U.S. generative AI jobs cluster in select tech hubs

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — New research reveals over 60% of generative artificial intelligence (AI) job postings in the past year were concentrated in just 10 metropolitan areas, with nearly one-quarter located in the Bay Area. This clustering renews concerns about unequal access to tech employment.

The analysis from the Brookings Institution found AI activity heavily focused in established tech hubs like San Francisco and San Jose, California, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle, defying expectations that new technologies would decentralize opportunity. 

Generative AI startups and roles remain concentrated near the key innovation centers and talent pools that initially spawned AI breakthroughs.

Experts warn this concentration could solidify divides unless countered by inclusive education and training programs.

“For that matter, states and regions—in partnership with federal agencies—urgently need to expand digital education and training efforts. These should have a special focus on ensuring underrepresented groups can access AI skills pathways in places where AI activity is emerging,” said Mark Muro and Julian Jacobs, the authors of the research.

Among the notable companies spearheading generative AI are Google DeepMind and Meta, which have open-sourced key algorithms powering new applications across the internet. However, their groundbreaking research and product development largely remains anchored in coastal tech clusters.

Proponents hope wider computing access can eventually broaden generative AI’s reach. But for now, its benefits appear concentrated among established tech giants and the limited metro areas where they cluster top talent.