AI engineers in, QA testers out: Indeed report tracks sharp shift in tech job market

Tndeed, a major player in the global job market, has released a report that highlights a seismic shift in the tech industry: the rise of AI engineers and the decline of QA testers. The data reveals a dramatic realignment of demand, with companies prioritizing roles that drive innovation and automation over traditional, labor-intensive positions.

The report, titled “AI engineers in, QA testers out,” provides a stark look at the changing landscape. Job postings for Quality Assurance (QA) testers have seen a significant drop, with a decline of up to 57%. This trend is driven by the rapid maturation of AI-powered testing tools, which can automate tasks that were once exclusively performed by humans. These tools are capable of generating test cases, detecting defects, and running regression tests with speed and accuracy that manual testing simply cannot match. This shift is not about a lack of need for quality, but rather a move towards more efficient, automated solutions.

While some tech roles are faltering, demand for AI-related expertise is skyrocketing. The report notes that job postings for AI/ML engineers have surged by an impressive 334%. This explosive growth underscores a clear message from the industry: companies are betting on AI as a core driver of future success. These specialized professionals are tasked with developing the very systems that are making traditional roles obsolete, from creating intelligent automation tools to building data-driven decision-making platforms. Other roles in high demand include cybersecurity analysts, cloud architects, and data scientists, all of which are critical for building and securing the next generation of digital infrastructure.

This trend extends beyond just QA testers. The Indeed report also highlights a sharp drop in demand for other traditional roles like front-end web developers and Java developers, with declines of 67% and 68%, respectively. The underlying cause is the same: AI and automation are streamlining and even replacing these tasks. Senior economist at Indeed, Brendon Bernard, points out that while AI isn’t the sole reason for the overall tech hiring slowdown, it’s a major factor driving the weakness in specific roles. This marks a new era in the tech industry, where the ability to work with and develop AI is becoming a prerequisite for many positions. For job seekers, the message is clear: adaptability and a focus on specialized, in-demand skills are more critical than ever before.