The best U.S. Metro Areas for People with AI-Enhanced Jobs 

Written By Jennifer Miller

Coworking Cafe: Raleigh-Cary ranks #10 among large metros thanks to strong AI job concentration and standout fiber connectivity. Here are more details on the area’s best metrics:

  • There were 1,683 new AI-related postings from Nov 2024 to Nov 2025 – 19th spot for this metric – reflecting steady demand tied to the region’s mix of enterprise tech, life sciences, and research-driven employers.

  • The area has a Location Quotient (AI job concentration) of 1.71, ranking seventh among large metros. Meaning that AI and AI-adjacent roles make up a significantly larger share of local employment than the U.S. average, pointing to a specialized ecosystem even without top-tier job volume.

  • The average AI salary in the Raleigh metro is $124,908, ranking 20th among large metros.

  • Hybrid-work infrastructure is a clear strength on connectivity, with 63% high speed fiber coverage – third among large metros – supporting remote-friendly work at scale. 

  • Prices are slightly below the national baseline, with a regional price parity of 98.0 (U.S. average = 100), ranking 26th among large metros – keeping overall cost of living competitive relative to many large-metro peers. 

  • Beyond Raleigh, North Carolina placed two additional metros in our rankings. Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia came in at #9 among large metros, powered by 2,237 new AI-related job postings in the past year – many tied to its banking and fintech corridor – and a cost of living below the national baseline (regional price parity of 97.0), while Durham-Chapel Hill ranked #3 among mid-sized metros thanks to an AI specialization rate more than double the national average and strong hiring momentum fueled by the Research Triangle's innovation economy.

Read the full report on the Coworking Cafe website.

Jennifer Miller
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