Banner Mask

Within municipalities, provinces, and water boards, the demand for specialist knowledge remains high. Local government has a wide range of positions in demand, with policy and technical profiles being the most prominent. Policy advisors, organizational advisors, and managers in business and administrative services top the list, followed by system administrators, civil engineers, social workers, and lawyers.

 

Download Talent Monitor

The variation in hourly rates shows how diverse this demand is. Information providers earn an average of around €80 per hour, while managers and ICT managers earn more than €116. This indicates that local governments depend on both strategic policy-making and operational services.

Source: CBS, compiled and analyzed by the Intelligence Group

Rising rates confirm scarcity

Since 2022, the Talent Monitor has shown a steady increase in rates. In the first quarter of 2022, the average hourly rate was around €85. In 2024, this will grow to almost €100, and at the beginning of 2025, we will see peaks above €107. Despite small declines between quarters, the overall trend remains positive. Year-on-year growth ranges between 5% and almost 11%, especially in periods when specific expertise is scarce.  

Policy advisors are in highest demand, with an average hourly rate of €103. Business and organizational advisors follow in second place with an average of €106 per hour. The combination of rising rates and limited availability emphasizes that strategic planning is also necessary in local government.

Trend in the number of contracts: local government

Source: CBS, compiled and analyzed by the Intelligence Group

Demand volumes fluctuate

In contrast to rate developments, demand for professionals within local government fluctuates greatly. 2022 and 2023 show stable peaks, with quarters exceeding 500 assignments. In the first quarter of 2024, demand rises exceptionally high to 761 assignments. This is followed by a sharp decline, with only 245 assignments in the fourth quarter of 2025.

This fluctuating demand points to changing priorities, budgetary pressures, and shifting administrative agendas. Flexibility is of great importance here: can you switch gears quickly enough when the need for expertise changes?

Trend in the number of contracts: local government

Source: CBS, compiled and analyzed by the Intelligence Group

Central government vs. local government

Whereas the central government mainly has structurally high rates for IT and policy profiles, the local government offers a broader range of positions, from policy advisors and organizational consultants to social workers and technical specialists. This difference in profile mix and focus on local policy and implementation also partly determines the variation in hourly rates and fluctuating demand. 

Dealing smartly with limited expertise

As a client, it is important for you to respond to this adequately by planning carefully. Identify early on what knowledge you need and when, so that you can complete assignments on time. Also take a critical look at how you deploy expertise. Sometimes a short assignment is sufficient for a specific challenge, while at other times it is wiser to have a professional work on a project for a longer period of time.

By looking ahead and strategically coordinating your efforts, you can keep projects on track and avoid delays.

Talent Monitor: insight into the decentralized market

The Talent Monitor, a joint publication by HeadFirst Group and Intelligence Group, tracks developments in rates, demand, and expertise on a quarterly basis. For decentralized government, the research confirms a clear picture: the need for policy and IT profiles remains high, rates have been rising for several years, and the number of assignments fluctuates greatly.

This means that strategic use of external expertise is becoming increasingly important for clients. Those who anticipate in a timely manner and deploy flexibly can continue to effectively realize projects and policy goals, even in a tight market.