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The tech unemployment rate climbed in January to 2.9 percent, according to analyst firm CompTIA’s most recent analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate stands at 4 percent.
In December, the tech unemployment rate hovered at 2 percent. Despite the month-over-month rise, it’s important to note that employment among tech sector companies increased by a net 6,787 positions during that period, with a bust of hiring in IT services and software development helping net out a loss in telecommunication jobs. Overall, new employer job listings for tech positions increased by 51,756 in January, totaling more than 220,000.Â
“Tech hiring activity was solid across the key categories,” Tim Herbert, chief research officer for CompTIA, wrote in a statement accompanying the data. “Employers continue to balance the need for foundational tech talent and skills with the push into next gen fields.”
Active postings for AI jobs rose by 1,500 between December and January, meaning that the total number of positions in AI or requiring AI skills now totals 40,000. As you might expect, the major tech hubs—including San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Boston—posted the most AI jobs.
Employers also continue to hire tech professionals who have the right mix of skills and experience, even if those pros don’t have a bachelor’s degree. In January, 45 percent of tech job postings didn’t specify the need for a four-year degree, and some occupations put even less emphasis on this sort of credential, including network support specialists (83 percent of postings didn’t mention a degree), tech support specialists (71 percent), computer programmers (57 percent), web and digital interface designers (53 percent) and network systems administrators (51 percent).
If you’re interested in landing a new job in 2025, consider the following advice from Dice’s most recent Tech Salary Report:
- Utilize AI Thoughtfully: While AI is a powerful tool, remember that human ingenuity and creativity remain invaluable. Strive to be a “human-AI hybrid,” leveraging AI technology to enhance your work without becoming overly reliant on it. This will help you adapt to a tech market that is quickly adopting new AI tools.
- Build on Cultural Progress:Â A positive and inclusive workplace culture is essential for job satisfaction and productivity. Advocate for initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Don’t be afraid to make proactive suggestions if you see opportunities for improvement.
- Optimize Remote Work Integration:Â If remote work is a part of your professional life, create a dedicated workspace and establish effective communication habits. Prioritize building strong relationships with colleagues, both in-person and virtually.
Although tech unemployment might have ticked up a bit last month, there are still opportunities out there for those with in-demand skills. Good luck!