Ceipal, a leading AI-powered global staffing software provider, released its 2026 In-Demand Jobs Report, identifying Project Managers as the most sought-after role as organizations emphasize intentional modernization while preserving operational stability.
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The report, drawn from an analysis of 20,000 anonymized job records on Ceipal's platform, reflects real-time hiring trends in IT and engineering across staffing and recruiting firms.
"Enterprises are modernizing with intention, not ripping and replacing," said Sameer Penakalapati, Ceipal's Founder and CEO. "The strongest demand is for leaders who understand both legacy environments and modern platforms, and know how to move organizations forward without disrupting what already works. That ability to balance progress with stability is becoming a defining advantage in today's hiring market."
Business and Technology Skills Drive Hiring Decisions Hiring increasingly values professionals who blend technical proficiency with communication, operational insight, and business understanding. Cloud, data, and automation skills form essential foundations, while test automation and enterprise system expertise have shifted to baseline expectations.
Although AI interest continues to rise, its adoption remains gradual and integrated into existing positions, underscoring the enduring relevance of core enterprise capabilities. This trend urges employers to adapt hiring approaches toward cross-functional versatility and adaptability rather than specialized technical silos.
Geographic and Compensation Insights Texas stands out nationally for both the highest volume of opportunities and the strongest median compensation levels. Solution Architect positions lead in pay, reflecting the premium placed on roles that guide complex transformations while ensuring system integrity.
These findings illustrate a workforce market shaped by deliberate modernization, cloud expansion, automation integration, and evolving business priorities, where stability and progress coexist as key hiring drivers.
About the Report Ceipal's 2026 In-Demand Jobs Report is based on an analysis of 20,000 anonymized job records from Ceipal's platform, representing real-world hiring activity across staffing and recruiting firms nationwide. The dataset includes job titles, in-demand skills, locations, and salary ranges, providing a comprehensive view of enterprise hiring demand. Using Ceipal's AI-powered staffing and recruiting software, the data was aggregated and analyzed to identify the most in-demand roles and skills across IT and engineering, as well as emerging trends in pay and geography. The report also examines year-over-year shifts in demand to highlight how modernization, cloud adoption, automation, and evolving business needs are shaping the workforce.
About Ceipal
Ceipal is the leading AI-powered global staffing software provider that helps recruiting teams work efficiently while keeping people at the center of their work. Its tools simplify the process of finding, hiring, and managing talent, allowing teams to focus on building meaningful connections. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, with research and development in Hyderabad, India, Ceipal is founder-led and has over 300 employees worldwide.
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