Prompt engineering role declines as AI advances

A global study commissioned by Microsoft, surveying 31,000 professionals across 31 countries, revealed that most organizations are shifting focus from prompt engineering roles to positions like AI data specialists, trainers, and cybersecurity experts to drive AI adoption

It’s not long ago when prompt engineering was hailed as a must-have skill in the AI-driven workplace. The job involved designing precise queries to communicate effectively with AI models, and salaries reached six figures for those who mastered it. But today, the appeal of this once-hyped position is fading.

The decline isn’t due to a lack of interest in AI, but rather how quickly the technology has advanced. Modern AI systems, especially large language models, are now better equipped to understand user requests without needing perfectly crafted inputs. They are designed to interact in a conversational way, clarifying unclear questions and learning through context.

Jared Spataro, who leads AI marketing at Microsoft, noted that initial excitement around prompt engineering hasn’t led to lasting demand. “It was expected to be the next big job, but that hasn’t really happened,” he said.

From hot job to becoming history

A recent global study commissioned by Microsoft—which surveyed 31,000 professionals across 31 countries—revealed that very few organizations plan to create prompt engineering roles in the near future. Instead, businesses are focusing on roles such as AI data specialists, AI trainers, and cybersecurity experts who can support broader AI adoption.

One key reason for this shift is the way organizations are using AI internally. Rather than hiring specialists, many companies are training their existing employees across departments to work with AI tools effectively. Skills like writing better prompts are being taught as part of broader digital literacy programs.

Companies such as Nationwide, Carhartt, and New York Life have confirmed that they’ve never needed dedicated prompt engineers. Instead, they’ve embedded AI training—including prompting techniques—into employee development programs. At Nationwide, for example, prompt engineering is one of the most popular modules in their company-wide AI curriculum.

AI fluency over job titles

Job platforms reflect the same trend. According to data from Indeed, searches for prompt engineering roles surged in early 2023 but soon declined. Actual job listings for the role have remained limited.

Jim Fowler, CTO at Nationwide, summed it up: “Prompting is becoming a skill that supports other roles—not a role in itself.”

As AI tools grow more intuitive, the need for specialized prompt engineers is giving way to broader, cross-functional AI fluency.