Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) job postings in the United States have surged, with a notable 68% increase in AI job postings in just two years. According to the latest analysis by UMD-LinkUp AI Maps, the number of job postings requiring AI skills has grown dramatically, even as overall U.S. job postings have seen a decline. This trend highlights the growing influence of AI technologies across various industries, particularly in sectors where knowledge work is prevalent. This article delves into the patterns emerging from this shift and provides an in-depth analysis of AI job trends across economic sectors.
1. AI Job Postings Surge Despite Decline in Overall Job Postings
- AI job postings in Q4 2024 reached 49,577, a 68% increase from Q4 2022.
- Overall U.S. job postings declined by 17% during the same period.
- The decline in overall job postings suggests slower hiring but not a reduction in employment overall.
2. Sector-Level Analysis of AI Jobs
- Key Sectors with High AI Job Intensity:
- Information: 3.24% of job postings in this sector are AI-related.
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 2.40% of job postings are AI-related.
- Finance and Insurance: 1.54% of job postings are AI-related.
- Low AI Job Intensity Sectors:
- Health Care and Social Assistance: 0.05% AI job intensity.
- Accommodation and Food Services: 0.05% AI job intensity.
- These sectors rely heavily on physical, non-automatable work.
3. The ChatGPT Effect and the DeepSeek Phenomenon
- The rise of AI job postings is linked to the influence of large language models like ChatGPT.
- The “DeepSeek” phenomenon is expected to accelerate AI job growth, particularly in software development and technical services.
4. Growth in AI Job Postings Across Specific Industries
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: AI job postings share in this sector increased from 13.5% in 2018-Q1 to 24.0% in 2024-Q4.
- Information: Software publishers dominate, with 62% of AI job postings in this sector.
- Manufacturing: The “computer and electronic products” subsector accounts for 46% of AI job postings in manufacturing.
- Finance and Insurance: AI job postings have increased by 62% since ChatGPT’s launch, while IT job postings have declined by 33%.
5. Retail and AI Job Intensity
- Retail’s AI job intensity trails behind the U.S. economy average.
- Walmart and Amazon have made aggressive investments in AI, significantly increasing AI job intensity in their operations.
AI technologies are reshaping the job market, particularly in sectors that rely on knowledge work. While job postings overall have slowed down, AI job opportunities have flourished, signaling a transformative shift across industries. As AI continues to evolve, we expect to see even more industries embracing AI technologies, with significant implications for workforce needs and job creation.
