The tech industry, which was once known for endless jobs opportunities and skyrocketing growth, is currently facing a major transformation. Roles that were in high demand just a few years ago are now seeing fewer job openings. According to a new report by Indeed, the largest job site in the US, there is a clear shift in which tech positions are valuable and which are becoming outdated. This is not a sign of collapse but a sign of evolution.
New technologies, especially AI and automation, are changing the way companies work, and with that change comes a need for new skills. Through this comprehensive blog, we will explore the roles that are losing popularity and those that are now booming. This will help you decide where to focus your efforts in today’s competitive job market.
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Key Reasons For Shift In The Tech Industry
The drastic changes happening in the tech world are not random. There are specific reasons why some roles are disappearing while others are gaining value. Understanding these reasons can help you make better career decisions.
- Rise of AI and Automation: Many tasks that were once done manually by humans are now being handled by machines and intelligent systems. This has reduced the need for large teams working on repetitive tasks.
- Move to Cloud and Remote Work: As companies move their operations to the cloud and support remote teams, traditional roles like in-house IT support are becoming less important. Companies now need specialists who can manage cloud environments efficiently.
- Economic Uncertainty: Due to economic pressure, companies are hiring fewer people and focusing only on positions that directly contribute to innovation, security, and business growth. This has caused a decline in demand for general or entry-level tech roles.
Key Tech Roles on the Decline
Not every job in the tech world is in high demand anymore. As technology changes, some roles are becoming less important or even disappearing. Here’s a look at some tech jobs that are on the decline, according to data from Indeed:
1. Manual Software Testers
Manual software testing means checking if a program works by going through it step by step, by hand. This used to be very common, but not anymore. Today, automated testing tools can do the same work much faster and more accurately. These tools can run hundreds of tests in minutes, something that would take a human much longer. Because of this, fewer companies are hiring manual testers.
2. Front-End Web Developers (Basic Skills)
Front-end developers build the parts of websites that users see and interact with using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While this skill was once in high demand, that’s changed. Now, people can build nice-looking websites using drag-and-drop tools like Webflow, Squarespace, or Wix, without needing to know any code. So, unless a developer has advanced skills or works on complex projects, basic front-end development is not as valuable as it used to be.
3. IT Support and System Administrators
In the past, many companies needed in-house tech support to install software, fix hardware, and manage servers. But today, a lot of that is handled by cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. These services allow companies to run their systems online without needing extensive IT teams. As a result, the need for traditional IT support staff has dropped, especially in small and mid-sized businesses.
4. Blockchain Developers
Blockchain was a trend a few years ago, especially with the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Many developers jumped into this field. But after a huge drop in the crypto market and more government regulations, interest has cooled down. Now, companies are very careful about hiring blockchain developers. Only those with a lot of experience and deep knowledge are getting jobs in this area.
5. UX Designers and Mobile App Developers
User Experience (UX) designers focus on making apps and websites easy and pleasant to use. Mobile app developers build apps for smartphones. While both roles are still needed, they are not growing as fast as before. Companies now prefer people who can do multiple things, like design and code, or use tools that speed up the process. Some parts of these jobs are even being automated.
What the Data Says: Declining Job Postings (According to Indeed)
According to Indeed’s latest research, some of the biggest drops in job postings include:
- Web Developer: down by 72%
- .NET Developer: down by 68%
- Java Developer: down by 68%
- Front-End Developer: down by 67%
- iOS Developer: down by 62%
- UX Designer: down by 61%
- Programmer Analyst: down by 58%
- QA Engineer: down by 57%
- Senior Java Developer: down by 55%
- Software Test Engineer: down by 53%
Key Tech Roles in High Demand
Despite the decline in traditional roles, several new-age tech positions are growing quickly. These roles focus on areas like data, security, cloud, and automation.
- AI/Machine Learning Engineers: AI/Machine Learning Engineers are professionals who create systems that learn from data and improve over time. With AI becoming a part of every industry, engineers who can build smart systems are in high demand across all sectors.
- Cybersecurity Analysts: Cyberattacks are increasing every year, and companies are investing more in protecting their data and systems. Cybersecurity experts are now seen as essential members of any IT team, which further makes this a stable and high-paying career.
- Cloud Architects: Every modern business relies on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Cloud architects plan, build, and manage these cloud systems, and guarantee smooth and secure operations for companies of all sizes.
- Data Scientists: Data scientists help companies to make better decisions by analyzing data patterns. Their ability to find valuable insights from large data sets makes them one of the most important tech hires for data-driven businesses. This is the reason why agencies offering Contract Staffing Service also look for potential experts who have these skills.
What the Data Says: Fastest-Growing Job Postings (According to Indeed)
Here are some of the biggest increases in job demand:
- SAP Lead: up by 356%
- AI/ML Engineer: up by 334%
- Oracle HCM Manager: up by 263%
- Data Center Technician: up by 144%
- SAP Consultant: up by 98%
- Oracle Consultant: up by 67%
- Staff Software Engineer: up by 60%
- Machine Learning Engineer: up by 59%
- Technology Lead: up by 51%
- Platform Engineer: up by 43%
These roles reflect the shift toward intelligent automation, enterprise systems, and large-scale infrastructure.
How to Reskill and Rebuild Your Career?
If your current role is on the decline, it’s not the end. It’s a signal to reskill and prepare for the new opportunities the industry is offering.
- Embrace Hybrid Skills: Combine your existing skills with modern technologies. For example, a manual tester can learn test automation, or a developer can learn machine learning to stay relevant.
- Learn Cloud and Automation Tools: Cloud platforms like AWS and automation tools like Selenium or Jenkins are no longer optional; they are expected. Learning how these systems work will boost your value in the job market.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Practical experience matters the most in any sector. Create personal or freelance projects that showcase your new skills. A good portfolio helps employers trust your abilities beyond what’s on your resume. Moreover, you can also opt for Contract Staffing Service from reliable recruitment agencies who can assist you in finding a job as per your skills.
- Use AI as a Tool: AI will not replace all jobs, but people who know how to use AI tools will replace those who don’t. Learn how to integrate AI into your daily work to improve speed and creativity.
Why Choosing the Right Hiring Partner Matters?
As you move forward in your job search, having the right recruitment partner can make all the difference. A trusted Contract Staffing Service helps you get placed quickly in relevant roles, even if you are in transition or looking for a flexible position.
Agencies like Staff Connect Recruitment Agency in the UAE specialize in placing tech professionals into contract, full-time, and project-based roles. With deep industry knowledge and strong employer connections, they help match your skills to the right opportunities at the right time.