Tech unemployment fell slightly in March, hitting 3.1 percent, according to a new CompTIA analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s notably below the national unemployment rate of 4.2 percent.
Employers are hungry for tech professionals in a variety of specializations, including software developers and engineers, tech support specialists, systems engineers and architects and cybersecurity engineers and analysts. They’re also interested in tech pros who know their way around the latest artificial intelligence (AI) tools and services: job posts in either AI or requiring AI skills accounted for 21 percent of total active tech job postings.
Things also seemed perky for a handful of tech hubs; for example, Seattle, San Francisco and San Jose led metro areas in month-over-month job growth, even as New York City, Washington and Dallas notched the highest numbers of postings. Industry segments with the largest numbers of new tech job postings included professional, scientific and technical services (52,526), administrative and support services (26,099) and manufacturing (21,975).
“With many employers in wait-and-see mode, the jobs data is about in line with expectations for the month," Tim Herbert, chief research officer for CompTIA, wrote in a statement accompanying the data. Indeed, the recent tariffs unleashed by the Trump administration could have a significant impact on how tech companies hire over the next several months, particularly if they engage in overseas trade of any kind.
If you’re concerned about the economic storm that might hit the U.S., keep the following foundational advice in mind:
- Embrace Foundational Skills: Solidify core competencies in high-demand arenas such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Those skills are durable even amidst market fluctuations.
- Upskill and Reskill: Invest in learning emerging technologies like AI/ML and automation. Online courses, certifications, and open-source projects offer accessible pathways; if you’re dedicated, you can quickly boost your knowledge.
- Cultivate Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are crucial for navigating shifting team dynamics and project priorities.
- Build a Diverse Portfolio: Showcase your abilities through personal projects, contributions to open-source, and freelance work. This demonstrates versatility and initiative to hiring managers and recruiters.
- Network Strategically: Connect with industry peers, mentors, and recruiters. Building strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities—as the cliché goes, when it comes to landing jobs, it’s often a question of who you know.
In any case, the latest data suggests that demand for tech professionals remains resilient, especially those in high-demand specializations.
