Scala developers have the highest salaries in Ukrainian IT. But why are there so few of them?

According to DOU, developers with the highest median salary, $6,500, are those who code in Scala. Such specialists are hired by large international companies like Spotify, as well as Ukrainian outsourcing and product companies, including Sigma Software, Wix, and Megogo.In this article, we cover what this language is, how in demand it is, and whether it is difficult to learn.Scala – what kind of language is it?Scala is a programming language for the backend, that is, the server-side parts of applications. It cannot be called a popular language: according to the TIOBE index (programming languages ranking based on internet search queries), it currently holds the 33rd position. And in Ukrainian ranking 2025 from DOU – 17.But do not rush to draw conclusions based on these numbers. Scala is a highly specialized language, so it is not needed by everyone. Here are the tasks it is usually used for:Big Data and processing of large data streams. Especially on the data processing framework Apache Spark: although the framework works with other languages (such as Java), Scala is its native language, which ensures the fastest processing.Highload systems. Scala works well with asynchronous and parallel processes, making it suitable for services that handle thousands or millions of requests simultaneously.Complex business logic of applications. If there are a large number of rules and exceptions in the system, Scala's syntax will allow it to be described clearly and unambiguously—without code clutter.Accordingly, Scala is chosen by companies where these tasks are frequently encountered. For example, in finance, there is a large number of transactions and stable operation is important. Or in streaming platforms, where there is a lot of real-time-data. Specifically, among global companies, Scala is used by Netflix and Spotify.Moreover, it has historically been a key language for X (back when it was Twitter). Some data is also processed in this language by Apple and LinkedIn.Read alsoWhich IT Events to Attend in 2026 – Recommendations from Top Ukrainian IT ManagersWho writes in Scala in Ukraine?There are currently 82 registered candidates with Scala knowledge on Djinni. Among them, there are no beginners: the minimum work experience is 2 years.Most often, Scala skills are combined with Java. That is, Java specialists master Scala as a second language to enhance their qualifications. Additionally, sometimes those who code in Python choose Scala as their second language.Scala job openings can be found at major Ukrainian outsourcing companies: Sigma Software, Luxoft, and GlobalLogic currently have open positions. They are hiring for projects in big data, e-commerce, and fintech. Typically, they are looking for senior-level candidates, but sometimes they also open trainee positions—since there are few Scala developers, finding them is challenging. Intellias shared in the DOU article, that the Scala Developer position turned out to be one of the most challenging for them, taking 11 months to fill.Among product companies in Ukraine, Megogo, Wix, and Evoplay are hiring Scala-developers."The Rotator team at Megogo utilizes Scala – this is our in-house targeted advertising delivery service, as well as the backend of our website," the Megogo press office shares. "The team is currently small but strong: several engineers are working on the development of the targeting system, advertising scenario configuration, event collection and aggregation (impressions/clicks), as well as API integration and management tools."In the comment for LIGA.net, Megogo adds that Rotator functions as a full-fledged platform with customization, analytics, and automation, helping to monetize content with advertising while preserving personalization and user experience. From the technical side, it is a highload service with a focus on performance, reliability, observability, and code quality.Is it difficult to learn Scala?Scala is not on the lists of either popular or recommended languages for beginners. This is especially because it combines object-oriented programming (OOP) and functional programming. The former is traditionally more widespread (Java, Python, PHP—all are OOP languages) and implies that the code will be written, how to do.Functional languages (Haskell, Erlang) are said to, what to do. And it seems easier only at the beginning because they are closely related to mathematical functions and require an understanding of what is happening "under the hood." Otherwise, the program may return data, but you won't be able to tell if it's the data you needed.It's best to transition to Scala after a few years with Java. However, if you want to try this language without prior experience, just for fun—no one will stop you. Functional languages have their fans, and if you aim to work in a company with a world-renowned name, this is a good choice.Why Scala Developers Are Paid So Much (and How Long It Will Last)High salaries for Scala developers are not a new trend and not exclusively Ukrainian. In the United States, the median salary for a Scala developer is $178,000 per year, while the median for American developers as a whole is $121,000. In Ukraine, Scala has been among the top highest-paid programming languages for several years now.The main reason is the niche nature of the language. There are not many specialists who know Scala (only 2.6% of surveyed developers write in it, according to Stack Overflow data), but they are needed where there are high technical requirements – accordingly, they are willing to pay them more.There is no reason to think that this situation will change in the coming years. Scala continues to be used in big tech, and its demand is particularly tied to the popularity of Apache Spark.Read alsoYou may have digital colleagues: what top managers of Ukrainian IT expect from 2026

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