Hot + Cold Jobs: Q1 2026

We track key metrics in Pave's real-time dataset to score which jobs are on the rise.  

10 Hottest Jobs Q1 2026

01
Layout / Mask Design
87
01
Financial Systems & Operations
73
01
AI Engineer
72
01
Data Governance
71
01
ASIC Engineering
70
01
Optical Engineering
68
01
Applications Engineering
65
01
Animation
65
01
Product & Commercial Legal
64
01
Game Design
62

Monthly Summary

What are the big takeaways from the Hot & Cold Job Index this month? Here's a breakdown.

The AI boom heats up chipmaking jobs
The AI boom heats up chipmaking jobs

As the use of AI increases, so too does the need for the chips and semiconductors that power the industry. Because of this, it's no real surprise that roles like Layout / Mask Design and ASIC Engineering appear in the Hot Jobs list—both are vital jobs in chip manufacturing.

The AI builders lead the pack
The AI builders lead the pack

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Web development cools in the AI age
Web development cools in the AI age

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