Tech companies cut 128,536 jobs in 2026, surpassing all of 2025

September 13, 2026 at 10:12 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Technology companies have cut 128,536 employees across 299 firms in 2026, exceeding the 122,606 layoffs recorded in all of 2025. Oracle leads with 21,000 job cuts, followed by Amazon at 17,267 and Dell at 11,000. The wave continued into September, with Uber announcing 3,300 layoffs in the first ten days of the month.

Key Facts

Tech companies cut 128,536 jobs in 2026, more than the 122,606 layoffs in all of 2025.
Oracle announced 21,000 job cuts, the largest single reduction this year.
Amazon has announced layoffs five times since January, totaling 17,267 employees.
Uber announced 3,300 layoffs in early September, representing over half of all tech-sector cuts that month.
PayPal expects to save $400 million by the end of 2026 and $1.5 billion over the next two to three years from its workforce reduction.

Largest Layoffs

Oracle leads all tech companies with 21,000 job cuts announced in June, amounting to 13% of its workforce. The company is prioritizing investment in data center construction for AI, shifting spending away from personnel. Analysts estimate the Oracle layoffs could free up $8 billion to $10 billion annually. Amazon has announced layoffs five separate times in 2026, cutting 17,267 employees. Meta Platforms reduced its workforce in several stages, with the largest single cut of 8,000 employees in May.

September Cuts

Uber announced 3,300 layoffs in early September, more than half of all tech-sector job cuts in the first ten days of the month. The company plans to reduce its total workforce by 10%, primarily targeting administrative staff. PayPal ranks sixth in total layoffs this year, citing business optimization and cost reduction. PayPal expects to save $400 million by the end of 2026 and $1.5 billion over the following two to three years. Apple cut 200 employees in August, with about half working on the Vision Pro headset and the rest on Siri and AI software.

AI Impact

Experts estimate that only a quarter to a third of tech layoffs in 2026 can be attributed to AI adoption. The remaining cuts stem from post-pandemic correction, as tech workforces expanded rapidly during COVID-19. Some eliminated positions may be restored in the future, making the process not entirely irreversible. AI is beginning to displace younger employees and roles in areas already successfully automated.