Seattle ranks high on AI hiring, but the job hunt isn't always easy ...
Nearly two years after ChatGPT brought generative AI to everyone’s fingertips, the buzzy technology remains a bright spot for Seattle-area companies. But landing an AI job isn’t as easy as the hype would lead you to believe.
After years of rolling layoffs and cost-cutting efforts, Big Tech is reluctant to expand its headcount, even when investing in AI. Startups are emerging in Seattle, and venture capitalists are eager to pour money into the next Big Tech advancement, but those fledgling companies aren’t posting many jobs yet.
Seattle's Position in the AI Job Market
Seattle is among the nation’s top AI hubs, ranking second after San Francisco in commercial real estate firm CBRE’s 2024 Scoring Tech Talent report. Job postings requiring AI skills in the Seattle metro area grew by 166% over the last year according to Chmura Economics.
Despite the demand for AI talent, Seattle is slower to fill open AI roles than other cities, with postings remaining up for a median of 33 days compared to 17 days in other top AI job markets.
Hiring Trends of Tech Giants in Seattle
Amazon, the largest tech employer in Seattle, is taking longer to hire for AI roles compared to its Eastside rival Microsoft. The company hired 329 AI engineers from January through September, while Microsoft hired 414 during the same period.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is also making its mark in King County with a significant number of AI job postings, showing growth in AI-related headcount and low attrition rates.
Challenges Faced by Job Seekers
Despite the demand for senior-level AI talent, entry and junior level workers are struggling to find opportunities in the Seattle job market. Companies are selective in their hiring, prioritizing experienced individuals for AI roles.
Some tech companies are not paying more for all AI talent, with wage discrepancies based on experience level. While senior AI talent commands high salaries, entry-level positions may not see the same level of investment.
The Future of AI Hiring in Seattle
Seattle presents a tale of two cities for AI job seekers, with a higher supply of AI resumes than job postings. The tech industry in Seattle appears to be in a holding pattern, with little change in employment rates over the last two years.
As the demand for AI talent continues to grow, Seattle faces challenges in filling AI roles efficiently and addressing the needs of both experienced and entry-level workers in the AI job market.
