Average salaries for the most in-demand professions this year

The job market in 2025 is more dynamic and competitive than ever.

Understand the Average salaries of the most in-demand professions is the first step in planning your career and demanding fair pay.

This isn't just a numbers guide, but a strategic map. It shows where high-value human capital is being invested nationally.

Technology, finance and engineering continue to lead the way in salary growth in Brazil.

The demand for qualified talent in these niches drives above-average salaries.

Professionals who combine technical skills (hard skills) with emotional intelligence (soft skills) become indispensable.

This article is a deep dive into compensation trends for 2025.

We will use data from renowned consultancies to present real salary ranges.

Discover which roles are at their peak and how you can position yourself to take full advantage of these opportunities for growth and advancement.

Summary:

• Why the Average salaries of the most in-demand professions went up so much?
• What are the highest paying and most in-demand areas in 2025?
• How does Artificial Intelligence impact current salary ranges?
• What behavioral skills increase your value in the market?
• Real examples of compensation and successful career paths.

Why have average salaries for the most in-demand professions risen so much?

The significant increase in Average salaries of the most in-demand professions is directly linked to the shortage of specialized talent.

Accelerated digital transformation requires skills that the market cannot quickly develop.

Companies of all sizes compete for professionals who master cutting-edge technologies and agile processes.

This “war for talent” is the main driver driving up the salary ceiling in specific, ultra-specialized niches.

Another crucial factor is the increasing complexity of business. Leadership roles, especially in the areas of risk and strategy, require decades of experience and vision.

Professionals who can manage uncertainty and crises become valuable assets.

Their remuneration reflects the strategic responsibility they carry within the organization.

The Brazilian labor market, with unemployment at historically low levels for qualified professionals (around 3.5% for those with higher education, according to the Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide), is booming.

This increases the negotiating power of experienced employees.

It's not just about paying well, but about retaining vital company knowledge.

Investing in high salaries is cheaper than dealing with turnover of high-performing professionals.

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What are the areas with the highest pay and demand in 2025?

The areas that dominate the Average salaries of the most in-demand professions in 2025 revolve around technology and the financial market. These sectors are at the forefront of national innovation.

In Technology, functions linked to Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity pay the highest wages.

These experts are the front line in protecting and optimizing data for any modern corporation.

According to the Michael Page 2025 Salary Survey, a Director of Software Engineering can earn anywhere from R$$32,000 to R$$58,000.

This is an impressive salary range and well above average.

Another field with robust remuneration is the Financial Market, driven by mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and risk management.

Specialization in Compliance has also become an expensive and necessary differentiator.

A Vice President/Credit and Risk Manager can earn between R$$25,160 and R$$38,480, according to Robert Half's 2025 Salary Guide. Note the high risk premium in the current economic climate.

Engineering, especially in the Oil & Gas and Infrastructure sectors, maintains competitive salaries for leadership positions. Brazil invests in large projects, which keeps the sector growing.

In the legal sector, the demand for lawyers in the areas of Tax and Data Protection (LGPD) has skyrocketed.

Specialized legal knowledge in these niches is a scarce and highly valued resource.

There is a growing recognition that the compliance and data security are strategic assets, not just costs.

Professionals who ensure this compliance are well rewarded.

Why Does Technology Specialization Pay More?

Technology offers the Average salaries of the most in-demand professions because it is the foundation of global competitiveness. Companies depend on software to exist and thrive in the new digital world.

The AI Developer and the AI Engineer Machine Learning earn an average salary that can range from R$15,000 to R$14,000. This reflects the complexity and impact of their daily deliveries.

It's not about hiring a coder, but rather an architect who designs the company's future. The ability to build intelligent systems is what justifies these rising values.

Brazil stands out in the development of software and digital solutions, but still suffers from the gap of qualified talent. That's why investment in the area is continuous and pays high salaries.

Data engineers and BI analysts transform massive volumes of information into strategic decisions. They are the translators of digital chaos into business language, and this comes at a high price.

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How Does Artificial Intelligence Impact Current Salary Ranges?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just creating new professions; it is reshaping Average salaries of the most in-demand professions already existing. AI acts as a productivity multiplier.

Professionals who know how to use AI to optimize their tasks stand out and command higher salaries in the market. Their increased efficiency makes them more valuable than colleagues who work in a traditional, slow manner.

A practical example: A Digital Marketing Analyst who uses AI to optimize traffic campaigns can generate 30% more revenue than a colleague. Their market value skyrockets.

This productivity boost is directly reflected in compensation. The market pays for results, and AI is the tool that enables extraordinary results in a short time.

On the other hand, operational and repetitive roles, which are easily replaced by AI, tend to stagnate. The lesson here is: master the tool or be mastered by it and devalued.

This salary dynamic is like a space race: those who innovate and learn quickly reach new levels of pay. The rest fall behind, missing out on growth and advancement.

What Behavioral Skills Increase Your Market Value?

The focus on Average salaries of the most in-demand professions cannot ignore human and interpersonal skills. Behavioral skills (soft skills) are the difference that guarantees the best salaries in the long term.

Research from 2025 shows that Emotional Intelligence, the Stakeholder Management and Critical Thinking are the most sought after. They are essential in complex and changing work environments.

The ability to solve ambiguous problems, which don't have ready-made manual solutions, is valued. Machines solve the predictable, but we manage uncertainty and human complexity.

Clear and persuasive communication is vital for management and executive positions. What's the point of having the best idea if you can't sell it or implement it with your team?

Professionals with great adaptability to change and high emotional resilience are rare assets. They maintain high productivity and team morale in times of crisis.

The appreciation of human values in the workplace is the strongest trend, even in the AI era. No one pays an HR Director R$1,400,000 just for managing payroll.

The high salary is paid for the ability to manage the company's most precious asset: human capital. This requires empathy, leadership, and a keen strategic vision.

To deepen your understanding of the soft skills For the most sought-after skills and how to develop them, see Robert Half's 2025 Salary Guide. They detail essential skills by area.

Featured Salary Ranges for Senior Professionals (2025)

Below, we present a table with examples of salary ranges for senior and leadership positions. This data reflects the reality of Average salaries of the most in-demand professions in the Brazilian market in large companies (values in R$).

Source: Adapted from the Michael Page and Robert Half 2025 Salary Guides.

What are the Salary Opportunities in the Healthcare and ESG Sector?

The Healthcare sector and the ESG niche (Environmental, Social, and Governance) show a notable rise, paying Average salaries of the most in-demand professions above general expectations.

These fields represent investments in the future of society.

The ESG consultant is a relatively new but essential role. He or she guides companies toward becoming sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible, mitigating risks and attracting investment.

Salaries for ESG specialists, who require multidisciplinary knowledge (finance, law, and the environment), are growing rapidly. These professionals are the future of corporate management.

In the healthcare sector, the advancement of telemedicine and the need for efficient hospital management are driving demand. Doctors and managers who combine clinical practice with technology are in high demand.

An experienced Health Services Manager can earn up to R$18,709.64 (CAGED/MTE).

The amount paid reflects the challenge of optimizing resources and ensuring quality service to the population.

How to Transition to a High-Paying Career?

Analyze the Average salaries of the most in-demand professions It's inspiring, but how do you get there? The transition requires a strategic action plan and a lot of personal dedication.

First, identify the gap of skills between your current profile and what the high-paying market demands. Qualification is your biggest investment right now.

Then, start building practical projects that demonstrate your new skills. In the tech world, a portfolio is worth more than ten theoretical diplomas.

Participate in professional communities, meetups and events of networking in the desired field. The best job and salary opportunities come through quality connections.

Look for globally recognized certifications in your field, such as the CFA for finance or the PMP for project management. They are a testament to your competence and dedication.

Remember: your salary isn't determined solely by your role, but by the rarity and value of the solution you deliver. Your focus should be on being irreplaceable.

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The Power of Negotiation and the Salary Growth Cycle

Understand the Average salaries of the most in-demand professions gives you negotiating power. Don't accept the first offer if you know your value is higher than the initial proposal.

Thoroughly researching the salary range for your position, seniority level, and location is essential. Come to the negotiating table with concrete data based on market research.

If you're in a company that values development, your market value should be reviewed every 12 or 18 months. This cycle is natural and necessary for motivation.

If you feel like your salary has stagnated, it's time to seek new challenges in the market. Often, the greatest appreciation occurs when you change organizations and add new value.

Conclusion: Where is your Next Opportunity?

The Average salaries of the most in-demand professions in 2025 make it clear: the future belongs to specialists and strategists. Technology, risk, management, and sustainability are the pillars of professional prosperity.

Your path to high pay involves constant training and the appreciation of your human skills. Don't settle for a base salary; demand the value your solution delivers.

The market is willing to pay the price for excellence. The final question you should ask yourself is: Am I investing time and energy in the skills that will truly make me indispensable in 2026?

For official information on the labor market and the New CAGED, which monitors formal vacancies in Brazil, the Ministry of Labor and Employment website is a highly authoritative data source.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salaries and Demand

What does “most in-demand profession” mean in 2025?

This means there are more open positions than qualified professionals to fill them in Brazil. This talent shortage increases negotiating power and, consequently, raises salaries in the field.

Why are IT salaries so high in Brazil?

IT salaries are high due to the global demand for technology. Brazilian professionals compete with international companies that pay in dollars, forcing the domestic market to raise salaries.

Does a high average salary guarantee stability?

A high salary reflects value, but stability depends on your ability to adapt and learn continuously. Even in well-paid professions, skill obsolescence is a real risk.

How important is location for salary?

Location is crucial, as large urban centers, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, are home to large companies.

These companies tend to pay Average salaries of the most in-demand professions higher to attract talent.

Is it worth investing in a postgraduate degree now?

Yes, it's very worthwhile, but choose programs focused on practical, niche skills (such as AI applied to finance or ESG). The 2025 market values specialization that generates quick, tangible results.

How does the global crisis affect high-demand wages?

Professions in high demand, such as risk managers and cybersecurity, are less affected, as their work is crucial to the company's survival in times of crisis. They become even more essential.

What is “entry salary” and how does it relate to the average?

The entry-level salary is the amount paid to a junior professional with no prior experience in the role. The average salary (presented in this article) includes mid-level, senior, and leadership professionals, and is significantly higher.