{"id":8281,"date":"2025-10-09T11:57:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T18:57:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/addisongroup.com\/?p=8281"},"modified":"2026-03-24T08:59:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T15:59:47","slug":"it-hiring-trends-workforce-planning-guide-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addisongroup.com\/insights\/it-hiring-trends-workforce-planning-guide-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Highest-paid IT & development jobs: 2026 Workforce Planning Guide\u202f\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While information technology isn\u2019t the booming market it was a few years ago, the industry is seeing modest growth1<\/sup> as companies remain cautious about launching new tech initiatives amid an uncertain economy. More businesses are in a hiring holding pattern due to budget freezes; the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is also reducing the need for some lower-level positions like customer service and data entry.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet demand for skilled tech professionals remains fierce, keeping the market highly competitive. Addison Group<\/a> notes that there has been a tectonic shift away from development jobs like software engineering, which currently make up only 10% of in-demand roles.3<\/sup> Instead, positions in cloud engineering, data analytics, AI, and machine learning are rising to the top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houston and Chicago remain two major tech markets with ample open roles, while both coasts have softened in terms of openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the outlook is positive for tech jobs in 2026 and beyond. These roles are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, adding over 356,000 jobs by 2033.4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tech hiring in 2026 is marked by modest overall growth but intense competition for cloud, data, AI\/ML, and cybersecurity talent, especially in markets like Houston and Chicago. Employers are shifting to skills-based hiring, with salaries projected to rise 8-10% and acute shortages pushing premiums for specialized roles. Companies that streamline hiring and invest in upskilling will secure scarce talent, while candidates who deepen expertise in cloud, cybersecurity, and AI are best positioned. The long-term outlook is strong, with tech roles projected to add 356,000 jobs by 2033.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"IT<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Cyber and data experts in short supply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a significant shortage of skilled candidates to fill cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI-integration roles. With businesses facing a surge of cyberattacks and cyber theft resulting in over $16.6 billion of lost revenue, it\u2019s more vital than ever to recruit experienced professionals with the competencies needed to protect data, systems, and infrastructure.5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, data engineers, architects, and infrastructure manager candidates with the skills to manage data integrity, security, and accessibility now top hiring managers\u2019 lists. AI and machine learning roles, such as AI engineers who can develop and implement AI models and algorithms, also continue to grow across many industries. Top industries include healthcare, software as a service (SaaS), manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, energy, and finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Companies are increasingly using automation to help drive the hiring process. In addition, they are prioritizing demonstrable skills and adaptability over traditional experience.  There is a high-stakes race for elite talent, and companies are being aggressive to acquire it<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>Ed Meindl, Senior Vice President, IT & Digital Marketing at Addison Group<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Skills-based hiring gains traction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tech salaries are projected to rise by 8-10% in 2026,6<\/sup> although this is a slower pace than in recent years. There\u2019s also a major shift toward skills-based hiring, with employers noting that experience alone no longer guarantees higher pay.7<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In-demand data and AI-based jobs will continue to command the highest compensation levels, with employers often exceeding initial salary expectations to secure top talent. Cyber talent shortages are driving up salaries by 10\u201315% for mid-level roles, such as cybersecurity analysts and engineers with seven to nine years of experience. Highly specialized positions like cloud security architects and DevSecOps engineers garner even more compensation due to their niche expertise.8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCompanies are still adding a lot of extra steps to interviewing, which can significantly slow the process, leading employees to miss out on a great candidate.\u201d<\/em><\/p>Mike Weast, President, IT & Digital Marketing at Addison Group.<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sealing the talent deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tech candidates and employers often find themselves in a hiring standoff due to both parties\u2019 heightened expectations. Companies need to understand that with tech unemployment hitting a historic low of 2.8% in 20259<\/sup>, they are competing for a limited pool of the most skilled talent. To secure top talent, employers need to be careful about unnecessarily stretching out the interview process or they risk losing a great employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many candidates are holding out for a \u2018career-changing opportunity\u2019 before making a move, but sign-on bonuses and upskilling will help seal the deal. While remote work is less likely to be touted as a \u2018perk\u2019 since many jobs are now hybrid or back-in-office, businesses can focus on showcasing a positive culture and work-life balance, which is still a top priority for candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers who act decisively, prioritize skills, and invest in development will secure the best talent. For candidates, sharpening expertise in cloud, cybersecurity, and AI is no longer optional \u2014 it\u2019s the surest path to long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In-demand roles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n