Recent data reveals that from Q2 to Q3 2024, the number of AI professionals in the U.S. increased by 9.3% overall. This growth includes a 5.7% rise in academia and a 10.1% boost in the industry.
Despite a broader decline in the job market, the AI talent pool continues to expand across the country. The states with the highest concentrations of AI professionals are California (33K), Washington (12K), and New York (5K).
When it comes to companies leading the AI talent race, Google ranks first, with 2,000 more AI professionals than Meta. However, Meta holds a slight advantage over Google in terms of the number of AI researchers.
Conclusion:
The Q3 2024 data highlights a positive growth trajectory for the AI workforce, with strong gains in both academia and industry. While the broader job market faces challenges, demand for AI talent remains robust, especially in key tech hubs like California, Washington, and New York. Companies such as Google and Meta continue to dominate the space, attracting top-tier AI professionals, with Meta also carving out a leadership position in AI research. As the field continues to evolve, the growing pool of AI talent signals a dynamic future for the industry, opening the door to new opportunities and innovations.