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Competitive Salaries: Experienced IT professionals can earn €60,000 or more annually, depending on their role and experience.
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Quality of Life: France offers top-notch healthcare, education, and work-life balance.
Average IT Salaries in France
Before we dive into specific roles, let’s look at average IT salary ranges across different experience levels:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | €35,000 – €45,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | €50,000 – €65,000 |
| Senior-Level (7+ years) | €70,000 – €100,000+ |
Thus, earning €60,000 annually puts you comfortably in the mid-to-senior level range, often associated with skilled professionals or specialists in fields like software engineering, cloud computing, data science, or cybersecurity.
Top IT Jobs in France with €60,000 Annual Salary
Here are the most common high-paying IT jobs in France that typically offer salaries around or above €60,000 per year:
1. Software Engineer / Software Developer
Software engineers are in high demand across industries. Companies seek professionals who can build robust, scalable, and efficient software systems.
Average Salary: €55,000 – €70,000 per year
Skills Needed:
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Proficiency in Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript
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Experience with frameworks like React, Angular, or Django
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Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
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Version control (Git, GitHub)
Top Employers: Capgemini, Dassault Systèmes, Ubisoft, Thales Group
2. Data Scientist / Data Analyst
Data is at the core of every business decision today. In France, skilled data professionals are rewarded generously.
Average Salary: €60,000 – €75,000 per year
Skills Needed:
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SQL, Python, R, and machine learning
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Data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
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Big data frameworks (Hadoop, Spark)
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Statistical modeling and AI
Top Hiring Cities: Paris, Lyon, Grenoble
3. DevOps Engineer
DevOps roles bridge the gap between development and operations — a crucial function in modern tech environments.
Average Salary: €58,000 – €70,000
Skills Needed:
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CI/CD pipelines
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Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins
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Cloud infrastructure
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Linux and scripting
Why It Pays Well: DevOps engineers improve efficiency and deployment speed, making them indispensable to large-scale projects.
4. Cybersecurity Analyst / Engineer
With cyber threats on the rise, cybersecurity roles are among the most in-demand and highest-paid IT jobs in France.
Average Salary: €60,000 – €80,000
Skills Needed:
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Network security, firewalls, and encryption
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Ethical hacking and penetration testing
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Compliance (GDPR, ISO 27001)
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Risk analysis and incident response
Top Employers: Airbus, Orange Cyberdefense, Atos, BNP Paribas
5. Cloud Engineer
France’s digital transformation has made cloud computing a top priority. Cloud engineers design and manage virtualized environments for businesses.
Average Salary: €55,000 – €70,000
Skills Needed:
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AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud expertise
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Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible)
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Virtualization and networking
6. IT Project Manager
These professionals oversee large-scale IT projects, ensuring they’re completed on time and within budget.
Average Salary: €60,000 – €75,000
Skills Needed:
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Project management tools (Jira, Trello, MS Project)
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Agile/Scrum methodologies
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Leadership and stakeholder communication
7. Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers are versatile professionals who handle both front-end and back-end development.
Average Salary: €55,000 – €65,000
Skills Needed:
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Front-end: HTML, CSS, React.js
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Back-end: Node.js, Python, PHP
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Databases: MySQL, MongoDB
In-Demand Tech Skills in France (2025 and Beyond)
To qualify for IT jobs in France with €60,000 annual salary, focus on mastering these high-demand skills:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
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Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
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Cybersecurity
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Data Engineering
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DevOps and Automation
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Software Development (Python, JavaScript, C#)
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Agile and Scrum Project Management
IT Job Market in France for Foreign Workers
France welcomes international talent — especially in the tech sector. The country’s “French Tech Visa” and Talent Passport program simplify hiring foreign IT experts.
1. French Tech Visa for Employees
This visa allows foreign professionals to work for French startups or tech companies recognized under La French Tech. It’s valid for up to 4 years, renewable, and covers family members.
2. Talent Passport Visa
If you’re offered an annual salary above €38,000, you may qualify for the Talent Passport — a streamlined residence permit for highly skilled professionals.
Eligibility:
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Valid job offer from a registered French company
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Professional qualifications in IT or engineering
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Proof of salary above the set threshold
How to Find IT Jobs in France
Finding the right job takes strategy. Here’s how you can boost your chances:
1. Top Job Portals
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LinkedIn France – For international job seekers
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Indeed France (indeed.fr) – Large database of tech roles
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Welcome to the Jungle – Great for startup jobs
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Pôle Emploi – France’s official employment site
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Glassdoor – Salary transparency and company reviews
2. Recruitment Agencies
Some reputable agencies specialize in hiring IT professionals:
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Hays Technology
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Michael Page Technology
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Robert Half France
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Approach People Recruitment
3. Networking & Tech Communities
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Join Meetup groups for developers and tech professionals
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Attend French Tech events or webinars
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Participate in GitHub and Stack Overflow collaborations
Cost of Living vs. Salary in France
While €60,000 annually sounds impressive, it’s essential to understand how far it goes in different French cities:
| City | Estimated Monthly Cost (Without Rent) | Rent for One-Bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | €1,200 – €1,500 | €1,200 – €2,000 |
| Lyon | €900 – €1,200 | €800 – €1,200 |
| Toulouse | €800 – €1,000 | €700 – €1,000 |
| Lille | €750 – €950 | €650 – €900 |
Tip: While Paris offers higher salaries, cities like Lyon or Toulouse provide a better quality of life-to-cost ratio.
How to Apply for IT Jobs in France (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
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Write your CV in English or French, depending on the company.
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Highlight relevant IT certifications, experience, and measurable results.
Step 2: Obtain Language Skills
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While many IT roles in multinational companies are in English, knowing basic French gives you a significant advantage.
Step 3: Apply for the Right Visa
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If hired, your employer often assists with visa paperwork.
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Apply for a Talent Passport or Tech Visa, depending on your profile.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
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Expect multiple interview rounds, including technical assessments and HR interviews.
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Showcase problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Top Cities for IT Jobs in France
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Paris: The main tech hub with headquarters of multinational corporations.
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Lyon: Strong in industrial automation, fintech, and software development.
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Toulouse: Aerospace and cloud computing industries.
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Marseille: Growing center for cybersecurity and logistics tech.
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Lille: Known for data analytics and digital transformation startups.
Common IT Companies Hiring in France (2025)
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Capgemini
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Orange
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Dassault Systèmes
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Atos
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Ubisoft
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Sopra Steria
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BNP Paribas (Tech Division)
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OVHcloud
These firms often offer relocation assistance, visa sponsorship, and training programs for foreign talent.
Benefits of Working in France’s IT Sector
Working in France goes beyond just a paycheck. Here are added benefits:
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Paid Holidays: Minimum of 25 paid vacation days annually.
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Healthcare: Access to universal healthcare coverage.
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Pension and Retirement Plans: Contributory system ensuring financial security.
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Family-Friendly Policies: Paid parental leave and childcare support.
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Cultural Experience: Opportunity to live in a country rich in history, art, and cuisine.
Challenges to Expect (and How to Overcome Them)
No move is without its hurdles. Here’s what you should prepare for:
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Language Barrier: Learn conversational French via online platforms or local classes.
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Work Culture Adjustment: French workplaces value collaboration and work-life balance — be ready for structured routines.
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Taxation: France has relatively high taxes; however, they fund excellent public services.
Conclusion
Landing IT jobs in France with €60,000 annual salary is more than just a career move — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. France offers a rare blend of innovation, culture, and opportunity, making it one of Europe’s top destinations for tech professionals.
With the right skills, determination, and understanding of the job market, you can build a rewarding tech career in France — all while enjoying the country’s world-famous quality of life.
So, whether you’re a developer, data analyst, or IT manager, the French tech scene has a place for you. The time to start your journey is now.