AI Boosts Tech Team Expansion In The US: Randstad Report

According to the latest Randstad report, most (93%) of the US organisations are increasing their technology workforce as they adopt artificial intelligence (AI).

“Our research shows US employers are expanding their tech teams as they adopt AI. The challenge is finding people who can turn that investment into business results, particularly in system architecture and AI orchestration,” said Michael Morris, global head of platform and talent at Randstad Digital.

The study was conducted across 1,100 senior business and technology decision-makers across 11 markets. It also used labour market data covering more than 20 million job postings and 100 million candidate profiles globally.

The latest Randstad study further found that employers are using a mix of hiring, internal training and flexible talent models to address skill gaps. The competition for technology talent is also spreading beyond traditional technology companies. Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), along with healthcare, are attracting up to 3 times more technology professionals into digital roles than pure-play IT firms, the report said.

Hiring criteria are changing, too. 54% of the US technology decision-makers now prioritise specialised micro-credentials and vendor certifications over traditional university degrees. Only 35% consider a 4-year computer science degree a non-negotiable requirement.

Interestingly, generative AI skills are also attracting higher starting salaries. Entry-level generative AI developers in the US earn an average starting salary of $152,000, compared with $135,000 for traditional senior developers. The difference represents a 12.6% premium, according to the report.

As AI tools automate routine code generation, employers are placing greater emphasis on system architecture and AI orchestration. Some 41% of US leaders identified these as the hardest capabilities to recruit. Globally, demand for system architecture skills has increased by 308% compared with 2020.

AI governance is another priority for employers. Companies must manage risks involving algorithmic bias, data privacy and unreliable data or information. The report found that 51% of US companies use external consultancies to address these risks, while 47% invest in structured internal training on AI compliance.

Gender representation remains a challenge in AI hiring. Women account for 39% of traditional technology roles in North America, but 32% of emerging AI roles. Their share falls to 27% globally at senior tenure levels, the report found.

Employers are also using different hiring models to secure talent. Some 52% of US organisations rely on full-time permanent hiring to protect core capabilities. Another 41% use flexible and contingent talent across nearshore (16%), onshore (14%) and offshore (11%) recruitment strategies.

The rise of AI-generated resumes has added pressure to recruitment processes. Some 42% of US employers reported an increase in job applications. In response, 31% have stopped relying on public job boards and instead use curated networks and talent partners.

Companies are also changing where their technology teams operate. Fully distributed models account for 34% of US talent delivery strategies. Nearshore regional hubs follow at 29%, while onshore domestic teams account for 22% and offshore capability centres for 15%.

“Employers need confidence in what someone can actually do. Curated talent communities help connect them with people whose skills have been validated, so they can move faster and make better hiring decisions. We also need to build these capabilities within our existing teams. Practical training and real work experience matter, and we have to make sure women have equal access to those opportunities as demand for AI skills grows,” Morris added.