AN uncertain jobs market is keeping talented IT workers from exploring their employment options despite 36 per cent believing their remuneration is lower than market value, a report finds.

The research, by recruitment specialist Ambition, also found more than one third of Australian IT professionals felt there was no opportunity to progress in their current role.

The findings come from the Ambition Candidate Market Trends and Salaries Report, released today, which surveyed more than 280 Australian IT professionals.

"Australian IT workers seem unsure of their current worth and are therefore unable to challenge employers on their salary and professional development," Ambition Technology managing director Andrew Cross said in a statement.

The report found 62 per cent of IT workers surveyed felt that morale in their business was "neutral to low".

Mr Cross said an engaged workforce was critical when productivity demands were high and budget cuts put pressure on businesses to do more with less.

"A lack of morale and employee engagement can directly impact a business’s productivity and ability to attract workers in the future," he said.

The report found beyond salary, IT workers valued opportunity for career progression (23 per cent), flexible working arrangements (17 per cent) and learning and development (10 per cent) as priorities in the workplace.

"Employers must be careful not to rely on an uncertain jobs market to ensure staff retention," Mr Cross said.

"Investing in professional development and demonstrating opportunities for growth and progression in employees' careers will ensure IT workers feel valued and engaged."

The study also found 31 per cent of IT workers believed salary was the number one consideration for staying in their current role.

Almost 60 per cent of those surveyed said it was competitive to secure a new role in the current market.

Currently, six out of 10 IT workers felt pressured to work more hours than they were paid for and more than 50 per cent admitted to responding to emails and requests outside of work hours on their mobile devices, the research said.