Interested in an AI Job? Move to One of These 5 States

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is changing the world at an unprecedented pace. From self-driving cars to investment advice, AI is taking over many aspects of our lives. It is no secret that advancements in AI are affecting our job sector, with many fearing that jobs will be lost to automation. However, AI innovation is also creating new positions, sparking massive interest in the technology.

According to Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, there were over 795,000 AI-related jobs posted throughout 2022 in the United States. More than half (59%) of these job postings were concentrated in the top 10 states and about 40% in the top 5 -- revealing where AI roles are being prioritized across the country. If you are interested in an AI job, here are the top states to move to.

1. California: 142,154 jobs

California, particularly San Francisco and the Silicon Valley region, is the motherland of AI. Companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and many others call this home and have a massive need for AI talent.

What's more, California is thriving in other sectors such as healthcare and education. This, coupled with its overall innovation and tech culture, makes it a great state for AI job seekers as well as those looking to start an AI-based company.

2. Texas: 66,624 jobs

Texas is another state worth mentioning with growing AI job opportunities. Texas has seen a massive influx of tech companies, particularly those that focus on AI. Companies like Amazon and IBM are hiring AI experts, either remotely or at their Austin campuses.

Texas's low cost of living, favorable taxes and regulations, and warm weather make it an incredibly attractive state for startups and anyone pursuing an AI job.

3. New York: 43,899 jobs

New York is another state seeing a significant rise in AI jobs. The state is home to many AI startups, creating a host of AI job positions like data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI strategists.

New York City also has a vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for those who want to work in a bustling metro area while pursuing an AI career.

4. Massachusetts: 34,603 jobs

Massachusetts is also booming in the AI job sector, especially in Boston, where AI companies are popping up every day. Their large number of startups have increased job opportunities for AI experts and made Boston stand out as a top tech hub.

Massachusetts is also the home of dozens of colleges and universities that offer some of the best AI degree programs, such as Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). If you are looking for AI jobs and want to take your education further, Massachusetts might be the state for you.

5. Virginia: 34,221 jobs

Virginia is another state that is seeing tremendous growth in AI job creation. Fairfax County in Northern Virginia alone is home to 8,800 large and small IT companies. Its location near the nation's capital makes it an ideal location to work with policymakers and leaders who help shape the industry.

AI is the future, and with that comes a wealth of opportunities for career growth and job creation. These states are leading the charge when it comes to AI job opportunities. However, they are not the only places one can find AI jobs. With the explosion of AI across all industries, it is only a matter of time before every state in the nation experiences a massive demand for AI talent. Therefore, if you're considering a career in AI, these five states offer a great starting point and are worth the move. Staying abreast of new technology and capitalizing on new job opportunities is a good way to invest in yourself and improve your personal finances.