Tech hiring down overall, but AI job postings surge 68%

The AI workplace revolution is creating a massive surge in demand for AI-skilled professionals, with 25% of US tech job postings now requiring artificial intelligence expertise. This fundamental shift in hiring priorities comes despite an overall slowdown in tech recruitment, highlighting how organizations across multiple sectors are positioning themselves to capitalize on AI integration for competitive advantage.

The big picture: AI-related tech positions have more than doubled in recent years, with 36% of information sector IT jobs now requiring AI skills, according to data from UMD-LinkUp AI Maps.

• While overall job postings fell 17% in the two years since ChatGPT‘s launch, AI-related job postings surged 68% during the same period.
• The contrast is stark – as general IT job postings dropped from 354,070 to 258,706 between Q4 2022 and Q4 2024, AI-related jobs jumped from 29,509 to 49,577.

What companies want: Employers are seeking various types of AI expertise, from technical developers to everyday users who can integrate AI tools into standard workflows.

• Some organizations need developers to build and design AI tools and platforms, while others require IT professionals to manage and support existing AI systems.
• Many companies now expect employees across functions to incorporate AI into their regular job duties, such as cybersecurity engineers using AI for threat assessment.

In-demand skills: LinkedIn’s January report identified three AI positions among the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the US, with specific technical competencies particularly sought after.

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer and Consultant positions ranked high on the list, with AI Researcher appearing at number 12.
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs), deep learning, and Python programming represents some of the most valuable technical skills in the current market.

Why this matters: The growing demand for AI expertise is creating premium career opportunities for tech professionals willing to develop these skills.

• AI-skilled workers are commanding higher salaries and enjoying increased job security even as the broader tech job market faces contraction.
• Financial services, consulting firms, and professional services organizations are increasingly competing for AI talent alongside traditional technology companies.