How to Interpret the PwC AI Jobs Barometer Findings

How to Interpret the PwC AI Jobs Barometer Findings | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | Emeritus

The latest PwC AI Jobs Barometer provides comprehensive insights into how AI is affecting jobs across various professional fields. By analyzing over half a billion job ads from 15 countries, the report highlights AI’s role in transforming job markets, enhancing productivity, and redefining necessary skills. For professionals aiming to stay ahead, here are the top 10 takeaways from the AI Jobs Barometer you need to know.

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1. The Growth of AI-Exposed Sectors

Artificial Intelligence JobsOne of the most significant findings from the PwC AI Jobs Barometer report is the impressive growth in labor productivity within AI-exposed sectors. These sectors, including finance, customer service, and software development, are experiencing nearly five times higher growth in labor productivity. However, non-AI-exposed sectors are witnessing a different level of growth. Consequently, this productivity revolution is driven by AI’s ability to automate routine tasks, allowing workers to focus on more strategic and value-adding activities.

For example, financial analysts can now use AI to analyze vast amounts of data more efficiently, leading to quicker and more accurate insights. This boost in productivity benefits more than individual companies. Consequently, it is also revitalizing the global economy, which has been grappling with sluggish productivity growth for years. As a result, AI is proving to be a key driver in economic growth and improving living standards.

2. Increase in AI Job Opportunities

AI is not only about making existing jobs more productive; it is also about creating new job opportunities. According to the AI jobs report, roles requiring specialist AI skills are growing 3.5 times faster than the average for all jobs. These roles often come with a significant wage premium, making them highly attractive to job seekers.

Positions such as data scientists, AI engineers, and machine learning specialists are in high demand. This rapid growth in AI jobs underscores the importance of acquiring AI skills to remain competitive today. Moreover, PwC’s 2023 Global Investor Survey indicates that 61% of investors believe that the adoption of AI is critical for generating value.

Global CEOs also anticipate that AI will deliver significant top- and bottom-line benefits, with 46% saying it will increase profitability and 41% saying it will increase revenue. This widespread belief in AI’s potential highlights the crucial need for workers to develop relevant AI skills to take advantage of these opportunities.

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3. High Demand for AI Skills 

The demand for AI skills is rising rapidly, and workers must adapt to keep up. The PwC AI Jobs Barometer highlights how AI is affecting jobs and skills in sectors that can now be considered as AI-exposed occupations. 

In fact, skills such as coding in JavaScript are becoming less critical. On the other hand, the demand for skills that leverage AI, such as data analysis and machine learning, is booming. Furthermore, soft skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as creativity and strategic thinking, are also increasingly valued. Therefore, professionals need to focus on continuous learning and upskilling to stay relevant in the AI-driven job market.

The barometer also indicates that old skills are disappearing from job ads, and new skills are appearing 25% faster in AI-exposed roles. This rapid change highlights the need for workers to stay agile and continuously update their skill sets.

4. Wage Premiums in AI Jobs

AI jobs often come with a significant wage premium, reflecting the high value of these skills to companies. The PwC AI Jobs Barometer reveals that workers with specialist AI skills can command wages up to 25% higher than their non-AI counterparts.

This wage premium is a clear indication of the growing importance of AI skills in the modern workplace. As AI continues to permeate various industries, professionals with the right skills will be able to negotiate better compensation. Thus, investing in AI skills can lead to substantial financial rewards.

Since 2016, growth in jobs that require specialist AI skills has outpaced growth in all jobs. These specialist jobs carry up to a 25% wage premium, underlining the value of these skills to companies. 

5. AI and Job Replacement

A common concern about AI is its potential to replace jobs. However, the PwC AI Jobs Barometer provides a more nuanced perspective. While job growth in AI-exposed occupations is 27% slower, these jobs are still growing overall. This suggests that AI is not leading to widespread job losses but rather a shift in the types of jobs available.

While some routine tasks may be automated, new opportunities are emerging in roles that require managing and improving AI. Therefore, AI is creating new job opportunities rather than just eliminating existing ones. This transition underscores the importance of reskilling and upskilling to take advantage of these new roles.

PwC’s 2024 Global CEO Survey reveals a significant trend. Specifically, 69% of Global CEOs anticipate that AI will necessitate most of their workforce to develop new skills. This highlights the need for workers to continuously adapt to the evolving job market and acquire the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

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6. Regional Variations in AI Job Growth

The adoption and impact of AI vary significantly across different regions. The PwC AI Jobs Barometer indicates that some regions are accelerating AI job creation more rapidly than others. For example, countries with robust tech industries and supportive government policies are seeing faster growth in AI-related jobs.

This regional variation highlights the importance of local factors in determining the pace and nature of AI adoption. Professionals in regions with slower AI adoption face a unique challenge. As a result, they may need to be more proactive in acquiring AI skills and seeking out opportunities in more dynamic markets. Therefore, understanding regional trends can help professionals make informed career decisions.

7. Industry-Specific Impact of AI

AI’s impact is not uniform across all industries. The PwC AI Jobs Barometer illustrates how various sectors are affected differently by AI. For instance, the finance industry is seeing a significant boost in productivity due to AI’s ability to automate data analysis and reporting tasks.

In contrast, industries such as education and healthcare are experiencing more gradual changes as AI is used to augment rather than replace human workers. Understanding these industry-specific impacts can help professionals tailor their skill development efforts to the unique demands of their sector. Thus, industry-specific knowledge is crucial in navigating the AI-driven job market.

Furthermore, employer demand for many skill sets that AI can assist with to some degree, such as coding in JavaScript, is declining fast. However, demand for skills that use AI or are hard for AI to do, like sports coaching or ecological restoration, is booming. This shift in skill demand highlights the need for professionals to stay informed about industry-specific trends.

Based on current data, the PwC AI Jobs Barometer predicts several future trends in AI employment. One of the most notable is the expected continued growth in demand for AI specialists and professionals with hybrid skill sets that combine technical expertise with industry-specific knowledge.

Additionally, sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity are likely to see substantial growth in AI jobs as these industries increasingly adopt AI technologies to improve efficiency and address complex challenges. Staying informed about these trends can help professionals anticipate and prepare for future job market shifts. Therefore, keeping abreast of industry trends is essential for long-term career planning.

Moreover, PwC’s 2023 Hopes & Fears survey shows that a majority of workers expect a positive impact from AI, with 31% anticipating that AI will increase their productivity/efficiency and 21% expecting AI to create new job opportunities. These insights provide a positive outlook on the future of AI employment.

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9. Strategies for Professionals

What the barometer makes unmistakably clear is the need to adopt to thrive in an AI-driven job market. First, the AI jobs report states that continuous learning is crucial as this is an emergent field. The rapid pace of technological change means that skills can quickly become outdated, so professionals must stay updated with the latest developments in AI and related fields.

Second, gaining practical experience through projects, internships, or collaborations can be invaluable. Third, networking with other professionals in the AI field can provide insights, support, and opportunities. By adopting these strategies, professionals can enhance their employability and career prospects in an AI-driven world. Consequently, proactive career management is vital in an era of rapid technological change.

10. The Role of Governments and Education

Governments and educational institutions have a critical role to play in supporting AI skill development. The PwC AI Jobs Barometer emphasizes the need for policymaking and educational reforms to help workers acquire the skills needed for an AI-driven economy.

Investing in AI education and training programs, promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and providing support for lifelong learning initiatives are essential steps. By fostering a supportive environment for AI skill development, governments and educational institutions can help ensure workers are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future.

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Ultimately, the PwC AI Jobs Barometer reveals that AI is driving a significant transformation in the workforce. This transformation is characterized by increased productivity, the creation of new job opportunities, and a growing demand for specialized skills. For professionals, this means that continuous learning and adaptability are more important than ever.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on various industries and regions will become even more pronounced. While concerns about AI replacing jobs persist, the barometer shows that AI is also creating new opportunities. To stay ahead in this rapidly changing landscape, consider enrolling in Emeritus’ online artificial intelligence and machine learning courses. Embrace the future of work and ensure you remain competitive in the evolving job market by investing in your AI education today.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org

About the Author


Content Writer, Emeritus Blog
Niladri Pal, a seasoned content contributor to the Emeritus Blog, brings over four years of experience in writing and editing. His background in literature equips him with a profound understanding of narrative and critical analysis, enhancing his ability to craft compelling SEO and marketing content. Specializing in the stock market and blockchain, Niladri navigates complex topics with clarity and insight. His passion for photography and gaming adds a unique, creative touch to his work, blending technical expertise with artistic flair.
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