Downers Grove, Ill. – September 08, 2026 -- Tech occupation employment across all U.S. industry sectors rose by 86,000 workers in August, even as technology companies themselves cut roughly 14,700 positions, according to CompTIA's analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
AI-related job postings climb 4.5% month-over-month to surpass 320,000
Active job postings requiring AI-related capabilities exceeded 320,000 in August, up 4.5% from July, per CompTIA's analysis of Lightcast data. The trade group's own research on corporate AI adoption indicates employers are shifting from experimentation to embedding AI into daily operations, driving demand for workers who can manage AI-enabled workflows and support AI-driven initiatives.
Nearly 600,000 active technology postings signal broad-based hiring appetite
Employer demand for tech talent remained elevated, with close to 600,000 active technology occupation postings recorded during the month, of which 42% were newly advertised roles. Growth concentrated in tech support, infrastructure, project management and cybersecurity positions, indicating employers are simultaneously reinforcing core IT functions and building out emerging capabilities.
Tech sector layoffs contrast with cross-industry occupation growth
While overall tech occupation employment expanded, technology companies reduced headcount by about 14,700 positions across both technical and non-technical roles. CompTIA noted the figure may reflect layoffs disclosed in recent months by U.S.-headquartered tech firms, highlighting a divergence between sector-level staffing cuts and economy-wide demand for tech skills.
Professional services, manufacturing and administrative support lead new postings
Professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, and administrative support services generated the highest volumes of new technology job postings in August. Retail, wholesale trade and educational services also posted month-over-month gains, pointing to demand for technology talent extending well beyond traditional tech employers.