AI jobs take top 2 spots on LinkedIn’s list of 25 fastest-growing US roles

AI jobs dominate LinkedIn’s latest rankings of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, with artificial intelligence engineering and consulting claiming the top two positions.

Key findings: LinkedIn’s analysis of job postings from January 2022 to July 2024 reveals unprecedented growth in AI-related career opportunities across multiple sectors.

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer emerges as the fastest-growing role, requiring expertise in Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing, and PyTorch
• The position typically demands 3-4 years of experience and offers significant workplace flexibility, with 35% remote and 27% hybrid options
• Top hiring locations include technology hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston

Role specifications and requirements: The rapid expansion of AI careers encompasses both technical and strategic positions, each with distinct skill requirements and work arrangements.

• AI Consultants, ranking second, focus on helping organizations implement AI solutions, with emphasis on LLMs, prompt engineering, and Python programming
• AI Researchers, placing twelfth, require deep learning expertise and contribute to advancing AI technologies through research and testing
• Workforce Development Manager, an AI-adjacent role ranking fourth, bridges the gap between technology and human capital development

Industry distribution: The demand for AI talent spans multiple sectors, with varying workplace flexibility options.

• Technology and internet companies lead hiring across all AI roles
• IT services, consulting firms, and electronics manufacturers show strong demand for AI engineers
• Higher education and research services particularly seek AI researchers
• Non-profits and staffing agencies primarily hire for workforce development positions

Geographic trends: Major coastal tech hubs dominate hiring locations, though opportunities exist nationwide.

• San Francisco consistently appears as a top location across all AI roles
• New York offers substantial opportunities for AI engineers and consultants
• Boston emerges as a key hub for AI research positions
• Secondary markets like Columbus, OH show growing demand for AI-adjacent roles

Future implications: The prominence of AI roles in LinkedIn’s rankings indicates a fundamental shift in the job market, suggesting that organizations are not just adopting AI technologies but are actively building internal capabilities to leverage them effectively. This trend may accelerate as more industries recognize the strategic importance of AI integration.