AI Adoption In 2025: Cloud Engineers Top The List, New ZapCap Study Shows

A new ZapCap study ranks professions by AI adoption in 2025 using search interest, usage rates, and course availability. Cloud Engineers lead with the highest AI usage score, followed closely by Software Engineers and Data Scientists. Creative and support roles show strong interest but lack sufficient educational resources. The findings highlight a growing need for targeted AI training across all sectors.

A recent study conducted by ZapCap uncovers how different professions are engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025. By analysing three core metrics—monthly Google search interest for “AI for [profession],” the percentage of professionals currently using AI tools, and the number of AI-focused courses available on a leading educational platform—ZapCap provides a comprehensive AI usage score. The scores are normalised on a scale of 0 to 100, offering clear insights into the adoption of AI across various job sectors.

Cloud Engineers rank at the top of the list with an AI usage score of 100. According to the data, 70% of professionals in this field use AI tools regularly, with 32 million monthly searches indicating a high level of interest. Additionally, 27 AI-specific courses are currently available, helping professionals advance their understanding and implementation of AI technologies.

High AI adoption among software and data professionals

Software Engineers follow closely with an AI usage score of 99. Despite recording only 3.3 million monthly searches, the profession has a 97% AI adoption rate—the highest among all professions analysed. They also benefit from the largest number of educational resources, with 53 AI courses available.

Data Scientists come in third, showing strong integration with AI tools. The profession records a 76% usage rate and 403,000 monthly searches, supported by 52 AI-related courses. This results in an overall AI usage score of 82.

Emerging trends in support and social media roles

Customer Support Specialists demonstrate significant engagement with AI, highlighted by 29 million monthly searches—second only to Cloud Engineers. The study finds that 74% of professionals in this sector use AI regularly. However, only two courses are currently available, reflecting a gap between interest and educational resources. Their AI usage score stands at 80.

Social Media Managers also show notable AI involvement. With 82% of professionals using AI and 9 million monthly searches, the profession is served by 22 relevant courses. This places them fifth in the rankings with an AI usage score of 74.

Marketing, design and writing professions show growth

Marketing Specialists rank sixth with 80% AI usage, 700,000 monthly searches, and 18 courses tailored to their needs. They receive an AI usage score of 59, highlighting a growing engagement with AI in campaign planning and content personalisation.

Graphic Designers, despite an 83% AI usage rate and 3 million searches, have access to only two courses. Their AI usage score of 52 shows the need for more specialised educational support in this field.

Copywriters and Content Writers report an 85% adoption rate and 1.1 million monthly searches for AI writing tools. Yet, like graphic designers, they only have two courses dedicated to AI education, which results in a usage score of 50.

Cybersecurity sees lowest AI engagement

Cybersecurity Analysts rank at the bottom of the list. The field shows only 64% AI adoption, with 141,000 monthly searches and seven available courses. This results in the lowest AI usage score of 41. While the profession is crucial in an AI-driven environment, its slower integration with AI tools presents a gap in both usage and training.

A shift in professional skillsets

The findings suggest that while technical roles like Cloud and Software Engineering are leading AI adoption, there is a rising interest among professions traditionally less associated with technology.

“While fields like Cloud Engineering and Software Development are already deeply integrated with AI, others are just beginning to harness its full potential. The high search volume from Customer Support and the strong AI adoption among Copywriters show a transformative shift across industries.

Professionals must master AI tools to remain relevant in a job market where technological proficiency is no longer optional but essential for career survival,” says Jessica Bui, spokesperson for ZapCap.

The study highlights that access to education remains a critical factor in widespread AI adoption. As demand grows across all sectors, the availability of targeted AI courses will likely play a key role in bridging the skills gap and supporting professional advancement.