AI roles have surged to prominence, now constituting 97 percent of the highest-paying positions, according to research conducted by Thomson Reuters, a leading global content and technology company.
An analysis of over 5,300 live tech jobs advertised in April 2024 revealed that a staggering 73 percent of the top 15 percent highest-paid vacancies mandated AI skills, signalling a robust demand for professionals versed in artificial intelligence technologies.
The burgeoning demand for AI talent has given rise to a plethora of specialised roles, including positions such as Director of Artificial Intelligence and Products, Generative AI Solutions Architect, and Machine Learning Engineer.
With 28 percent of all IT job openings now stipulating AI skills either in their job titles or primary requirements, the requirement for these skill sets is notably escalating within the higher salary brackets.
Research conducted jointly by Oxford University and the University of Copenhagen underscores the financial incentive for acquiring AI skills, suggesting that such expertise can add an average 21 percent skill premium to an individual’s salary.
The demand for tech talent
“Across corporates and the professions, the demand for AI talent is continuing to accelerate at a remarkable pace,” remarks Mary Alice Vuicic, Chief People Officer at Thomson Reuters. “Companies are now required to not just embrace change, but to actively participate in shaping and directing it.”
Vuicic further emphasises the necessity for organisations to foster understanding and knowledge of AI across their teams, ensuring a supportive environment for AI learning and adoption.
The surge in demand for AI skills coincides with findings from Thomson Reuters’ 2024 Generative AI in Professional Services report, which indicates a growing appetite for AI integration among professionals in corporations, law and accounting firms, and government organisations.
“By removing the more repetitive and administrative elements of certain jobs, AI presents the opportunity to boost productivity for high-skilled workers as they can focus on more valuable tasks,” Vuicic adds. “Bringing in the right expertise is crucial to ensure this implementation can be scaled smoothly to all parts of the business, and existing staff can receive appropriate training and skills development.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
