Employers are now providing salary increases to employees possessing artificial intelligence skills, even in fields outside of technology. How much more are they willing to pay? We examined three different studies to determine the premium associated with artificial intelligence expertise.
As indicated by CNBC, job listings are increasingly highlighting the need for AI competencies, with companies offering additional pay incentives for applicants who possess the appropriate blend of AI knowledge, even in roles that are traditionally non-technical.
This emerging trend reflects the escalating significance of AI literacy across various sectors, as businesses rush to keep up with automation while addressing skill shortages.
This aligns with the discoveries from a study conducted by Lightcast, a tech industry research group that studied over 1.3 billion job advertisements and discovered that positions requiring AI skills offered a 28% premium, which amounts to nearly $18,000 annually. The premium surged to 43% when job postings specified two or more AI skills.
Elena Magrini, the head of global research at Lightcast, informed CNBC that “Job ads are putting more emphasis on AI skills and there are indications that employers are ready to provide higher salaries for them.”
So how much more are companies willing to pay?
A report by Foote Partners corroborates this trend. It reveals that employers offer a 19% to 23% salary increase for practical AI skills compared to a modest 9% to 11% raise for AI certifications, highlighting the value placed on demonstrated competence over qualifications.
Data from PwC’s 2025 AI Jobs Barometer on a global scale indicates that individuals with AI skills can earn up to 56% more, showing a significant increase from previous years. This pattern extends across various industries: roles in marketing, finance, human resources, and education are increasingly incorporating AI and compensating accordingly.
In the United Kingdom, CIO Dive states that job listings requiring AI skills come with a 23% wage premium, surpassing the value of master’s degrees (13%), although still trailing behind PhD-level salaries (33%). Both men and women proficient in AI are considered for positions with salaries approximately 12%-13% higher than those without such skills.
What makes these skills so highly valued?
Experts argue that this shift reflects a broader move towards “task-based hiring,” where work enabled by AI automates tasks and necessitates adaptability from employees. Abilities like agile engineering, critical thinking, and AI judgment are increasingly prioritized over traditional qualifications.
Nevertheless, this transition raises concerns about fairness.
Studies show that while roles demanding AI skills now command notably higher salaries, most workers—particularly those outside of tech—have yet to enhance their skill sets. A former executive at OpenAI recently cautioned that AI talent has become the “new star athlete” in the workforce, causing HR systems to struggle to keep up.
Moreover, research increasingly supports the notion that AI is no longer confined to niche technical fields—it is evolving into a prevalent professional requirement.
Employers value individuals who can effectively utilize these tools across business functions, indicating a long-term shift towards an economy that prioritizes skills. Those who adapt may secure top-tier compensation; those who do not may risk being left behind.