The IT Market in 2026. What Skills Open the Door to a Career Today?

After a difficult period for the tech industry, the job market is improving again. The latest“Careers in IT 2026”report, prepared by No Fluff Jobs, shows that the number of job openings is steadily increasing, and competition among candidates is lower than it was a year ago. This is good news for those planning to study computer science and for students looking to develop their skills—although the market clearly shows that today, much more matters than just knowledge of a programming language. 

In the first half of 2026, the number of job postings was, on average, about 70% higher than in the same period last year. The number of applications per job posting also fell—from 24 to 21. This is a sign that companies are once again investing more heavily in the development of their technology teams. 

However, this does not mean that all candidates have it equally easy today. The fiercest competition continues to be among those just starting their careers. Frontend development is a good example—on average, there are as many as 146 applications for every junior position. The situation is completely different for specialists with several years of experience in areas such as ERP or IT architecture, where the number of candidates per position remains very low. 

AI is changing the way we work, but it doesn't replace specialists

Just two years ago, the discussion centered on whether artificial intelligence would take jobs away from programmers. Today, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the reality is different.

The experts cited in the report unanimously emphasize that AI primarily takes over repetitive tasks. Meanwhile, the importance of people who can design solutions, understand the business context, make architectural decisions, and consciously use AI-based tools is growing. It is precisely these skills that are becoming a competitive advantage in today’s job market. 

It is no coincidence that Python has solidified its position as the most in-demand programming language. Its popularity is driven primarily by advancements in AI, data analysis, and process automation. SQL and Java remain at the forefront, although the report shows that the share of job postings requiring Java is gradually declining. Cloud solutions and tools such as Kubernetes and Azure are also becoming increasingly important.

The greatest potential? Where technology meets business—SUPER POWERS in demand

The report highlights an interesting shift. While just a few years ago employers focused primarily on knowledge of specific technologies, today they place just as much value on problem-solving skills, the ability to analyze user needs, and the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.

This is clearly evident in the statements of experts representing various specializations—from backend and DevOps, through data analysis, to project management. Regardless of the field, a common conclusion emerges: technology remains the foundation, but a specialist’s value is increasingly determined by their mindset, ability to learn, and understanding of the broader context of the project. 

Python has become the language of a new era! Where is the market growing today?

The majority of job postings continue to be in Backend, Data & BI, and Full-Stack development. At the same time, the importance of artificial intelligence is steadily growing—already, about 5% of all job postings on No Fluff Jobs are directly related to AI. Specializations related to DevOps, IT architecture, and ERP systems also continue to offer high salaries. 

For students, this means one thing: it’s worth developing skills that will be useful no matter how quickly technology changes. The fundamentals of computer science, data analysis skills, knowledge of cloud environments, and the informed use of AI will remain important in the years to come.

College is a good time to gain an edge

Employers are increasingly looking not only at a degree but also at the experience gained during college. Team projects, involvement in academic clubs, a personal portfolio, participation in hackathons, and collaborations with tech companies can help you stand out right from the start of your career.

The IT market continues to offer very good prospects for growth, but at the same time, it sets higher standards than it did just a few years ago. Those who develop not only technical skills but also the ability to collaborate, communicate, and use AI tools while still in college will have a much easier start in the job market.

Source of the article

This article is based on the report“Careers in IT 2026: Where Are Companies Hiring the Most, What Are the Salaries, and How Competitive Is the Job Market?”prepared byNo Fluff Jobs—one of the largest recruitment platforms for the IT industry in Poland.

The report was compiled based on data from the first half of 2026 and draws on information about job postings and salaries fromInsights360, a tool that aggregates data from the largest IT job portals in Poland. The analysis covers, among other things, the number of job openings, salary levels, the competitiveness of specific specializations, and the most commonly required skills. 

Why is it worth following the No Fluff Jobs reports? Because they are based on actual labor market data, not on respondents’ self-reported information. As a result, they serve as a valuable source of information for both students planning their career paths and candidates choosing field of study aligns with the current needs of the IT industry.