Alexandria, VA, Feb. 12, 2026 – Employment in IT remained flat In January 2026, adding 1,999 net jobs month-over-month, according to TechServe Alliance, the national trade association for the IT & Engineering Staffing and Solutions Industry. Since January 2025, IT employment grew 0.67%, or 34,836 jobs. Engineering employment declined 0.15% in January and was down 0.54% compared to the same period last year.
“January’s employment data reinforces what our members are seeing in the market right now—a labor environment that remains selective and uneven, but is beginning to show early signs of stabilization,” said Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance. While IT employment continues to run essentially flat and engineering hiring remains mixed across disciplines and end markets, client activity is gradually picking up as previously frozen budgets and projects begin to move forward.”
“We are seeing comparatively better IT hiring momentum in sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, utilities, and infrastructure-related engineering, where digital modernization, data, and security needs remain active. Overall, clients are moving more deliberately, approving targeted projects and high-priority roles, and placing greater emphasis on outcomes, productivity, and near-term business impact rather than broad-based hiring,” Roberts added.
To access the interactive IT & Engineering Employment Index, please click here.
