- Survey of 3,003 decision makers.
- Cybersecurity AI Specialist predicted to be NJ‘s top AI career.
- Infographic showing the top micro-retirement locations across the country.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, while much of the public conversation around AI fixates on job loss, a quieter – and more optimistic – shift is underway. Across the country, new career paths are emerging not in opposition to AI, but in tandem with it. These aren’t science fiction roles of the distant future; they’re already being hired for today, often far from Silicon Valley.
A survey of 3,003 decision makers by Snowfire, an adaptive decision intelligence AI platform for decision makers and executive leaders, pinpointed the specific AI-forward careers expected to boom locally in New Jersey.
The top 3 are:
1. AI-Enhanced Drug Development Scientist
With major pharmaceutical hubs in cities like Princeton and New Brunswick, New Jersey is a key player in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Scientists in this role use AI to accelerate drug discovery by analyzing vast amounts of biomedical data, identifying promising drug candidates, and predicting their effectiveness. Companies similar to Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb are incorporating machine learning models to streamline research, reduce the time to market for life-saving drugs, and improve treatment outcomes.
2. Financial Fraud Detection Analyst
As a financial powerhouse, New Jersey is home to a wide range of banks and financial institutions, including Prudential Financial and JPMorgan Chase. Analysts in this role use AI to detect fraudulent activities in real time by analyzing transactional data patterns, identifying anomalies, and flagging potential security breaches. These professionals help protect consumers and businesses by leveraging machine learning to predict and prevent fraud – keeping New Jersey’s financial systems secure and trustworthy.
3. Cybersecurity AI Specialist
With the increasing number of cyber threats facing businesses, New Jersey has become a hub for cybersecurity innovation. Firms akin to Verizon and BlackRock are adopting AI-powered security systems to detect vulnerabilities, monitor networks, and respond to potential breaches in real-time. Specialists in this role work with advanced algorithms and threat intelligence to enhance cybersecurity defenses, ensuring both large enterprises and small businesses in New Jersey stay protected against evolving digital threats.
AI in the Broader Workplace
The study also explored how businesses are adapting internally. Nearly one in three organizations (29%) now report having a Chief AI Officer – a role that didn’t exist a few years ago. And AI is leaving a measurable financial mark:
- 26% of managers say AI has improved productivity
- 25% point to enhanced customer satisfaction
- 23% cite cost reductions
- 13% note revenue growth
- 12% see gains in risk or compliance management
Despite these benefits, challenges remain. When asked about barriers to transformation, 25% of leaders cited a shortage of skilled talent, and an equal number pointed to cultural resistance within their organizations. Budget limitations (21%), poor strategic alignment (15%), and unclear ROI (14%) also held companies back.
Tech budgets are gradually shifting: on average, 15% of annual spend is now earmarked for AI-related infrastructure. But many leaders still worry about knowledge gaps at the top. Just 15% of C-suite teams are described as having a “deep understanding and regular use” of AI, while 22% fall into the “very low” category.
Looking ahead, executives believe AI will most significantly reshape the roles of CEOs (29%) and CFOs (27%), with CTOs, CMOs, and CHROs close behind.
Interactive map showing the top 3 AI jobs in each state (click on ’embed’ to host on your site)
“AI isn’t wiping out work – it’s reshaping it. What we’re seeing is a nationwide pivot toward roles that pair human creativity and with machine intelligence. The smartest organizations are already hiring for this future, not waiting to catch up,” says Greg Genung, CEO & Founder of Snowfire.
Gusto is a payroll and HR software that helps you pay your team, file taxes, offer benefits, and more. See how Gusto compares to other providers, get a free trial, and learn how to switch to Gusto in minutes.
https://gusto.com/i/james3539