Archive · 10 Sep 2026
AI Infrastructure Boom Creates Around One Million Jobs Despite Layoffs
AI has not caused as many job losses as some people feared so far.
The Economist estimates that AI has helped create about 1 million jobs in America.
Around 200,000 layoffs have been linked to AI since mid-2023.
That means new jobs currently outnumber the reported AI-related layoffs.
Many of these jobs are connected to building the machines and facilities that AI needs.
Companies are spending much more on chips, servers, data centers, cooling, and electricity.
Data centers need electricians, heating and cooling specialists, engineers, and technicians.
This large building effort is helping create an AI-related jobs boom.
The Economist estimates that AI has created around 1 million jobs in America.
About 200,000 layoffs have been attributed to AI since mid-2023.
AI-related job creation appears to offset weaker hiring in many back-office roles.
AI infrastructure spending is roughly $500 billion annually above its 2022 level, according to Goldman Sachs.
Data-center construction is advancing at an annual rate above $75 billion and employs specialized workers.
- Who
- Workers, companies investing in artificial intelligence, The Economist, and Goldman Sachs.
- What
- Artificial intelligence has been associated with around 1 million new jobs in America, while about 200,000 layoffs have been attributed to it.
- When
- Since mid-2023; spending comparisons use 2022 as the baseline.
- Where
- America, particularly at data-center construction and infrastructure sites.
- Why
- Demand for AI infrastructure—including chips, servers, data centers, cooling systems, and power connections—has increased sharply.
- Estimated jobs created
- Around 1 million in America
- AI-attributed layoffs
- Roughly 200,000 since mid-2023
- Annual infrastructure spending increase
- Approximately $500 billion above 2022 levels
- Data-center construction rate
- More than $75 billion annually
- Construction growth
- Nearly 60% higher than a year ago
- Reported sources
- The Economist, Goldman Sachs, and Census Bureau data
- Infrastructure roles
- Electricians, HVAC specialists, grid engineers, and technicians