Tech hiring fell hard after COVID. These jobs survived.

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After a bruising pullback from pandemic-era highs, tech hiring is settling into a more sustainable phase, according to a new study on top jobs from Indeed.

Postings for tech roles are down 36% from early 2020, but job listings for some specialized technical occupations are still higher than pre-pandemic levels — a sign of recalibration, not collapse.

Data scientists and solution architects continue to command six-figure salaries and these roles often offer remote flexibility. Indeed’s list of top jobs also highlights accessible on-ramps for career switchers, with roles such as ServiceNow developer and full-stack developer that emphasize skills and real-world experience over formal credentials.

Notably, trade jobs are rising alongside tech. Electricians, HVAC technicians, and electrical foremen are increasingly in demand, a trend likely fueled by large-scale AI data center construction.

As AI reshapes white-collar work, specialized tech roles and skilled trades are emerging as durable, future-proof career paths.

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