If you're in tech or thinking about getting into it, you've probably felt the shift. The hiring landscape today looks nothing like it did just a few years ago, and the numbers tell a pretty stark story.
According to new data from Indeed, tech job postings have absolutely cratered – we're talking about a 35% drop since early 2020. That's not just a dip; that's a fundamental reshaping of the entire market.
What's Behind the Collapse?
The decline happened in two distinct waves, each telling its own story about where tech is headed. About half of this drop occurred during what we might call the "reality check" period after the pandemic boom. Remember when every tech company was hiring like there was no tomorrow? Well, it turns out there was a tomorrow, and many of these companies realized they'd gotten way ahead of themselves.
The second half of the decline? That coincided with ChatGPT's debut in late 2022. Coincidence? Maybe not.
Brendon Bernard, a senior economist at Indeed, put it this way: "While there isn't a smoking gun linking AI to the plunge, automation trends could be a reason the weakness persists. We're also seeing potential AI effects show up in the types of tech jobs still in demand, and rising experience requirements among the opportunities that remain."
The Experience Trap
Here's something that should worry anyone trying to break into tech: companies are increasingly demanding 5+ years of experience, even for roles that used to welcome junior developers. It's creating a catch-22 situation where you need experience to get experience.
Meanwhile, demand for AI and machine learning roles is skyrocketing, but these positions typically require advanced skills that take years to develop.
Winners and Losers: The Numbers Don't Lie
Looking at the data from January-February 2020 compared to the same period in 2025, the shifts are dramatic:
The Biggest Losers:
- Web developers are down 72% – nearly three-quarters of those jobs have disappeared
- .NET developers and Java developers both down 68%
- Front-end developers down 67%
- iOS developers down 62%
- UX designers down 61%
These were bread-and-butter tech jobs that thousands of people built careers on. Now they're increasingly scarce.
The Big Winners:
- SAP leads are up 356% – more than quadrupling
- AI/ML engineers up 334%
- Oracle HCM managers up 263%
- Data center technicians up 144%
The Boring Technology Paradox
Something is fascinating about that SAP number at the top of the growth list. SAP isn't exactly the sexy, cutting-edge tech that gets all the headlines and conference buzz. It's enterprise software – the kind of "boring" technology that keeps businesses running behind the scenes.
But here's the thing: boring often equals profitable. SAP's stock has more than tripled since late 2022, while many flashier tech companies have struggled. Sometimes, the most mundane technology solutions are the ones that actually solve real problems and make real money.
What This Means for Tech Workers
If you're already established in tech, this data suggests you might want to think strategically about your next career moves. The traditional path of junior developer to senior developer in popular languages like Java or JavaScript is getting increasingly crowded at the entry level and more competitive overall.
On the flip side, if you can pivot toward enterprise technologies, AI/ML, or specialized platforms like Oracle and SAP, the opportunities seem much more abundant. It might not be as glamorous as building the next viral app, but it could be a lot more stable – and lucrative.
The tech industry is clearly in the middle of a major transition. The question isn't whether things will continue to change, but how quickly you can adapt to where the market is heading.