MORE than 30,000 technology workers worldwide have been laid off since the start of 2026, signaling that cost-cutting across the sector continues into the new year.
Data compiled by RationalFX, a UK-based foreign exchange and international payments company, show 30,700 job cuts announced in just over a month, with 24,600 — more than 80 percent — occurring in the United States. The reductions span 38 US-based companies and follow nearly a million tech job losses globally since 2021, as firms recalibrate after pandemic-era expansion.
The latest wave reflects ongoing restructuring tied to automation, artificial intelligence integration and tighter cost controls. In 2025, companies consolidated teams and eliminated roles as they adopted leaner, AI-assisted workflows. That trend has continued in 2026.
Among the largest reductions, Amazon announced 16,000 job cuts this year after eliminating nearly 20,000 roles in 2025. The company said the move was aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. The layoffs come despite record 2025 revenue of $716.9 billion and continued investment in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure.
Meta cut about 1,500 jobs, or roughly 10 percent of its Reality Labs division, as it shifts resources from metaverse projects to artificial intelligence initiatives.
Fintech firm Block Inc. reduced its workforce by about 1,100 employees, citing restructuring and management streamlining. Enterprise software companies Autodesk and Salesforce each announced about 1,000 job cuts as part of operational realignment efforts.
Seattle leads among cities most affected, with 16,590 workers impacted, followed by San Francisco with 4,446 and Menlo Park with 1,500.
In Europe, Ericsson plans to cut about 1,900 jobs, primarily in Sweden, citing a sluggish global 5G market. ASML announced 1,700 job reductions in the Netherlands, or about 4 percent of its global workforce.
In Asia, India reported 900 layoffs and Israel 774. Japan, Indonesia and China have not reported confirmed cuts so far this year, although reporting from China is limited.
If layoffs continue at the current pace, total reductions in 2026 could reach 273,305, surpassing 2025’s estimated 245,000 job cuts.
Recent reductions indicate that even senior and specialized roles are vulnerable. In 2025, Microsoft eliminated 6,000 positions, including a senior artificial intelligence director, highlighting that restructuring extends beyond entry-level roles.
Employers are increasingly prioritizing AI-related skills in hiring decisions, raising questions about whether new technology-driven roles can offset ongoing workforce reductions across the industry.