The up-and-down trends that have characterized technology jobs in 2023 continued last month, according to an analysis by CompTIA, a trade association for the IT industry and workforce. Employer job postings in tech occupations declined, but the tech unemployment rate remained below national rates.

Many tech workers say they feel secure in their careers. They also say they have a future-proof career.

Job growth

Tech job growth slowed down in June, reflecting the overall easing of the US labor market, but the overall trend remains solid. This is due to the fact that technology underpins so many industry sectors and business functions throughout the economy, CompTIA chief research officer Tim Herbert said.

Most of the growth in tech jobs news is in custom software services and systems design, and in PC, semiconductor, and components manufacturing. These roles typically pay well, and offer flexible working arrangements, such as telecommuting.

Other jobs in the sector that may not traditionally be viewed as tech are growing, including roles in areas such as data analytics, security, and agriculture technologies. However, it is unlikely that all of these will grow at the same rate as traditional tech jobs. Many of them will be used to supplement existing operations and enable businesses to adopt new technologies. For example, the Internet of Things (IoT) will enable firms to track inventory and other assets remotely.

Job creation

Tech jobs are in high demand, and they offer a lot of benefits. Whether you’re motivated by money, want to make a difference, or crave fast-paced career development, the technology sector is the place for you. In fact, research shows that IT careers are the most popular among college graduates, with more applications than any other industry.

Technology companies added fewer employees in May than they did in April, but overall tech occupations in the US continued to grow, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by IT industry group CompTIA. Meanwhile, job postings for open tech positions declined modestly last month, and most of those that did remain posted offered remote or hybrid work arrangements.

The industry is also increasing its focus on skills development and training for workers. For example, some tech companies are hiring for high-skilled jobs without a degree and providing on-the-job training. In addition, some employers are offering perks like wellness stipends and paid parental leave.

Job losses

Although the headlines have been dismal, a closer look at the numbers paints a more nuanced picture. The number of tech job losses is still relatively small, and other industries are absorbing laid-off workers. In addition, the skill sets of many tech workers make it easy for them to find new jobs.

Several large tech companies have cut employees in recent months, including buy now, pay later company Affirm and Facebook parent Meta. However, these cuts may be a sign that big tech firms are starting to realign hiring and talent management strategies.

The layoffs come after a period of robust hiring that accelerated digital transformation and boosted the wages of technology professionals. However, tech jobs still account for a tiny percentage of total employment. It’s also important to remember that these layoffs are concentrated at a few larger tech companies and are not likely to spill over into the broader economy. The economy is in a better position than it was during the COVID-19 lockdown, which makes it more likely that companies will continue to seek out talent.

Job stability

Despite recent headlines of tech behemoths like Facebook and Google freezing hiring, rescinding job offers, and laying off employees, job security in the technology sector remains high. This is due to the disproportionate demand for talent across all types of positions in the industry, from coding and software development to data analysis and machine learning engineering.

Overall, tech employment slid slightly last month in line with the broader economy’s slowdown, CompTIA found. The jobs that accounted for the largest share of IT-related postings in June included software positions, including engineers and developers, along with support specialists, systems analysts, and project managers. About one in five postings offered remote or hybrid work options.

Alister Shirazi, a 34-year-old engineering project manager with Apple, says he’s confident in his position even as his contract expires this November. He expects established companies to scoop up talent from riskier startups. He also predicts that the resurgence of AI and automation will continue to create new opportunities for workers in the sector.