The AI Paradox: Record Number of Job Openings in the US IT Market

The US technology sector is showing contradictory dynamics: in April, the number of new IT vacancies reached its highest level in three years. According to CompTIA, more than 271,000 new job postings were listed last month, while the IT unemployment rate fell to 3.5%. This is significantly lower than the national average of 4.3%. This is reported by Ixbt.com news.

However, this growth is occurring against the backdrop of mass layoffs driven by artificial intelligence. Cloudflare laid off over 1,100 employees as it shifts to an "agentic" model. CEO Matthew Prince noted that AI agents have dramatically increased efficiency in performing complex tasks without human intervention.

Furthermore, major organizations like Commerzbank and Coinbase are also reducing headcount as part of their digital transformation. According to Coinbase founder Brian Armstrong, with the help of AI, engineers are managing to complete tasks that used to take weeks in just a few days. Since the beginning of 2026, technology companies have laid off over 85,000 employees.

Experts view this not as a crisis in IT careers, but as a "correction" following the over-hiring of 2020–2021. Companies are now increasing demand for personnel capable of managing AI infrastructure. Software developers, cybersecurity engineers, and AI specialists have become the most sought-after professionals in the market.