Tech Layoffs 2026: 27,000 Jobs Cut in January Alone as AI Reshapes Workforce

According to TrueUp's Layoffs Tracker, so far in 2026, there have been 66 layoffs at tech companies with 27,348 people impacted—760 people per day. This follows 2025, which saw 783 layoffs at tech companies with 245,953 people impacted (674 people per day).

According to BusinessToday, one month into 2026, global tech and startup layoffs are near 25,000. Companies announced intentions to hire just 5,306 workers in January—the lowest January figure since records began in 2009.

According to Information Week, major tech companies have announced significant workforce reductions:

According to Resume.org's survey, 55% of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers expect layoffs in 2026, and 44% anticipate that AI will be a top driver. But the reality is more nuanced.

Nearly two-thirds of companies said attributing layoffs to artificial intelligence appealed to stakeholders more than citing financial constraints. In other words, 'AI is replacing workers' plays better than 'we're cutting costs.'

The data tells a different story: Only 9% of companies say AI has completely replaced human workers in certain roles. Instead, 45% said technology has 'partially reduced the need for new hires,' while another 45% said AI has had little to no impact on staffing levels.

According to Rest of World, the tech job market in 2026 is built on contradictions. Companies are laying off staff, insisting AI will 'do more with less'—yet they haven't found ways to deploy AI at scale.

The numbers seem impossible: 92% of companies say they plan to hire workers in 2026, yet 55% also expect layoffs. The explanation? Companies are hiring for specialized roles while cutting generalist positions.

• Cutting: Entry-level roles, generalist developers, middle management, traditional IT
• Hiring: AI/ML engineers, cybersecurity specialists, data engineers, cloud architects
• Net effect: Workforce reshaping, not pure reduction

According to IEEE-USA, executives say they'll need to hire IT people for projects that have been 'sitting idle for a very long period, waiting for more certainty in the market.' The demand exists—but in specific areas.

1. Upskill to in-demand areas — Data management, AI implementation, cybersecurity, and cloud are hiring
2. Get certified — AWS, Azure, AI, and security certifications demonstrate specialized competency
3. Consider adjacent industries — Finance, healthcare, and manufacturing need tech talent and face less volatility
4. Network actively — Referrals account for 40%+ of hires; cold applications are even harder now
5. Document your impact — Focus on quantifiable achievements for your resume and interviews