AI Drives 4x Productivity & 56% Wage Premium, Jobs Still Grow — PwC

Key Findings from PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer

Productivity Surge: Industries most exposed to AI experienced a nearly fourfold increase in productivity growth, with revenue per employee rising by 27% between 2018 and 2024, compared to 9% in less AI-exposed sectors.
Wage Premiums for AI Skills: Workers possessing AI-related skills commanded an average wage premium of 56% in 2024, more than double the 25% premium observed the previous year. This trend was consistent across various industries, including energy, finance, and professional services.
Job Growth in AI-Exposed Roles: Contrary to concerns about AI-induced job losses, the report found a 38% increase in job availability for roles exposed to AI between 2019 and 2024. This growth was observed even in positions considered highly automatable.
Evolving Skill Requirements: The skills demanded by employers are changing rapidly, with AI-exposed jobs seeing skill requirements evolve 66% faster than other roles. This underscores the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the workforce.
Shift Towards Skill-Based Hiring: There is a noticeable decline in formal degree requirements for AI-augmented roles, dropping from 66% in 2019 to 59% in 2024. Employers are increasingly prioritizing specific skills over traditional educational credentials.

Implications for the Workforce

The findings suggest that AI is augmenting human labor rather than replacing it. The demand for AI-related skills is driving wage growth and expanding job opportunities. However, the rapid evolution of skill requirements highlights the importance of reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure workers can adapt to the changing landscape.

Employers are encouraged to invest in workforce development and embrace AI as a tool for growth. By focusing on skill acquisition and adaptability, both workers and organizations can thrive in an AI-enhanced economy.