Developer hiring time doubles in 2026

3.4 significance by Forrester Jobs December 2026

Why does it matter?

Longer hiring cycles would make experienced AI-capable developers harder and more expensive to secure.

Direct quote

The time to fill developer positions will double. AI will disrupt the time it takes to hire developers in four ways. First, organizations will seek to pair AI with senior developers, and some organizations will stop hiring junior developers.

Forrester