Mapping the AI Revolution with LinkUp (Part III)

When it comes to AI job postings, size isn't everything. While some states boast a commanding lead in sheer volume of job opportunities, the better measure of AI growth on the level of each state is in its Intensity measure: the ratio of artificial intelligence jobs to all other job postings in the state. Another way of thinking about AI intensity is through the ratio of AI jobs relative to all other tech jobs in a given region, which warrants some attention in this post.

Recent analysis of the Intensity across the United States powered by UMD-LinkUp AI Maps sheds light on this phenomenon. As we reported last week, Washington DC has emerged as the #2 AI hub in the country behind California. But when it comes to AI intensity, the Capital is in a class of its own, with an impressive AI Jobs Intensity measure of 1.8%, significantly surpassing the national average of 0.6%. Following closely behind are Virginia at 1.4% and Maryland at 0.8%, underlining the increasing concentration of AI opportunities in the capital region.

These size-adjusted measures paint a different picture of AI prevalence. While states like Texas and Florida may lead in their absolute share size of AI postings, it's the coastal regions, including smaller states like Connecticut and Delaware, that exhibit higher AI Intensity.

Across the nation, artificial intelligence job postings accounted for 9.9% of all IT job postings in 2023. Once again, Washington DC and 11 select states outshine the national average, emphasizing a heightened focus on integrating AI technologies within the IT sector.

While some regions may appear dominant on a surface level, a deeper analysis reveals pockets of innovation and opportunity that counter conventional expectations. As the economy gears up for an AI world, we’ll see change happen first at the level of AI jobs intensity as regional hubs quickly recruit and absorb AI talent. States with higher AI intensity are likely to witness accelerated innovation, job creation, and economic development driven by advancements in AI technologies.

For policymakers and industry leaders, these insights serve as valuable guidance in strategic planning and resource allocation. By understanding the unique dynamics of AI intensity across regions, stakeholders can foster conducive environments for AI innovation and empower local talent to thrive in the fourth Industrial Revolution.

Mapping the AI Revolution Blog Series:

Where’s My AI Revolution?

Mapping the AI Revolution with LinkUp (Part I)

Mapping the AI Revolution with LinkUp (Part II)