U.S. Cities with the Most Job Openings
in AI and Healthcare

As we stand on the brink of a new era in medicine and healthcare delivery, the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with healthcare practices is not just imminent; it’s already underway. This transformative amalgamation reshapes how we approach everything from clinical research and patient diagnostics to treatment methodologies and patient care. 

The inception of roles such as medical data scientist, healthcare AI project manager, or health data analyst may eventually be used to optimize care plans, resource allocation, and even diagnoses. With AI’s ability to rapidly sort data, this tool can support healthcare providers in exciting new ways.

At St. Catherine University, where our mission intertwines the nurturing of innovative minds with a deep commitment to healthcare excellence, we recognize the pivotal role AI is poised to play in the healthcare sector.

Top Cities for AI Opportunities in Healthcare

As the healthcare industry embraces the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), certain U.S. cities are emerging as pivotal hubs for AI-driven healthcare opportunities. 

By examining the ratio of healthcare job postings mentioning AI to every 1,000 positions in the sector, we’ve uncovered the top cities where AI’s impact in healthcare is most significant.

U.S. map displaying the top 10 cities with the most AI-driven healthcare job openings

Cities with the Highest Proportion of
Total Healthcare Positions Leveraging AI: 

  • Durham, NC (28.88 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): Renowned for its prominent research universities and a cornerstone of the Research Triangle, Durham stands out as a leader in healthcare innovation, undoubtedly fueled by its rich academic and research ecosystem.
  • Colorado Springs, CO (28.49 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): With a vibrant community of tech startups and a robust military presence, Colorado Springs is uniquely positioned to blend cutting-edge technology with healthcare, driven by its commitment to advancing medical care and services.
  • Provo, UT (13.55 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): Provo’s robust educational institutions and burgeoning tech scene contribute to its high ranking. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit likely fosters an environment where AI thrives in healthcare settings.
  • Ogden, UT (13.42 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): Close to Provo, Ogden benefits from Utah’s tech-friendly climate, with a particular emphasis on research and development that spills over into healthcare.
  • McAllen, TX (11.97 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): McAllen’s inclusion highlights the growing importance of AI in healthcare, even in regions traditionally not known as tech hubs, reflecting the broad reach and applicability of AI solutions in healthcare.
  • Wilmington, NC (11.97 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): This coastal city, with its thriving business community and focus on life sciences, is becoming an unexpected center for healthcare innovation, where AI is playing an increasingly significant role.
  • Stockton, CA (11.73 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): In the heart of California, Stockton’s strategic location and its connectivity to major cities make it an attractive spot for healthcare professionals looking to merge AI with their practice.
  • Daytona Beach, FL (11.58 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): Known for its motorsports, Daytona Beach is also accelerating in the healthcare sector, with AI taking the lead in driving advancements.
  • Baton Rouge, LA (11.37 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): As the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge’s pervasive strong educational and governmental presence fosters an environment ripe for AI integration into healthcare.
  • Lakeland, FL (11.11 jobs using AI per 1,000 healthcare jobs): Positioned between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland’s strategic location supports its emergence as a key player in AI-driven healthcare, benefiting from the flow of ideas and innovations from its larger neighbors.

The national average is 7.46 healthcare positions utilizing AI, underscoring the significant lead held by the top-ranking cities.

These cities, each unique in their characteristics and strengths, underline the diverse landscapes in which AI is reshaping healthcare. From established tech hubs to unexpected centers of innovation, the infusion of AI into healthcare is a nationwide phenomenon, promising a future where healthcare delivery is more efficient, personalized, and accessible. 

Cities with the Highest Total Number of Job Openings in AI Healthcare

In our ongoing exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence and healthcare, we focus on the cities with the highest number of healthcare job postings that leverage AI. 

This perspective offers a broader view of the landscape, highlighting the density of AI roles within the healthcare sector and the sheer volume of opportunities available.

  • Boston, MA and San Jose, CA: Both cities lead with an impressive 99 AI-related healthcare jobs. Boston, with its rich medical research environment and numerous healthcare institutions, alongside San Jose, at the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech innovation, naturally emerges as a hotspot for such opportunities
  • Miami, FL: Close behind, Miami boasts 97 AI-related healthcare positions, highlighting its growing tech scene and strategic location as a bridge to the healthcare markets of Latin America.
  • New York, NY: With 90 opportunities, New York’s diverse and sprawling healthcare ecosystem, combined with its status as a global tech hub, makes it a fertile ground for AI integration in healthcare.
  • Riverside, CA: Surprisingly, Riverside holds its own with 84 jobs, likely benefiting from the spillover effects of the tech innovation from nearby Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as its expanding healthcare sector.
  • Houston, TX: Houston, with 83 positions, leverages its massive healthcare infrastructure, including the Texas Medical Center, to adopt AI technologies in various healthcare applications.
  • Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, and Tampa, FL: Each city offers 80 AI-related healthcare jobs, reflecting their substantial healthcare industries and growing tech sectors. These cities demonstrate how diverse metropolitan areas across the U.S. are incorporating AI into healthcare.
  • Philadelphia, PA: With 79 jobs, Philadelphia’s rich history in medical research and education, combined with a strong tech presence, positions it as a key player in the AI healthcare space.

With a national average of 67 AI-related healthcare jobs per city, the leaders in this category significantly surpass the norm, indicating regional hotspots of innovation and growth in AI-driven healthcare. 

The growing number of healthcare positions leveraging AI underscores the critical need for professionals who are not only versed in their clinical or administrative domains but are also adept at navigating the complexities and potentials of AI. 

Closing Thoughts

It’s clear that the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) with healthcare is changing how we approach medicine and patient care. Our study highlights cities leading in AI healthcare opportunities and shows that this change is widespread and impactful.

Key findings, like Durham’s high number of AI roles in healthcare and the significant job openings in cities like Boston and San Jose, highlight a clear trend: healthcare is becoming more intelligent and focused on individual patient needs. 

At St. Kate’s, this study reflects our commitment to staying ahead in healthcare education. While the OTA role may not be represented in the aforementioned AI-related job opportunities, we wanted to understand where healthcare is headed and ensure our students are ready for what’s next. 

Keep in mind that AI is a tool like any other; it may be used to supplement OTA work, but ultimately, the profession is very hands-on and highly individualized. It’s not central to the day-to-day work of an OTA or pivotal to their primary goals. As technology increasingly intersects with healthcare, the future for those entering the healthcare field is exceptionally bright, and we’re here to make sure our students are prepared to lead the way.

Looking forward, we encourage our community — our students, graduates, and healthcare workers everywhere — to dive into this innovative wave. There’s a wealth of ways to get involved, from academic exploration to advancing your career, all while making a difference in healthcare. 

We encourage our community to embrace these opportunities with the knowledge and compassion at the heart of a St. Kate’s education.

Methodology 

In our study, we utilized LinkedIn’s job search database as of March 5, 2024, to analyze job listings across the 100 most populated U.S. cities, focusing on the hospital and healthcare sectors. We gathered data on total job listings, healthcare-specific roles, and positions mentioning artificial intelligence, particularly those within healthcare. 

This approach allowed us to calculate the ratio of AI-related healthcare jobs to total healthcare positions in each city, providing a snapshot of AI’s integration into the healthcare job market. Our analysis offers a comparative view of cities leading in AI-driven healthcare opportunities, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare employment influenced by technological advancements.