Demand for experienced remote and hybrid professionals is growing even as the job market remains weak, according to Toptal’s Q1 2026 High-Skilled Job Report.
Demand for experienced technology and professional services talent increased 8.9% quarter-over-quarter and 4.8% year-over-year.
Experienced Specialists Gain Ground While Entry-Level Hiring Struggles
While demand for experienced specialists is improving, job postings across most professions and experience levels continue to decline globally.
According to the report, job postings in major economies such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, and the U.K. all fell compared to a year ago. Australia was the only major market to record growth both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year.
Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who combine technical expertise with AI fluency, business judgment, communication skills, and the ability to deliver measurable results.
AI Is Altering Hiring Priorities
The report identifies AI adoption as one of the biggest forces driving current workforce changes.
As organizations move from AI experimentation to implementation, companies are reassessing business models, workforce needs, and hiring strategies. This is creating stronger demand for experienced professionals in specialized roles while reducing opportunities for many junior and generalist workers.
Software engineering hiring has shown signs of recovery since mid-2025, even as the broader labor market remains under pressure.
Tech Layoffs Surge Alongside Talent Demand
At the same time, volatility continues across the technology sector.
Technology company layoffs increased 142% compared to the previous quarter and 140% from a year earlier. Large-scale workforce reductions, including major cuts announced by Oracle during the quarter, contributed to the increase.
The report argues that rising layoffs and growing demand for experienced specialists are not necessarily contradictory. While companies may be reducing headcount broadly, they are still competing for a narrower pool of highly skilled talent.
Product Managers, Designers, and Cybersecurity Experts Lead Growth
Among remote and hybrid roles, product managers recorded some of the strongest year-over-year gains, with market strength rising 46%.
Designers, information security professionals, finance consultants, and data science experts also posted some of the strongest demand indicators.
Outlook Remains Mixed for 2026
Looking ahead, Toptal expects overall U.S. job growth to remain soft during Q2 2026. Professional services hiring is also projected to decline modestly.
Technology hiring, however, is expected to stabilize, while demand for experienced remote and hybrid professionals is forecast to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace than recent years.
The report suggests employers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty, but are continuing to invest in experienced talent with specialized skills as AI transforms workforce needs.
