The Czech Republic has one of the EU’s lowest unemployment rates — and one of its most persistent labour shortages. More than six in ten employers report difficulty filling roles, the workforce is shrinking as the population ages, and foreign workers already make up nearly 15% of the labour force. In 2026, demand is acute in IT, engineering, Manufacturing, construction, healthcare and logistics.

This guide walks through the 20 most in-demand jobs in the Czech Republic in 2026, with approximate pay and an honest note on the reality for foreign workers. Pay figures are approximate gross monthly ranges; the average salary is around CZK 43,500–45,400 (about €1,850), with Prague near CZK 55,800–61,129 and the minimum wage CZK 22,400 (about €920).

A reality check for foreign workers: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens work freely. Non-EU nationals generally need an Employee Card (combined work and residence) or, for graduate roles, an EU Blue Card. The government has simplified these and runs Qualified and Highly Qualified Worker programmes to speed skilled migration — though processing can still be slow.

Why the Czech Republic Has So Many Vacancies in 2026

• An ageing, shrinking workforce. More people leave the labour market each year than enter it.
• A strong industrial base. Automotive and machinery sectors sustain high demand for engineering and Manufacturing.
• A growing tech sector. IT, cybersecurity, and AI roles are expanding, especially in Prague and Brno.
• Persistent shortages of over 200,000 workers in engineering, logistics and healthcare.
• Emigration of some skilled Czechs westward, adding pressure.

The 2026 Reality for Foreign Workers

The Czech Republic relies heavily on foreign labour and has simplified its main routes. Non-EU workers use the Employee Card (tied to a specific job and employer) or the EU Blue Card for graduate-level roles, with Qualified and Highly Qualified Worker programmes prioritising skilled migration. Employers do not differentiate pay between locals and migrants. IT, engineering, and healthcare are the most realistic routes; Manufacturing, construction, and logistics also heavily recruit foreign workers, though administrative processing can be slow.

Industries Hiring Hardest in 2026

• Engineering and Manufacturing — automotive and machinery
• Information technology — software, cybersecurity, AI
• Construction and skilled trades
• Healthcare — doctors, nurses, carers
• Logistics and warehousing
• Finance and shared services

The 20 Most In-Demand Jobs in the Czech Republic in 2026

Pay is shown as an approximate gross monthly range in Czech koruna (CZK), with euro guides; Prague pays well above the rest.

1. Software Developersin  Czech ITaverages around CZK 55,000+ and rise fast for specialists. Around CZK 60,000–120,000+ (about €2,500–5,000). Foreign-worker note: a clear Blue Card route.

2. Cybersecurity Specialists: A government-priority skill area. Around CZK 70,000–130,000. Foreign-worker note: strong skilled-migration fit.

3. AI and Data Specialists’ demand for data and AI skills is rising sharply. Around CZK 70,000–130,000. Foreign-worker note: a well-paid graduate route.

4. Mechanical Engineers are core to the automotive and machinery sectors. Around CZK 50,000–90,000. Foreign-worker note: a recognised shortage area.

5. Electrical Engineers Needed across industry and energy. Around CZK 50,000–90,000. Foreign-worker note: a graduate-level route.

6. Production and Industrial Engineers: Manufacturing needs process and production specialists. Around CZK 48,000–85,000. Foreign-worker note: in demand in Prague, Brno and Ostrava.

7. Welders: Manufacturing and fabrication need skilled welders. Around CZK 35,000–55,000. Foreign-worker note: certification matters; in demand.

8The . CNC and Machine Operators Industry relies on skilled operators. Around CZK 35,000–55,000. Foreign-worker note: a Qualified Worker route.

9. Construction Workers Building and infrastructure sustain demand. Around CZK 32,000–50,000. Foreign-worker note: heavily reliant on foreign labour.

10. Electricians A shortage trade across sectors. Around CZK 38,000–60,000. Foreign-worker note: recognised skills help.

11. Doctors and Specialists Healthcare faces deep shortages. Around CZK 70,000–150,000+. Foreign-worker note: recognition and Czech required.

12. Nurses: A persistent shortage as staff age and emigrate. Around CZK 38,000–60,000. Foreign-worker note: registration and Czech are needed.

13. Truck and Delivery Drivers: Logistics needs drivers across the country. Around CZK 35,000–55,000. Foreign-worker note: licences and right to work required.

14. Warehouse and Logistics Staff E-commerce and distribution drive demand. Around CZK 30,000–45,000. Foreign-worker note: a common foreign-labour route.

15. IT Support and System Administrators Businesses digitising need support staff. Around CZK 45,000–75,000. Foreign-worker note: in demand within tech.

16. Accountants and Finance Staff: Shared-service centres and businesses need finance pros. Around CZK 45,000–80,000. Foreign-worker note: qualifications and languages help.

17. Customer-Support and Shared-Service Agents Prague and Brno host many service centres. Around CZK 38,000–65,000. Foreign-worker note: multilingual skills valued.

18. Construction Engineers and Site Managers: Infrastructure projects need qualified staff. Around CZK 55,000–95,000. Foreign-worker note: a graduate-level route.

19. Hospitality and Chef Roles: Tourism and services need a kitchen and hotel staff. Around CZK 32,000–55,000. Foreign-worker note: skilled chefs can justify a permit.

20. Sales and Retail Staff: Consumer demand supports retail hiring. Around CZK 30,000–48,000. Foreign-worker note: generally local; specialist sales excepted.

Salary Expectations at a Glance

Against an average gross wage of about CZK 43,500–45,400 (around €1,850), Prague is near CZK 55,800:

• Well above average: IT, cybersecurity, AI, doctors, senior engineers.
• Around average: nurses, skilled trades, accountants, drivers.
• Below average: warehouse, retail, entry-level hospitality (near the CZK 22,400 minimum).

Real wages are projected to rise around 2.7% in 2026, among the fastest in the EU as purchasing power recovers.

How Employer Sponsorship Works

For non-EU workers, the employer typically supports an Employee Card (combined work and residence, tied to the job) or an EU Blue Card for graduate roles. The Qualified and Highly Qualified Worker programmes fast-track priority cases. Permits are generally issued for up to two years and are renewable, and family reunification is possible once the worker holds a valid permit.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers

• Target IT, engineering and healthcare — the most realistic skilled routes.
• Use the Blue Card for graduate roles; the Employee Card otherwise.
• Combine English with Czech or German for the widest options.
• Get qualifications recognised, especially for healthcare and regulated roles.
• Start early — administrative processing can be slow.

Practical Tips for Employers

• Use the Qualified/Highly Qualified Worker programmes to speed hiring.
• Budget for slow processing and plan.
• Support qualification recognition and Czech-language training.
• Offer housing assistance in Prague and Brno, where costs are higher.

Useful Official Links

• Ministry of the Interior (foreigners): https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren
• Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA): https://www.mpsv.cz
• Work in Czechia (government portal): https://www.czech.cz
• Czech Statistical Office: https://www.czso.cz/eng