IT Layoffs in Dallas-Fort Worth 2025: What Happened and What Comes Next
The DFW technology market in 2025 was a study in contrasts — meaningful layoffs in traditional IT roles alongside accelerating demand for AI, machine learning, and cloud-native skills. Here is a clear-eyed look at what happened and where the opportunities are.
The DFW Layoff Picture in 2025
Dallas-Fort Worth avoided the most severe tech layoffs that hit coastal markets in 2025, but was not immune. AT&T's ongoing workforce restructuring, continued by several mid-size technology firms headquartered in the Metroplex, contributed to a meaningful increase in tech unemployment through the first half of the year. Legacy IT roles — help desk, traditional systems administration, on-premises infrastructure management — saw the heaviest reductions as companies accelerated cloud migration and AI-driven automation.
The picture was different for engineers with cloud, DevOps, and AI skills. Hiring in these categories remained active throughout 2025 in the DFW market, driven by financial services firms (several major banks and insurance companies are headquartered in the region), healthcare technology, and the growing technology consulting corridor along the 121 corridor in Plano and Frisco.
Where DFW IT Workers Found New Roles
The most common pivot for displaced DFW IT workers in 2025 was into cloud infrastructure and DevOps roles — accessible with existing systems administration backgrounds. The second most common was technology consulting, where firms like StarTekk provide project-based placement that can bridge a career transition while building new skills.
For IT professionals actively looking for DFW-area roles across the technology spectrum, DFW IT Jobs provides strong regional coverage. Staffing firms including STAR Workforce and STAR Workforce Solutions placed significant numbers of displaced DFW tech workers into contract and direct positions throughout 2025, particularly for mid-level IT roles while workers built additional skills.
AI and Machine Learning Hiring in DFW
While traditional IT hiring softened, AI and machine learning hiring in DFW grew throughout 2025. The Frisco-Plano technology corridor became a notable secondary hub for AI roles, with companies in financial technology, healthcare AI, and logistics optimization building out ML teams. Average ML engineer compensation in DFW in 2025 ranged from $140,000 to $175,000 for mid-level roles — approximately 10-15% below national median but with housing costs running 40-50% below comparable San Francisco or Seattle markets.
For DFW professionals looking specifically for AI, ML, and GenAI roles, Rebuix applies strict AI relevance filtering to ensure every listed role genuinely requires AI skills — not just mentions them.
The Skills Gap in DFW AI Hiring
The consistent theme from DFW hiring managers in 2025 was a shortage of candidates with production AI experience — engineers who have deployed ML models into live systems, not just completed online courses. This gap created meaningful opportunity for workers willing to build portfolio projects and demonstrate applied skills.
Courses through platforms like AI Learn Hub specifically address this gap with project-based curriculum, giving DFW candidates the portfolio evidence employers need. The combination of targeted upskilling and a strong regional network makes DFW a viable market for IT-to-AI career transitions.
Looking Ahead: DFW Tech in 2026
The outlook for DFW technology employment in 2026 is cautiously optimistic. AI hiring is expected to continue accelerating. Cloud infrastructure demand remains strong. The region's lower cost base and growing talent pool are attracting companies that previously hired only in coastal markets. For workers willing to invest in AI and cloud skills, the DFW market in 2026 offers real opportunities.