Contractors: are day rates actually falling in 2026, or does it depend entirely on the specialism?
This is something I’d really like the Community to build some collective intelligence around.
There is a lot of discussion about pressure on IT contractor rates, but I suspect the reality varies considerably by specialism, seniority and location.
Compared with 12–18 months ago, are the rates you are seeing now higher, lower or broadly unchanged?
If comfortable, include:
your specialism, approximate day-rate range, Inside/Outside IR35 preference and whether you are mainly seeing remote, hybrid or on-site opportunities.
I’m particularly interested in whether contractors are finding that advertised rates have fallen, or whether clients are simply becoming more selective about who receives the higher rates.
Real examples will be far more useful than market headlines.
There is a lot of discussion about pressure on IT contractor rates, but I suspect the reality varies considerably by specialism, seniority and location.
Compared with 12–18 months ago, are the rates you are seeing now higher, lower or broadly unchanged?
If comfortable, include:
your specialism, approximate day-rate range, Inside/Outside IR35 preference and whether you are mainly seeing remote, hybrid or on-site opportunities.
I’m particularly interested in whether contractors are finding that advertised rates have fallen, or whether clients are simply becoming more selective about who receives the higher rates.
Real examples will be far more useful than market headlines.
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