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Graduate tech careers in 2026: high demand, specialist skills, shifting pathways
This year’s World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted the all-time high demand for tech talent with the need for digital skills such as AI, big data and technology literacy, accelerating far faster than global supply. Institute of Student Employers reported IT, AI and digital occupations are the most targeted by graduate employers. As a result, graduates equipped to work in tech careers face some of the strongest employment opportunities.
Prospects’ What do graduates do? analyses Graduate Outcomes survey data to reveal the employment patterns of graduates 15 months after leaving university. The latest data shows strong early career prospects for students studying and going into technology careers, particularly those with the right kind of specialisms.
Early career prospects
The highest full-time employment rates were among AI (65%) and computer science (63%) graduates - both well above the overall average of 56.4%. Most of these working graduates went into professional-level employment with AI (88%) and computer science (84%) leading the way. And the top role for all graduates – second only to nursing – was coder/software professional.
Graduates working in IT were also more likely to feel that their work was on track for their future plans – 86% compared to 75% across all occupations.
There has been a shift in recent years in terms of the tech skills in demand and no escape from headlines that report the negative impact of AI on entry level roles. While this may have greater impact on the more junior generalist IT roles and the nature and extent of that remains disputed, there is a booming demand for skills in data analytics, AI and cyber security.
Over the last three years, the volume of graduates going into programming and software development has remained high (this continues as the most common profession for graduates of tech subjects) and there has been considerable growth in those going into cyber security as well as IT business analysts, architects and systems design. Meanwhile roles such IT technician, general IT and web design have declined.
Salaries varied widely. Overall average salaries for Tech and IT graduates ranged from around £25k to £40k, depending on factors such as gender and specific subject. AI roles tended to pay the most.
Routes into tech careers
With technology playing a vital role in most businesses, the routes into tech careers are diverse. Studying computer science, software engineering or maths are effective pathways, but we also see a significant minority of economics, design and psychology students entering careers in tech.
Diversity is also evident across sectors - tech graduates are not limited to tech businesses. While IT and telecoms hire the largest share, business, finance, manufacturing, retail and the public sector are also in-demand areas. The majority (63.4%) of computer science graduates worked in IT related occupations that were spread across many different sectors.
There was less diversity in the location of work and most jobs were found in London (29%). Graduates looking for tech careers in the South East, North West or Scotland were also well placed – around 10% found careers in each of those regions. Conversely, those located in the regions may need to make themselves mobile to land the kind of job they want. Fewer graduates found tech jobs in the North East or Wales (3%).
Career opportunities in 2026
An uncertain economy puts financial pressure on employers who tend to reduce or pause hiring and we’re seeing lots of this in the labour market at the moment. Institute of Student Employers’ annual predictions show graduate jobs falling by 7% this year.
Like much of the wider market, tech looks competitive but not impossible. It requires strategic effort and a portfolio that demonstrates practical capability alongside qualifications.
Davos focused on the critical need for human-centric skills as the competitive advantage in an AI-driven economy. Those graduates who can demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creative problem solving will have the edge.
About the campaign
techUK’s TechTogether campaign, taking place throughout March, is a collection of activities highlighting the UK’s technology sector pursuit to shape a more equitable future. In 2026 we are exploring: Inclusive AI, investing in diverse founders and entrepreneurs, the power of allyship and mentorship, and empowering young people.
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Authors
Charle Ball
Charlie is the Prospects and Jisc specialist on the graduate labour market. He researches and analyses all things to do with post-18 employment, including regional economies, skills supply and demand and postgraduate issues, usually with a careers and employability perspective.
Charlie sits on steering and advisory groups - including the Graduate Outcomes steering group and advisory bodies for the Graduate Futures Institute and the Institute of Student Employers. He's a Fellow of the National Institute of Careers Education and Counselling (NICEC) and a Visiting Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University.
