(The Center Square) – There were slightly more jobs in Colorado during the second quarter of the year as salaries moved downward, according to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

Job vacancies were up 1.9 percent in the state, according to research by Aspen Tech labs and the chamber. The percentage was 1.5 percent higher than the national rate of job growth. The increase was larger than 33 other states.

“Denver saw the largest absolute increase, while Boulder had the largest percentage increase in vacancies,” according to the report. “Internship opportunities substantially decreased, while apprenticeships remained steady.”

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The report also focused on jobs in artificial intelligence in the state and nation. Jobs in AI increased 34 percent across the nation compared to last year. Colorado had a 3 percent increase in jobs in the sector compared to last year while California's growth was 83.7 percent during the last year. The national median salary for an AI position is $143,000, according to the report.

“…perhaps, that Colorado employers are slow to focus on AI positions,” Mike Woodrow, president and founder of Aspen Tech Labs, said in a statement announcing the report. “These insights are crucial for business owners and employers as they navigate the evolving job market and consider strategies for workforce development.”

The number of job vacancies in the state increased from 119,000 April 1 to 121,000 July 1. The largest number of jobs available throughout the state were in healthcare and technical occupations (15,123), followed by sales and related occupations (8,299), management (6,976) and office and administrative support positions (6,248).

“While there are still significant workforce gaps in certain sectors looking to fill critical positions, the job market stability we’re seeing statewide is encouraging for both businesses and workers,” Loren Furman, president and chief executive of the Colorado Chamber said in a statement. “This statewide and local data will continue to support the Chamber’s efforts to improve our competitive landscape and identify the greatest need for talent for businesses across Colorado.”

The state’s median full-time salary decreased 1.4 percent to $57,429 in late June when compared to the amount recorded on April 1 ($58,240). The highest median salaries were found in Denver ($59,758), Colorado Springs ($57,772) and Boulder ($57,200).

The highest median full-time salary was $105,862 in Washington, D.C., and the lowest was $42,307 in Mississippi.

Wages for part-time workers in Colorado also decreased from $18.50 an hour on April 1 to $18.32 on July 1.

Fort Collins, Grand Junction and Durango each had the largest increase in salaries in vacant positions in the state at 5 percent, compared to the previous quarter. Pueblo had an 8 percent decrease in the category and Greely had a 4 percent decrease.