Data Industry Loses 6,700 Jobs as AI Spending Surpasses 427 Billion in 2025

As of December 2025, the data industry lost 6,700 jobs despite $427 billion in AI-related spending that year, per RBC. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show employment in computing infrastructure, data processing, web hosting, and related services fell to 477,700 from 484,400 in December 2024. While major tech firms expand data centers with significant new investments, including Musk’s xAI space plans, the sector is not yet generating the employment gains seen in past tech booms. The trend reflects a broader jobless profit boom as AI adoption reduces headcounts in some firms.