U.S. Tech Hiring Stabilizes in Q2 2026 Amid Global Skills Shortage
Event summary
- U.S. tech hiring outlook improves to 41% in Q2 2026, up 8 points from Q1 but still down 5 points year-over-year.
- Global tech hiring outlook at 45%, up 4 points quarter-over-quarter and 9 points year-over-year.
- 73% of global tech employers report difficulty finding skilled talent, with AI capabilities and human skills like professionalism being the most acute gaps.
- Employers are prioritizing upskilling, flexible work arrangements, and targeting underrepresented talent pools to address shortages.
The big picture
The Q2 2026 tech hiring data reflects a shift towards precision hiring in mature markets like the U.S., while high-growth regions continue to lead in employer confidence. The global skills shortage underscores the need for strategic workforce investments, particularly in AI and human capabilities, as technology investments accelerate across industries. ManpowerGroup's findings highlight the evolving nature of tech hiring, with employers moving away from broad-based expansion towards a more deliberate, skills-first approach.
What we're watching
- Skills Gap Dynamics
- How the persistent shortage of AI and human skills will impact tech hiring strategies and employer investments in upskilling.
- Regional Disparities
- Whether high-growth markets like India and Brazil can sustain their strong hiring outlooks amid global economic uncertainty.
- Employer Adaptation
- The pace at which employers adopt flexible work arrangements and target underrepresented talent pools to address ongoing talent scarcity.
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