The turning point in high-tech? More job seekers than open positions

The Employment Service report for September 2026 reveals a turning point in Israeli high-tech: only 95 open positions per 100 job seekers in core professions, compared to 135 before the war. The number of job seekers has surged by 58% in three years, while positions have increased by only 10%. The service warns of a widening gap.

A monthly report by the Employment Service published this morning (Sunday) indicates a turning point in Israeli high-tech: for the first time, there are more job seekers than open positions in core professions. In September 2026, there were 95 open positions per 100 job seekers, compared to 135 in September 2023, before the war. Since September 2023, the number of job seekers has surged by about 58% (from 6,500 to 10,300), while the number of open positions has increased by only 10% (to 9,700). The largest group is software developers and application analysts, whose number as job seekers has risen by 60% compared to September 2023. The Employment Service clarifies that the increase is not limited to inexperienced workers – the share of those with five or more years of experience rose from 44% in 2019 to 52% this year. The service estimates that the exceptional demand during the peak period (February 2022) attracted many workers to the field, and since then the number of positions has been cut by more than half. Additionally, artificial intelligence and the shift of investments to hardware companies are harming software workers. The service warns that if the trend continues, by September 2027 the gap could reach about 1,900 more job seekers than positions.