AI Skills Command 28% Higher Salaries: The Future of Work Demands AI Literacy

First-of-its-kind analysis reveals specific AI skills employers need most, enabling targeted workforce training strategies across all career areas

Lightcast, the global leader in labor market intelligence, has unveiled a groundbreaking report titled "Beyond the Buzz: Developing the AI Skills Employers Actually Need." This comprehensive study, analyzing over 1.3 billion job postings, highlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping hiring practices worldwide. Notably, job listings that include AI skills offer 28% higher salaries—nearly $18,000 more annually than those without.

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The report goes beyond salary insights, identifying the specific AI skills that are most in demand based on their growth in job postings, workforce importance, and AI exposure. This granular analysis addresses a critical challenge for educators and workforce developers: transitioning from vague "AI literacy" to precise, actionable training programs.

"Organizations that view AI as a niche skill will struggle to compete with those integrating AI literacy across their entire workforce," warns Cole Napper, VP of Research and Insights at Lightcast. "Similarly, educational institutions that delay adapting to AI trends risk losing students and funding to more proactive providers."

Contrary to popular belief, 51% of job postings requiring AI skills are outside IT and computer science fields, with a staggering 800% growth in generative AI roles in non-tech industries since 2022.

Industry-Specific Intelligence

The report categorizes career areas into four quadrants based on AI demand and growth, offering tailored insights for:

• Marketing and PR: 8% of job postings require AI skills, with 50% annual growth, especially among SEO specialists.
• Human Resources: Leading all sectors with a 66% growth rate, driven by talent acquisition roles.
• Finance: Shows 40% growth from a low baseline, presenting early-mover advantages for quantitative analysts.
• Science and Research: Features established AI integration with high demand for specialized skills.
• Education and Training: While current adoption is low, a 200% growth in generative AI signals impending rapid changes.