Many technology teams will be growing in the first half of 2019, but staffing challenges exist, according to Robert Half Technology’s State of US Tech Hiring research, released today. Sixty-three percent of IT hiring decision makers polled plan to expand the size of their teams by adding full-time employees; however, 87% of those surveyed said it’s challenging for their company to find skilled IT professionals.

According to the survey, 95% of leaders will make project-based hires next year, and 90% are reskilling current staff, with cloud computing the top skill being trained.

Respondents cited the following as the top skills immediately needed for their organizations:

1. Cybersecurity
2. Cloud security
3. Cloud computing
4. Cloud architecture
5. Business intelligence and reporting services
6. Database management
7. Virtualization
8. Web development/design (tie)
9. Mobile development (tie)

More than half of IT decision makers in 28 cities are expanding teams, led by Houston at 80%; Charlotte, NC, at 77%; and Phoenix at 76%.

“Along with a strong core team, project professionals are becoming an integral part of organizations’ staffing strategies to get the best and brightest on board quickly for key projects,” Robert Half executive VP John Reed said. “Digital and security initiatives continue to put pressure on IT departments, adding to the need for talent.”

The online survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by a leading independent research firm. It included responses from more than 2,800 IT decision makers in 28 major US markets. All IT respondents were screened to have hiring authority for the information systems or information technology department of a company.