IT Professionals Thrive in 2026 as Cybersecurity and AI Skills Become Crucial

The 2026 State of IT report, previewed by Spiceworks, paints a positive outlook for the IT industry. The report, conducted by Aberdeen Research, surveyed over 800 IT professionals and found that technology advancements are driving increased demand for IT roles, with a 9% projected growth in computer and IT occupations from 2024 to 2034.

Furthermore, the report highlights the growing importance of specific skills for IT professionals. Cybersecurity skills are deemed crucial by 92% of respondents, as organizations continue to prioritize security amid evolving threats. The report also notes a 53% increase in the perceived importance of AI prompting skills, with 63% of IT professionals now considering them valuable.

Alongside the growth in IT jobs, the report forecasts an 11% year-over-year increase in IT budgets, with cybersecurity and compliance being the leading drivers. Additionally, the data reveals that AI initiatives are on the rise, with 52% of businesses having implemented AI, double the figure from 2024.