Alexandria, VA, Oct. 13, 2026 – Aggregate employment in IT ticked down in September, dipping 0.08%, down 4,196 jobs month-over-month, according to TechServe Alliance, the national trade association for the IT & Engineering Staffing and Solutions Industry. On a year-over-year basis, IT employment grew only 0.12%, adding 5,633 jobs. Engineering employment nudged up 0.07% in September and was down 0.89% compared to the same period last year, with a net loss of 25,148 jobs.
“IT employment continues to show little broad-based momentum, with year-over-year growth narrowing further in September,” said Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance.
“While on-the-ground reports from our members point to pockets of increased demand, hiring remains uneven across industries and geographies. Clients continue to be very selective with a focus on high demand skill sets such as data, AI, and cybersecurity. Employer caution translates into elongated hiring processes with open positions not always being converted into filled jobs,” Roberts added.
To access the interactive IT & Engineering Employment Index, please click here.