Analysis of 850M+ professional profiles shows California claims six of top ten AI hiring markets, while salary premiums reach $200K+ in leading hubs
CA, UNITED STATES, February 3, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — SignalHire has released comprehensive geographic analysis of the US artificial intelligence job market, revealing dramatic concentration in just ten metropolitan areas that account for over 65% of all AI job postings nationwide.
Top 10 Cities for AI Jobs
Based on employer search data across SignalHire’s 850M+ professional database:
1. San Jose, CA – ML Engineer median: $152,600
2. New York, NY – ML Engineer median: $151,100
3. Mountain View, CA – ML Engineer median: $164,500
4. Palo Alto, CA – ML Engineer median: $138,400
5. Houston, TX – ML Engineer median: $140,000-$185,000
6. San Francisco, CA – ML Engineer median: $162,900
7. Boston, MA – ML Engineer median: $165,950
8. Redmond, WA – ML Engineer median: $190,000-$220,000
9. Sunnyvale, CA – ML Engineer median: $164,500
10. Seattle, WA – ML Engineer median: $197,400
Regional Specializations
The analysis reveals distinct market characteristics:
– San Jose: Research-intensive algorithmic development
– New York: Production infrastructure and financial services AI
– Boston: Healthcare/biotech applications with academic collaboration
– Houston: Energy sector industrial AI applications
– Seattle/Redmond: Cloud services and generative AI
Market Context
McKinsey research projects demand for AI specialists will grow 40% annually through 2027. The geographic concentration creates intense competition in top markets while leaving opportunities in emerging tech centers relatively untapped.
Cost-of-Living Considerations
Houston emerged as a notable outlier, offering competitive salaries ($140K-$185K) with a rent index of just 44.9 compared to New York’s baseline of 100—delivering superior purchasing power despite nominally lower compensation.
About SignalHire
SignalHire provides contact intelligence solutions with 850M+ professional profiles for recruiting, sales, and talent acquisition teams worldwide.
Media Contact
Email: press@signalhire.com
Website: https://www.signalhire.com
Blog: https://blog.signalhire.com
Mary Ivory
SignalHire Sp. z o. o.
+1 209-437-3846
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