State of Devs 2026
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Nearly half of surveyed developers report job insecurity and burnout.
The 2026 State of Devs survey of 5,463 developers found 49% had experienced job insecurity and insufficient wages, and 62% reported burnout. For the first time, the survey asked about mental state: ~2/3 felt less motivated and more cynical, and half struggled with focus and emotional drain. AI views were polarized (49% positive, 42% negative), with nearly half saying AI did not positively impact their mental state. Women and LGBT+ respondents reported higher discrimination and pressure to mask identity. Top emotions toward tech: exhausted, disillusioned, curious.
What commenters are saying
A top comment notes that only 23% said they were hopeful and 19% excited about the tech industry, with overlap likely. Several commenters question selection bias, pointing to demographics (82% white) and admitting the survey may not reach native Japanese respondents. One commenter argues that decades of poor management and overpaid, under-skilled developers have created a culture of insecurity and burnout, while another predicts AI will make job security based on talent obsolete, causing constant fear of layoffs.