Global job postings increase 4.6% QoQ in Q3 2026, reveals GlobalData
AI, Big Data, Cloud and Cybersecurity top tech themes
Construction, Consumer, Packaging, and Travel & Tourism register growth
Onshoring job postings share rise in North America
The global job market experienced an increase in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, with job postings up by 4.6% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ). This indicates that hiring momentum recovered after the decline in Q2 2026, reveals the Job Analytics Database of GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.
GlobalData’s report, “Global Hiring Activity Trends & Signals – Q3 2026,” reveals that AI, Big Data, along with Cloud and Cybersecurity remained the top themes for Q3 2026 with most job postings continuing the momentum from last quarter. Job posting for frontier technology themes such as Space Economy, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Materials grew faster.
Sherla Sriprada, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US remained the largest job market by a wide margin, while the UK and Australia showed positive turnarounds in hiring activity. The UAE recorded strong growth, as did Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland, albeit from a low base. In contrast, job postings in Canada and China continued to contract during the quarter.”
Onshoring in North America increased, as companies headquartered in North America accounted for a higher share of regional job postings. Companies headquartered in Europe and Asia-Pacific also increased their share of job postings in North America.
Job postings increased across most industries, with the Retail sector recording the highest number of postings among major industries, followed by Technology. Construction, Consumer, Packaging, and Travel & Tourism also saw growth in job postings. However, Aerospace, Defense and Security (ADS), Medical, Power, and Mining registered declines in job postings.
Meanwhile, Specialized AI Applications and Application Platforms and Containers skills recorded strong growth.
Sriprada concludes: “The rise in job postings may reflect seasonal hiring ahead of Q4, alongside continued demand for AI-related roles.”
Quotes provided by Sherla Sriprada, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData
The information is based on GlobalData’s “Job Analytics Database” and Global Hiring Activity Trends & Signals – Q3 2026
This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData’s team of industry experts
About GlobalData
GlobalData Plc (LSE:DATA) operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organizations see what is coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organizations across the world’s largest industries, providing tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.
