Need a new job? These AI roles are the fastest growing in the US, says LinkedIn
LinkedIn listed the top 25 jobs on the rise for 2026, and AI is a hot trend. But can you guess which role is the hottest?
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ZDNET's key takeaways
- AI's a hot trend among the 25 fastest-growing jobs in the US.
- Top jobs include AI engineer, AI consultant, and AI/ML researcher.
- LinkedIn also revealed the best industries and cities for these jobs.
With generative AI being all the buzz these days, it's no surprise that employers are looking for professionals with the right AI skills. That can mean people in sales, marketing, and other business areas who need to work with AI data. It can also mean developers, engineers, and others who design and set up the needed AI tools and systems.
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Released on Wednesday, a new LinkedIn report called "LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the US" looks at the hottest jobs in the US. The list covers a variety of professions but highlights several AI occupations among the top 10. Here's what LinkedIn uncovered.
AI engineer
In first place is AI engineer, aka machine learning engineer. In this role, you develop and set up AI models that tackle complex tasks demanding decision-making and problem-solving skills, challenges that would normally require a human being.
The typical programming languages and tech skills required are LangChain, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and PyTorch. The most common industries in need of AI engineers are Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, and Business Consulting and Services. Most of the jobs themselves are located in San Francisco, New York City, and Dallas.
On average, 3.7 years of previous experience are needed, while the roles from which AI engineers usually transition are software engineer, data scientist, and full stack engineer. For people who don't want to be stuck in the office all the time, 26% of the work is remote, while 27% is hybrid.
AI consultant and strategist
In second place is AI consultant and strategist. Here, you help companies plan and set up AI technologies to improve their overall operations and achieve specific business goals. The skills required include Large Language Models (LLM), MLOps, and Computer Vision.
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The industries in need of these professionals are Technology and Internet, IT Services and IT Consulting, and Business Consulting and Services. The most jobs are found in San Francisco, New York City, and Boston.
A hefty 8.2 years of prior experience are required. Most people in this field transition from such roles as business founder, software engineer, and product manager. Flex work is an option with 30% of the positions remote and 33% hybrid.
Data annotator
In the fourth spot is data annotator, or content analyst. People in this field review and label data based on specific guidelines and quality checks. The goal is to ensure the accuracy of the datasets used to train AI and machine learning models.
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Common skills required include SEO (search engine optimization) copywriting, content marketing, and content production. Industries that need data annotators are Technology and Internet, Staffing and Recruiting, and Higher Education. In academic settings, however, data annotation work is often performed by research assistants or associates, according to LinkedIn.
The most jobs are located in Austin, Texas; New York City; and San Francisco. Around 3.5 years of prior experience are needed. Many people in this field transition from content manager, editor, or data analyst. Some 27% of the work can be done remotely, with 29% hybrid.
AI/ML researcher
Taking fifth place is AI/ML researcher. In this job, you design and test new AI models and algorithms with the goal of improving the systems. Skills required are PyTorch, Deep Learning, and Computer Vision, while the most common industries looking for people in this role include Technology and Internet, Higher Education, and Research Services.
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Most of the jobs are in San Francisco, New York City, and Boston. Around three years of experience are required, while these professionals usually transition from data scientist, software engineer, or machine learning engineer. Flex work is available with 16% remote and 24% hybrid.
Data center technician
Lower down the list at No. 17 is data center technician. Here, you install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer servers, storage systems, and other hardware in a data center. The most common skills needed include data center infrastructure management, data center operations, and data center cabling.
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The industries in need of these professionals are IT Services and IT Consulting, Technology and Internet, and Staffing and Recruiting. Most of the jobs are located in Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; and Columbus, Ohio.
Around 3.8 years of experience are preferred, with such previous roles as information technology technician, technical support technician, and data center operations specialist. You'll be expected in the office most of the time, as only 3.6% of the work is remote, while 32% is hybrid.
Aside from these five jobs, other positions that made the list can certainly touch on technology. These include strategic advisors and independent consultants in seventh place, business founders in ninth place, venture partners in 12th place, business development executives in 16th place, and quantitative researchers and analysts in 20th place.
To compile the list, LinkedIn looked at millions of jobs posted by LinkedIn members from Jan. 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025. The goal was to determine a growth rate for each position. To be included in the list, a job needed to experience positive growth over the years and a healthy number of postings in the past year.
"This year's list points to continued momentum in both technical and strategic AI roles, including AI engineers, AI consultants, and data annotators," LinkedIn said in its post. "The rise in founders and independent consultants also points to a shift toward self-employment and gig work as professionals adapt to uncertainty."