The US job market strengthened during the second quarter of 2026, offering a welcome reprieve after months of volatility. According to a new job report from professional services firm Toptal, demand for experienced technology and professional services personnel increased 7.1% quarter over quarter (QoQ) and 12.6% year over year (YoY).

AI Adoption Drives Hiring Priorities

As organizations gain experience deploying AI, their hiring priorities are evolving alongside the technology. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for expertise, many employers increasingly see it as a tool that extends the value of experienced professionals. The result is growing demand for people who can pair technical knowledge with sound business judgment and the ability to apply AI effectively in real-world environments.

Nine of the 10 areas of expertise tracked in the report posted gains, including data science experts, developers, finance experts, information security specialists, management consultants, marketers, product managers, project managers, and sales professionals. Demand for finance consultants increased 31% QoQ and 39% YoY, the largest growth of any specialization in the report.

The changing business landscape is also influencing organizations’ need for fractional part-time expertise: 70% of business leaders in a recent Deloitte survey say their competitive strategy over the next three years primarily focuses on being fast and nimble.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.