Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says AI will create ‘hundreds of thousands’ of new jobs—including for people who want to ‘make things with their hands’

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has stated that artificial intelligence will generate "hundreds of thousands" of new jobs, including positions for workers who enjoy "making things with their hands." Speaking to Fox Business, Huang mentioned chip plants, packaging facilities, and AI factories that are being constructed, resulting in a surge in job creation. This optimistic outlook comes in response to concerns raised by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who warned in a letter that AI may lead to significant unemployment.

Huang remains confident that AI will create more jobs than it eliminates, noting that historical technological advancements have led to both job losses and the creation of new roles. He emphasizes that while some jobs will be eliminated, many new jobs will be generated, particularly in the skilled trades. These include professions such as plumbers, electricians, technicians, and others who earn six-figure salaries required to build and maintain the AI infrastructure.

The growth of AI is driving demand for skilled labor in various sectors, including construction and maintenance of data centers. Nvidia, a leader in AI chip technology, is investing heavily in this area, committing up to $105 billion for the development of a new OpenAI data center in Piketon, Ohio. The project has created numerous well-paying skilled positions, some of which offer salaries significantly higher than the local median income.

Huang highlights the significance of the skilled trades in the United States and the potential for a major boom in this sector. He has been advocating for increased attention to skilled trades for months, recognizing their crucial role in the infrastructure build-out. This outlook aligns with broader industry discussions, such as the one led by Blackstone president and COO Jon Gray, who predicts a significant rise in blue-collar employment over the next five years, particularly in the energy, physical infrastructure, and data center sectors.