If you follow the technology market, you’ve probably noticed that 2026 promises to be an intense year for IT professionals. The numbers confirm this, as according to the Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide, 44% of Brazilian organizations plan to expand their technology teams. This expansion doesn’t happen by chance. Companies of all sizes are accelerating modernization, automation, and artificial intelligence projects.
The profile of IT professionals has also changed. Today, companies are looking for people who go beyond technical execution and can understand the business, propose solutions, and work collaboratively. For those who are just starting out or want to reposition themselves in the market, knowing the hottest areas makes all the difference when planning your career.
NextAge works with this scenario on a daily basis. We’ll show you which areas will be hottest in 2026 and what you need to know about each of them.
1) Information security
If there’s one area that never stops growing, it’s information security. The increase in digital attacks, new regulations, and the need for data governance have made professionals in this area the most sought-after in the sector. Data breaches cost companies dearly, both financially and reputationally. That’s why investing in security is no longer optional.
The most sought-after positions include: Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Information Security Manager, and Chief Security Officer (CSO). What unites all these professionals is the ability to anticipate risks, implement protections, and respond quickly to incidents.
2) Artificial Intelligence specialist
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic promise and has become a reality in companies. LinkedIn data shows that AI has established itself as the main driver of productivity in 2025, and this trend only strengthens in 2026. It’s not just about large tech corporations. Retail, logistics, healthcare, and education companies are integrating AI into their processes.
Positions such as AI Engineer, Developer focused on Generative AI, and Machine Learning Specialist are among the most in demand. The difference is that today, knowing theory isn’t enough. Companies need professionals who can implement practical solutions, integrate AI models into existing applications, and train systems that truly add value to the business.
NextAge has specialized squads in AI-powered development. We create intelligent chatbots, predictive analysis tools, among others. Our professionals understand how to translate business needs into efficient projects.
3) Cloud computing and infrastructure
Cloud migration continues to heat up. Cloud platforms are among the most sought-after skills by companies, and it’s not hard to understand why. Cloud offers scalability, reduced physical infrastructure costs, and facilitates remote work. Companies still operating on traditional models are racing to modernize.
Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, and DevOps specialists lead hiring. These professionals are responsible for designing cloud architectures, ensuring systems run stably, and creating automated deployment pipelines. The difference between a good cloud professional and an exceptional one lies in the ability to optimize costs and foresee problems before they happen.
The most in-demand platforms are AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Knowing at least one of them in depth is fundamental. Tools like Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, and Jenkins are also part of these professionals’ daily routine. Certifications from the platforms themselves (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator) remain an important differentiator on résumés.
4) Data engineering and data science
Is data the new oil? Perhaps not, because unlike oil, data alone is worthless. The value lies in knowing how to extract insights, identify patterns, and transform information into strategic decisions. Data Science and Database Management are among the most valued skills by companies in 2026.
Data Scientist, Data Engineer, and Business Intelligence Analyst work with complementary objectives. The engineer builds the infrastructure that collects and organizes data. The scientist develops predictive models and algorithms. The BI analyst translates all of this into dashboards and reports that guide business decisions.
5) Software development
Software development remains one of the pillars of technology. Programming languages remain among companies’ priority investment areas, and the demand for qualified developers shows no signs of slowing down. Web applications, mobile apps, internal systems, and integrations between different platforms keep developers busy.
Full Stack Developers, Mobile specialists (iOS and Android), and programmers focused on specific languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, and C# are among the most sought-after. Today’s differentiator lies in mastering not just the language, but also understanding agile methodologies, knowing how to work in teams, and being able to deliver functional software in short cycles.
NextAge has qualified professionals for each of these technologies. Whether to create an application from scratch, refactor a legacy system, or add new features to an existing platform, we have professionals with the right experience for each challenge.
What skills professionals need to have
Beyond the specific technical skills of each area, some competencies cut across all IT functions. Adaptability is fundamental in a sector that changes rapidly. The technology that’s hot today may be replaced tomorrow, and professionals who can learn quickly stand out.
Teamwork is no longer just a soft skill item in job descriptions. Technology projects involve multiple areas, and knowing how to collaborate with designers, product managers, business analysts, and other developers is part of the routine. Clear communication, both written and verbal, is also essential for explaining technical decisions to those outside the field.
Continuous learning has become a necessity. Online courses, certifications, participation in technical communities, and reading documentation help keep knowledge up to date. Each area has its relevant certifications: AWS for cloud, CISSP for security, agile methodology certifications for development.
2026 will be decisive for IT in Brazil
The Brazilian technology market is experiencing a moment of accelerated transformation. Companies of all sizes have understood that investing in IT is a matter of survival. Those who don’t modernize lose ground to more agile competitors.
For professionals, this means real opportunities for growth and recognition. Competitive salaries and challenging projects are part of the package. For companies, the challenge lies in finding and retaining qualified talent in an increasingly competitive market.
Need qualified professionals for your technology project? Contact NextAge. We are the near-shore staff augmentation your company needs to grow in 2026.
