IT pros like their jobs but not their chances to advance

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Most information technology professionals are satisfied with their jobs but far fewer are happy with their prospects for promotion, according to the CompTIA IT Career Insights 2026 study released on October 20, 2026. The study surveyed 3,631 CompTIA certification alumni and other IT professionals in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Satisfaction and career concerns

According to the study, 76% of IT professionals are satisfied with their jobs, while 47% are satisfied with advancement opportunities. Career growth received the lowest rating of the five job aspects measured. Nearly nine in ten respondents (87%) reported at least one career concern. Limited growth opportunities and uncertainty about next career steps were the leading concerns among workers in general, though IT professionals cited them somewhat less often. Within the next two years, 68% plan to strengthen their skills or pursue a higher-level role.

The study also asked about AI. Fifty-five percent said AI improves their efficiency, 34% said it is changing job skill requirements, and 57% ranked AI skills among their top development priorities. Overall, 88% intend to prioritize developing at least one AI-related skill. Amy Carrado, senior director of workforce research at CompTIA, said IT professionals are taking steps to keep their skills current as AI changes workplace skill requirements.

Gaps in employer support

Ninety-two percent of respondents said additional resources would help them reach their career goals. At small and mid-size businesses, 33% of IT professionals said their employer does not provide ongoing learning support or that they are unsure what resources exist; at the largest firms the figure was 20%. Among certification holders, 84% reported career or professional benefits from certification. However, only 34% said their employer covers certification costs, and 44% pay for certification out of their own pocket.

Source: CompTIA study: IT professionals seek more career development support as AI reshapes workforce skills