Yes, tech jobs are still hiring in 2024—but not quite the way you might think. Amid a year of unsettling headlines about industry cutbacks, I found growing demand hiding in plain sight. It’s not a linear story. It’s a tale of bifurcation—lead-heavy layoffs on one side, laser-focused hiring on the other.
The dual nature of today’s tech job market
Over the past twelve months, the tech sector has carried two conflicting narratives. On one side, major firms like Amazon, Meta, and Google made headlines with more than 139,000 job cuts. On the other, the number of open tech jobs in the U.S. quietly rose by 18% compared to early 2024, according to The Forage. As of mid-2025, more than 200,000 positions remain unfilled.
The reality is split between oversaturated traditional roles and explosive demand for specialized talent. Data from CompTIA shows that unemployment in tech averages 2.3%, compared to the national 4.2%—a clear signal that demand persists, though not everywhere.
Who’s still hiring—and what they’re looking for
The roles attracting employers today are heavily skewed toward emerging technologies and critical infrastructure. Think AI, data, and cybersecurity. Software generalists? Not so much.
| Role | Projected Growth (2022–2032) | Median Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| AI/ML Engineer | +35% | $155,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | +32% | $145,000 |
| Data Engineer | +21% | $140,000 |
| Web Developer | +16% | $110,140 |
In total, over 400,000 cybersecurity roles remain unfilled globally, as confirmed by hiring insights from NextLevelJobs. These positions aren’t optional. They’re existential needs for companies undergoing digital transformation across sectors.
“I was laid off from my front-end developer role in February. But after retraining in AI integration tools and earning a certification in cloud security, I got three interviews in two weeks,” said Marissa Delgado, a software professional who recently landed a new role with a healthcare analytics firm. “So yeah, tech jobs are hiring in 2024—but not the old kind of tech.”
The paradox: layoffs and expansion side by side
While layoffs some feared would signal the tech sector’s downturn, they’ve largely been rebalancing acts. Companies shed layers added during the pandemic surge—especially in managerial, marketing, and non-core functions. At the same time, they increased headcount in high-latency, high-payoff areas like AI and risk security teams.
According to Karat’s 2024 Hiring Trends Report (PDF), 55% of tech leaders planned to hire during Q1 2024. That number is now edging toward 61% as firms pivot strategy.
The rise of the non-coastal hire
The geography of hiring has also shifted. With remote work here to stay, 60% of new openings are fully remote, according to Tunga.io. This has boosted recruitment far beyond Silicon Valley—towards cities like Austin, Raleigh, and even mid-sized hubs like Des Moines or Tulsa.
Where the demand is strongest
- Finance and insurance: booming with AI-powered fraud detection roles
- Healthcare: strong demand for data engineers and cybersecurity experts
- Logistics and supply chain: turning to cloud DevOps talent for automation
These shifts give displaced tech workers a broader playing field—if they’re willing to reskill and look beyond the obvious.
How job seekers are adapting—and winning
So where does this leave the average engineer or coder caught in the gap?
Three strategies stand out:
- Target future-proof skills: 75% of U.S. tech professionals are currently investing in new certifications, especially in AI and security, according to training data from Per Scholas.
- Follow the money (and stability): Focus on sectors with tailwinds—like healthcare or finance—not just tech-for-tech’s-sake startups.
- Think remote-first: Location is no longer a barrier for most skilled tech roles.
The nuance we need to acknowledge
To say tech hiring is “shrinking” is misleading—but to suggest it’s thriving across the board is equally false. Growth depends heavily on role, industry, and adaptability. Despite public cuts, core functions are expanding. Salaries remain strong, with a national median of $104,556 for tech workers—double the average across all sectors, per Robert Half.
This market rewards those willing to shift. It penalizes those standing still.
FAQ
Which tech roles are currently in highest demand?
AI/ML engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data engineers lead in both salary and growth projections. These roles are critical across all industries needing to modernize.
How are layoffs affecting the overall tech job market?
Layoffs are real, but they’re largely targeted. Most cuts affect non-technical or oversaturated positions. Specialized roles are growing in parallel.
What skills are most sought after in tech jobs today?
Top skills include AI tool development, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity protocols, and DevOps methodologies. Certifications in these areas are increasingly valuable.
Are there specific industries leading the charge in tech hiring?
Finance, healthcare, logistics, and government sectors are aggressively hiring tech talent to modernize and secure legacy systems.
How does the demand for AI and cybersecurity professionals compare?
Both are red-hot. AI roles are growing slightly faster, but cybersecurity has over four million global vacancies, indicating a critical supply gap.
