2026 Open Source Professionals Job Survey Report Now Available

Ontario, Canada, 2026-05-08 — Linux Professional Institute (LPI), in partnership with Open Source JobHub (OSJH), has released the 2026 Open Source Professionals Job Survey Report. The report presents findings from their third joint survey of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) professionals.

Based on responses from admins, developers, and non-technical professionals, it provides insights into what open source professionals value. These findings can help employers attract, hire, and retain talent.

As in the previous year, professional fulfillment—often associated with engaging projects, networking opportunities, or a sense of accomplishment—remains the top priority for open source professionals when choosing a job. In total, 97.06% of respondents rate this factor as essential, very important, or somewhat important. Work-life balance (96.08%) and company culture and values (94.85%) follow closely behind.

Training and certification also play an important role in their career decisions. A total of 83.58% of respondents consider employer-provided training important when choosing a role. Additionally, 92.16% said they want guidelines on the use of and contributions to open source software.

The report also shows that 67.48% of respondents are either actively looking for a new position or open to the right opportunity.

The full report, which presents additional findings from the survey, can be downloaded at: https://www.lpi.org/2026-open-source-professionals-job-survey-ospjs-report/

“Open source professionals are shaping the future of technology, and understanding what motivates them is essential for employers looking to attract and retain talent. By sharing insights directly from professionals, this report helps employers better understand the priorities and expectations shaping today’s open source workforce,” says G. Matthew Rice, Executive Director of Linux Professional Institute.

“This report offers a unique view into what open source professionals are looking for in their job roles, which is particularly interesting in today’s volatile job market,” says Brian Osborn, Founder of OSJH, and CEO and Publisher at Linux New Media. “Understanding the priorities of these admins, developers, and non-tech pros is key to finding and retaining open source talent.”

About Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is the global certification standard and career support organization for open source professionals. With more than 350,000 certification holders, LPI is the world’s first and largest vendor-neutral Linux and open source certification body. LPI has certified professionals in over 180 countries, delivers exams in multiple languages, and has hundreds of training partners. To learn more about Linux Professional Institute, visit www.lpi.org.

About Open Source JobHub

Open Source JobHub is a job site to help candidates find their place in the open source ecosystem. It connects job seekers with employers looking for top talent. To learn more about Open Source JobHub, visit opensourcejobhub.com

Media Contact:
Shamiul Hossain
Communications
Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
shossain@lpi.org