For organisations that are adapting quickly, short-term and fixed-term projects require skilled specialists on a flexible basis. This means more opportunities for tech contractors in 2026.
We’ve examined Hays data over the last six months to find which roles our clients are looking to fill most with contractors.
According to Hays’ own data, we can expect several skill areas to be in demand among employers in 2026:
Here’s a list of the top 10 roles.
Jason Barr, Head of Technology Recruitment, Hays Ireland: “Data and AI skills are evolving faster than ever before and, as we move into 2026, the insights suggest that what’s already been implemented in AI is only going to increase. As a result, we’re definitely seeing an uplift in demand for professionals with Data Science skills. The Data Scientist will play a huge part in the direction companies plan to take in the coming months and years ahead. Contractors will need to be ready to hit the ground running.”
Jason: “New platforms and tools are disrupting how software engineering in approached, but we’re still seeing demand on the ground. However, this is happening more so at the senior level, something I believe may continue into 2026. Are the days of large engineering teams gone? The jury is still out, but what is most definitely true is that the engineers utilising and developing their skills in AI are winning. Learning to use Cursor, Amazon’s Code Whisperer & Google Gemini Code Assist, to name just a few, is making candidates stand out in the interview processes.”
Alicja Kupiec, IT Recruitment Expert, Hays Poland: “DevOps Engineers are in high demand as companies accelerate their adoption of cloud technologies and CI/CD pipelines. Contractors bring the agility and specialised expertise needed to streamline deployments, automate infrastructure and ensure system reliability. In this role, contractors are expected to integrate tools, manage cloud environments (such as AWS, Azure, and GCP) and collaborate across teams using technologies like Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Jenkins and Prometheus.”
Jason: “As in permanent recruitment, there’s demand for developers on a project basis. You’ll be expected to train the company’s staff on your skills if necessary – you won’t be sticking around once the project has been completed, so be ready to do a handover.”
Jade King, Recruitment Director, Hays Australia: “For organisations that are undergoing periods of transformation, it makes sense to bring in experts on a temporary basis. There’s going to be big demand for Change Managers who have experience working on specific projects. Those we have seen in high demand recently include Cyber, Operating Model and ERP.”
Mohammed Elazizi, Senior Business Director, Hays UK: “Contract Solutions Architects are pivotal to many organisations’ evolving requirements. Usually, specialists within their chosen field, they’re able to bring together complex technology solutions to address business problems. In addition to their technology knowhow, they’re usually coveted for their domain experience, where they’re able to translate business needs and problems into high/low level designs to solve them.”
Nadine Wirkuttis, Head of Channel, Data & AI, Hays Germany: “Contractors often stay updated with the latest tools and technologies in data analytics, which benefits organisations looking to leverage new advancements. Businesses across a wide range of industries require data analysis expertise for a limited time, such as finance, healthcare and e-commerce. The responsibilities will be similar to those in a permanent role, such as data cleaning and visualisation.”
Nadine: “To a large extent, data engineering is about setting up data architecture and management so that data can be used efficiently. That sometimes means that, once the initial setup is done, Data Engineers aren’t as essential anymore. Contractors will find demand in sectors where data sources are frequently distributed, or critical in ensuring data integrity and accessibility.”
Jade: “Project Managers remain high on the agenda for organisation going into 2026. As budgets and headcount are more strictly monitored, it’s important to have the open-mindedness to be hands on and manage multiple aspects of a project, including managing change and providing support to the business throughout the transition. You’re expected to hit the ground running and keep your focus on key deliverables and milestones. As such, your interviews and preliminary conversations are the opportunities to showcase your varied skillset and willingness to get stuck in.”
Emily Jeremiah, Delivery Manager, Hays USA: “Business Analyst contractors remain in high demand as companies lean harder into data and real‑time insights. Clients want people who can jump in fast, make sense of messy requirements, and keep projects moving. Staying sharp on new tech, especially AI, and building solid industry know‑how helps contractors stand out and stay competitive.
If you’re interested in any of the jobs listed above, search our available opportunities here.
Are you looking for permanent roles? Explore our top 10 in-demand jobs for 2026 here, or learn more about the benefits of contracting here.
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