India has emerged as the top global hub for AI-related job growth, as demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning skills surges across industries, according to the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Index Report by Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI).
India Records Highest AI Hiring Growth in 2024
The report reveals that India recorded a 33.39% year-over-year increase in AI-related hiring in 2024, the highest globally. Data sourced from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph shows that emerging markets are at the forefront of AI hiring, with Brazil (30.83%) and Saudi Arabia (28.71%) also witnessing significant increases.
Other strong performers include Eastern European nations like Slovenia and Romania, and countries such as Finland and Argentina, indicating a broadening AI talent landscape that’s no longer restricted to traditional tech hubs.
US Trails Emerging Economies in AI Hiring Growth
Surprisingly, the United States—long regarded as a global tech leader—recorded a comparatively modest 24.8% increase in AI hiring. Analysts suggest that this shift underscores the rapid rise of emerging economies, which are now narrowing the AI talent gap and, in some cases, outpacing established players in tech recruitment.
Technical Skills Driving AI Employment
The report also shines a light on the top in-demand technical skills fueling AI hiring globally. In the US, Python topped the list with 199,213 AI-related job postings in 2024, representing a 527% jump since 2012–2014.
Close behind were job listings requiring computer science knowledge (193,341), while data-related roles have witnessed a sharp rise. Job postings for data analysis and data science grew by over 800%, reaching 128,938 and 110,620 listings, respectively.
One of the most striking surges was in demand for Amazon Web Services (AWS), which recorded a 1,778% increase, underlining the growing need for cloud computing infrastructure in AI deployments.
Other critical skills on the rise include:
SQL
Automation
Agile methodology
These trends suggest that employers are seeking multi-skilled professionals who can operate across data, infrastructure, and software engineering.
Also read: Google Launches Ironwood AI Chip
Generative AI Fuels the Momentum
The demand for generative AI talent—which powers applications like content creation, image generation, and chatbot development—has nearly quadrupled in just one year. The rapid rise of generative tools is expanding AI applications across industries, from entertainment and design to finance and healthcare.
