Employers Seek Workers with AI Skills: What Does That Entail?

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to the workplace, employers are on the hunt for individuals who bring AI expertise to the table. According to The Wall Street Journal, nearly one in four tech job postings in the US this year specifically call for AI skills. But what does this really entail?

Some companies are in need of developers capable of creating and designing AI tools and platforms. Others require IT professionals who can maintain and support these AI systems. Meanwhile, some organizations are looking for staff who can seamlessly integrate AI into their everyday tasks. The demand for these diverse AI roles is on the rise.

AI-Related Tech Positions Have Doubled in a Few Years

In the information sector, which houses many tech giants at the forefront of AI development, 36% of IT job postings in January were AI-focused, as reported by UMD-LinkUp AI Maps. This initiative tracks the proliferation of AI-related jobs. In sectors like finance and professional services, banks and consulting firms are eager to hire individuals skilled in developing or utilizing AI algorithms and models.

Across various industries, the focus of open IT positions has shifted towards AI. For instance, the Wall Street Journal highlighted that while only a fraction of healthcare job openings are tech-related, the number of new AI-focused tech positions in January was nearly double what it was a few years back.

Before the recent AI surge, jobs involving artificial intelligence and machine learning were already present. However, the demand spiked following the launch of ChatGPT at the end of 2022. A white paper from the creators of UMD-LinkUp AI Maps, titled "Diffusion of AI Jobs Across Economic Sectors," details this shift in job postings, both overall and specifically in AI.

But Job Postings Have Declined Since ChatGPT's Launch

Since ChatGPT's debut two years ago, overall job postings have dropped by 17%, indicating a slower hiring pace. IT job postings specifically fell from 354,070 in Q4 2022 to 258,706 in Q4 2024, a 27% decline.

However, the landscape for AI-related jobs tells a different story. Over the same period, these job postings surged from 29,509 to 49,577, marking a 68% increase. The authors of the white paper attribute this to a significant "ChatGPT effect."

Further evidence of the AI job boom comes from a January LinkedIn report, which listed the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the US. Three AI roles made the cut: artificial intelligence engineer and consultant took the top two spots, while artificial intelligence researcher ranked 12th. Many of these positions require proficiency in large language models (LLMs), deep learning, and Python programming.

It's not just AI developers and tech experts that employers are after. Thomas Vick, senior regional director at staffing firm Robert Half, told the WSJ that companies are also seeking professionals who can weave AI into their existing roles. For example, a cybersecurity engineer might be needed to leverage AI in assessing security threats more effectively.

The growing demand for AI-savvy professionals is a win for tech workers, offering higher salaries and greater job security. Andy Challenger, senior vice president at outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, noted to the WSJ, "I'm not seeing a lot of people with cutting-edge AI skills come through our programs right now, which means that companies are hanging onto them."