Q1 2026 Tech Layoffs Hit 78,557 — Nearly 48% Attributed to AI and Automation, Highest AI-Cited Share Ever

Tom's Hardware·high signal

Tom's Hardware reports that 78,557 tech workers were laid off in Q1 2026, with 37,638 (47.9%) of cuts attributed to reduced need for human workers due to AI and automation. Seattle bore the heaviest impact (16,590 from Amazon and Microsoft), followed by San Francisco (9,395). However, analysts note this may be 'AI-washing' — a convenient narrative masking a complex mix of cost-cutting, post-pandemic restructuring, and the need to fund massive AI infrastructure investments.