Nashville prepares for AI boom, but city still lags on job growth
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Nashville's technology sector is growing thanks to companies like Oracle and Amazon, but the city still lags behind in buzzy industry jobs tied to artificial intelligence.
The big picture: New York is the leading city for jobs that require AI skills, per a new analysis that found nearly 2,000 AI-affiliated job postings in the Big Apple this year.
- Seattle, San Jose and San Francisco also ranked high, with more than 1,000 AI-related job listings each.
- Music City came at No. 27, with only 176 AI jobs available.
How it works: The data come from a collaboration between the University of Maryland, job listings platform LinkUp and Outrigger Group, a consultancy and executive firm.
What we're watching: Nashville's AI job market hasn't exploded yet, but its colleges are adjusting their curriculum to match the expectation that demand will soon skyrocket.
- Vanderbilt University is launching its first new college in more than 40 years to address "the rapid emergence of advanced computing, AI and data science." The new College of Connected Computing expects to enroll its first students in 2026.
- Lipscomb University launched a graduate program in applied artificial intelligence last year designed to help working professionals in different industries grow their skills with AI and advanced computing.
Between the lines: Amid consternation about AI taking people's jobs, at least some people are finding new roles working with the emerging technology.
What she's saying: "This technology is a major disruptor — and opportunity — that is creating a shift in the workplace," Lipscomb University president Candice McQueen said.
- "AI won't replace you, but someone successfully using it will. With the knowledge to use AI successfully, professionals can harness the power of the technology for certain foundational tasks that will allow them to focus on more strategic work."
What's next: Oracle's long-awaited move to Nashville is still underway. Company officials say their corporate offices here will be open by 2030.
- The move is expected to bring thousands of additional tech jobs to Nashville.