By Nicole McMackin, President & CEO of Irvine Technology Corporation

If the headlines about tech layoffs have you wondering whether the talent market is cooling, the latest numbers tell a very different story. Employer demand for technology talent just reached its highest point in three years. At the same time, the tech industry itself is still trimming headcount. Both things are true, and understanding why matters for anyone hiring or job hunting in technology right now.

What the Numbers Say

In September, employers posted 272,040 new openings for IT roles, according to CompTIA. New postings were up 16% over September 2025, and total active postings rose 22.4%. Sixteen of the 20 industries CompTIA tracks increased their tech hiring month over month.

Yet in that same month, employment inside the technology sector fell by an estimated 10,350 positions. Unemployment for tech workers edged up to 3.3%, still well below the national rate of 4.2%.

This is not a one-month blip. Back in March, tech companies cut roughly 15,000 jobs while tech job postings rose for the third straight month. The pattern has held all year.

Why It Is Happening

Tech talent is no longer concentrated in tech companies. Healthcare systems, banks, manufacturers, retailers and government agencies are all building out their own technology teams, and they are competing for the same people. Meanwhile, many tech companies are reshaping their workforces around AI, cutting in some areas while hiring aggressively in others.

The roles in demand reflect that shift. Software developers and engineers remain the most sought-after professionals, with 47,598 new postings in September, up 8.3% from August. Active postings for AI and machine learning roles reached 13,636, nearly triple the level of May 2024.

The longer-term outlook is steady. CompTIA projects net tech employment will grow 1.9% in 2026, adding about 185,000 jobs, after a slight decline in 2025. Every state is expected to see gains.

What It Means for Employers

A layoff headline does not mean talent is easy to find. The people you need, especially in software engineering, AI, data and security, have options, and you are competing with organizations well outside your industry. Speed matters. So does a clear, compelling story about the work and the growth path. Flexible models such as contract and contract-to-hire can help you secure strong talent quickly while you plan for 2027.

What It Means for Consultants and Candidates

The opportunity is real, but it is moving. Some of the best openings are no longer at the companies with the biggest tech brands; they are in healthcare, finance, manufacturing and the public sector. Professionals who pair strong technical skills with AI fluency and an understanding of the business they support are in the best position to win.

At ITC, we see this paradox every day. If you are planning your 2027 hiring or thinking about your next move, we would welcome the conversation.

Sources: CompTIA September 2026 Tech Jobs Report · CompTIA March 2026 employment analysis · CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2026