Belfast job seekers: tech experts reveal the 10 AI skills that'll make you unstoppable in 2026

A new study reveals the AI skills most valuable to employers.

The study, conducted by software development experts at Vention, analysed 43,392 job postings from Glassdoor and examined a total of 425 skills to determine which AI competencies were most frequently mentioned in these job listings, leading to the creation of a ranking of the top ten most in-demand skills in AI jobs.

The most sought-after skill in AI occupations is machine learning, with 37.17% of jobs requiring this expertise. Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that enables computers to learn from data and improve their performance over time without the need for explicit programming. Instead of relying on predefined rules, ML models identify patterns in data to make decisions or predictions. Of the jobs analysed, 16,130 sought candidates with qualifications in machine learning.

Python is the second most in-demand skill, with 25.98% of AI jobs requiring it. Python is essential in AI roles because it is user-friendly and offers powerful tools to facilitate tasks such as machine learning and data analysis. It allows AI developers to quickly build and test models using libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch. A total of 11,275 jobs across the U.S. included Python as a required skill in their descriptions.

Data science is the third most in-demand specialised skill, with 19.71% of AI jobs listing this expertise on Glassdoor. In AI roles, data science focuses on analysing and interpreting large datasets to extract insights that inform AI development. It involves using skills in statistics, programming, and machine learning to process and model data, which is then used to build AI systems. 8,551 jobs in the U.S. sought candidates with data science qualifications.

The fourth most in-demand AI skill, required in 19.02% of jobs, is C++. This skill is valued in AI roles for its high performance and efficient memory management. It is often used in applications requiring fast execution, such as real-time systems, robotics, and computer vision. Of all AI occupations, 8,254 job postings include C++ in their descriptions.

Microsoft Excel ranks fifth, with 17.61% of jobs incorporating this skill in their requirements. Microsoft Excel is a valuable tool in AI roles for organising and managing datasets and cleaning data by using charts and pivot tables. It enables basic statistical analysis, simulates simple models, and creates visual representations of data for insights. 7,642 jobs required candidates to be proficient in Microsoft Excel.

Hanna Volchek, VP of Talent at Vention, commented on the findings:  “AI skills are in high demand due to the rapid growth of AI technologies and the increasing automation of business processes, which require skilled professionals to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.”

“As AI continues to evolve, companies must analyse vast amounts of data to maintain a competitive edge in their respective markets. This highlights the importance of having employees with the necessary skills to help develop and adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape.”