Published on January 9th, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just transforming industries; it’s reshaping the job market itself.
According to LinkedIn’s recently released Jobs on the Rise list, technical roles—particularly those centered around AI—are among the fastest-growing jobs in the U.S.
This trend underscores the increasing importance of AI expertise in today’s economy.
Why It Matters
LinkedIn’s findings reveal that 60% of the jobs on this year’s list are new, and nearly half of these roles didn’t exist 25 years ago. This highlights the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on job creation.
The report analyzed millions of job transitions from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024, to calculate growth rates for various job titles.
At the forefront of this growth is the artificial intelligence engineer, followed closely by the artificial intelligence consultant at No. 2.
Top-Ranking Roles
While AI dominates the list, it’s not the sole focus. Here’s a snapshot of the top roles:
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Artificial Intelligence Consultant
- Physical Therapist
- Workforce Development Manager
- Travel Adviser
Tech and Engineering in Demand
In addition to AI-specific roles, traditional engineering fields are experiencing significant demand:
- Bridge Engineer (Ranked No. 18)
- Nuclear Engineer (Ranked No. 21)
- Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer (Ranked No. 24)
These roles reflect the enduring need for skilled engineers across sectors, even as AI takes center stage.
The Big Picture
Despite mass layoffs in the tech industry over the past few years, demand for AI expertise remains strong. Companies across industries are leveraging AI to drive innovation and improve efficiency.
As of November 2024, there were 16,591 new AI job postings—a remarkable 59% increase since January 2024, according to data from the University of Maryland and LinkUp’s AI job tracker.
California, Washington, and Texas have emerged as hotspots for these opportunities, emphasizing the geographic concentration of AI talent in tech-forward states.
The Rise of In-Person Roles
Interestingly, LinkedIn’s report also highlights a growing demand for roles requiring in-person interaction. Positions like travel advisers and event planners have gained traction, signaling a shift back toward face-to-face gatherings in 2025.
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
- Upskill in AI: Understanding how to prompt and engineer AI can open doors to high-demand roles.
- Explore Engineering Fields: Tech and engineering titles beyond AI are still highly sought after.
- Adapt to Hybrid Work Trends: Both AI and in-person connection-focused roles are thriving, reflecting a diverse job market.
Conclusion
The rapid rise of AI jobs, as reflected in LinkedIn’s report, is a testament to the transformative power of technology.
Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or an engineer looking to diversify your skill set, opportunities abound in this evolving landscape.
As the job market continues to shift, staying ahead of trends will be key to securing a future-ready career.
For more insights into the latest career trends and actionable advice, stay tuned to our blog.
