Experis Survey: U.S. Tech Hiring Moderates as Employers Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Nearly half of tech employers still plan to hire, but persistent skills gaps are driving investment in reskilling and flexible workforce strategies. 

Tech hiring in the United States is showing clear signs of moderation as 2026 begins. According to Experis‘ latest Tech Talent Outlook, U.S. tech employers report a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 33% for the first quarter of 2026. This represents a 10-percentage point decline from the prior quarter, and a 19-point drop year-over-year. For the first time, the U.S. has fallen below the global average, which stands at 35%.

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Despite the slowdown, hiring intent remains resilient. Nearly half (49%) of U.S. tech employers still plan to add staff in Q1, while just 16% expect workforce reductions. The constraint is not demand. It is access to skills — and that persistent gap is prompting organizations to rethink how they build and sustain tech talent.