Archive · 13 Sep 2026
AI Jobs Boom Outpaces Layoffs as Infrastructure Spending Surges
Artificial intelligence is changing the job market, but it has not caused the huge job loss some people feared.
The Economist estimates that AI has created about 1 million jobs in America.
About 200,000 jobs have been lost because of AI since mid-2023.
That means the number of new jobs is currently much larger than the number of AI-related layoffs.
Many new jobs are connected to building the computers and data centers that AI needs.
Workers are needed to install chips and servers, cool machines, connect power supplies, and maintain equipment.
Goldman Sachs estimates that AI infrastructure spending is about $500 billion higher each year than it was in 2022.
Data-center construction is also growing quickly.
The Economist estimates that artificial intelligence has created around 1 million jobs in America.
About 200,000 layoffs have been attributed to artificial intelligence since mid-2023.
Artificial intelligence infrastructure spending is roughly $500 billion a year above its 2022 level, according to Goldman Sachs.
U.S. data-center construction is advancing at an annual rate exceeding $75 billion, nearly 60% higher than a year ago.
The infrastructure boom is creating jobs for electricians, HVAC specialists, grid engineers, and equipment technicians.
- Who
- Workers, companies, The Economist, and Goldman Sachs are central to the report.
- What
- Artificial intelligence has created about 1 million American jobs while contributing to roughly 200,000 layoffs since mid-2023.
- When
- The comparison covers developments since mid-2023, with infrastructure spending measured against 2022 levels.
- Where
- America, particularly at data-center and related infrastructure projects.
- Why
- Demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure—including chips, servers, data centers, cooling systems, and power connections—is creating new employment.
- Estimated AI jobs created
- Around 1 million in America
- AI-attributed layoffs
- Roughly 200,000 since mid-2023
- Annual AI infrastructure spending increase
- About $500 billion above 2022 levels
- Annual data-center construction rate
- More than $75 billion
- Year-over-year construction growth
- Nearly 60% higher than a year ago
- New infrastructure roles
- Electricians, HVAC specialists, grid engineers, and equipment technicians