Cambridge, MA - edX and The Linux Foundation released the 2021 Open Source Jobs Report, examining trends in open source skills, talent, and training. Topline findings show us that learning opportunities are being prioritized by both employees and employers; open source talent remains both in high demand, and in short supply; and that the most in-demand skills include cloud and container technology.

This year's report makes it clear that COVID-19 has only exacerbated skills gaps and hiring needs that were bubbling to the surface pre-pandemic, especially in the high technology sector. Fifty percent of employers surveyed stated they are increasing hiring this year, however, 92% of managers report difficulty finding enough talent. It's promising to see in the findings that employers are meeting these needs by increasing training and learning opportunities: 58% are prioritizing training investments to close skills gaps. 

Hiring managers also reported on the top skills they are seeking in candidates. Cloud and container technology skills are most in demand, surpassing Linux for the first time in the history of this report, with 46% of hiring managers seeking cloud talent. Other top skills include networking technologies, DevOps practices, and security practices. 

“Open source talent is in high demand, encouraging the most experienced pros to look for new opportunities while hiring managers battle it out for the most desirable candidates,” said Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin. “For those looking for the best career paths, it is evident that cloud native computing, DevOps, Linux, and security hold the most promising opportunities.”

The report features analysis of data from more than 200 hiring managers at corporations, small and medium businesses (SMBs), government organizations, and staffing agencies across the globe, as well as responses from more than 750 open source professionals worldwide.

Download the full 2021 Open Source Jobs Report here.