Scoring Tech Talent 2026 [pdf] (sprcdn-assets.sprinklr.com)

A recent report titled "Scoring Tech Talent 2026" from CBRE Research reveals a significant shift in the tech labor market, highlighting a 45% year-over-year increase in AI-skilled workers across North America, now totaling 751,000. As AI integration accelerates in various industries, particularly in the U.S. high-tech sector, traditional job roles are being reshaped; for instance, while 108,760 new tech jobs were created in 2025, a staggering 1.21 million positions were cut, with various sectors, including finance, insurance, and real estate (FIRE), leading the charge in job growth. The report emphasizes that AI-related occupations have expanded to account for 31% of available tech roles, highlighting a growing reliance on AI talent. The findings are significant for the AI/ML community as they underscore the evolving landscape of tech employment, where demand for AI expertise is reshaping hiring practices and regional labor dynamics. Areas like the San Francisco Bay, now with 57% of tech jobs in AI, showcase how geographic tech talent distribution is impacting economic growth and commercial real estate. The report also notes diversity challenges within the tech workforce and suggests that tapping into lesser-known markets could diversify talent pools and enhance cost efficiency for tech companies seeking to expand.