Throughout the month of February, we’re taking a closer look at the sci-tech scene in Paris and what the hottest sci-tech jobs are.
Over the past few years, Paris (and indeed France as a whole) has been working hard to become one of the world’s foremost technology hubs.
Shortly after he was elected, French president Emmanuel Macron declared that “entrepreneur is the new France” and said he would turn the country into a start-up nation.
The measures he put in place to fulfil his promise included a €10bn innovation fund, a special French tech visa, less red tape to make it easier to set up companies, and a flat tax on dividends.
On the science and innovation side of things, Macron also encouraged anyone concerned about climate change to emigrate to France, under the slogan ‘Make Our Planet Great Again’.
Speaking at VivaTechnology last year, Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella described France as a country that is at the global forefront of defining what the new era of technology will mean for society.
With all of these conscious efforts to transform Paris into the start-up capital of Europe, it seems to be on track to topple London for the crown.
Last year, Paris beat London as the most attractive European city for investors for the first time in more than a decade, according to an EY report. As the months roll on, many predict the Brexit cloud looming over London will be the final nail in the coffin, leaving Paris to take lead – though other cities such as Berlin and Barcelona are also fighting for the top spot.
So, what does this all mean for sci-tech workers already in France and, more specifically, Paris? What does the city have to offer those thinking about relocating? What does the job market look like from a sci-tech point of view?
For a start, Macron’s tech visa initiative means start-up founders, tech employees and investors can come to work in Paris a lot more easily. The visa process is not only expedited, but the visa itself is valid for four years, extends to immediate family members and does not require an additional work permit.
Hottest jobs in Paris
For those looking for work within the Parisian tech epicentre, data analysts, developers and engineers are among the most sought after, according to data from Hays. A data analyst in Paris could be looking at an average annual salary of €65,000.
Interestingly, banking and insurance are the largest sectors of employment in Paris and, once again, this means the city could benefit massively from the fallout from Brexit. In late 2017, Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, said that 2,500 jobs for the region had already been promised as a result of Brexit.
Given the strong banking sector and the heavy push towards tech and innovation, it’s unsurprising that the Paris fintech sector is another strong pursuit for tech workers.
According to Hays data, a developer in Paris can make an average annual salary of €45,000, while a systems engineer and a security engineer can make €50,000 and €60,000 respectively, both of which are in the top five most in-demand roles in the city.
Infographic: Hays
