AI Skills in Job Postings: A Growing Dividend Amid Layoffs

Strategic Insights -

As layoffs, especially in the tech sector, continue to erode employee morale, a new report from Lightcast reveals that job postings for non-tech roles requiring AI skills are increasing in value. This trend suggests that AI skills can help employees stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Job postings for non-tech roles requiring AI skills offer salaries 28 per cent higher, averaging nearly $18,000 more per year, according to Lightcast's Beyond the Buzz report.
  • The proportion of AI jobs within IT and computer science has declined from 61 per cent in 2019 to 49 per cent in 2024, indicating a shift away from traditional tech roles.
  • Job postings mentioning generative AI skills outside of IT and computer science have surged 800 per cent since 2022, driven by the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and others.
  • Sectors such as marketing, human resources, education, science and research, and finance have seen the fastest AI adoption, with each rapidly integrating AI tools into their workflows.
  • Companies are cutting jobs in areas where generative AI and agentic tools are becoming increasingly capable, such as content creation, operations, customer service, and HR.
  • Tech companies have been cutting jobs or freezing hiring due to AI and automation, with CEOs acknowledging the real impact of AI on the workforce.

Statistics:

  • Salaries for non-tech roles requiring AI skills are 28 per cent higher, averaging nearly $18,000 more per year.
  • The proportion of AI jobs within IT and computer science has declined from 61 per cent in 2019 to 49 per cent in 2024.
  • Job postings mentioning generative AI skills outside of IT and computer science have surged 800 per cent since 2022.
  • Companies in sectors such as marketing (300 per cent increase), human resources (250 per cent increase), and education (200 per cent increase) have seen significant adoption of AI tools in their workflows.

Sources:

  • Lightcast's Beyond the Buzz report
  • Cole Napper, VP of research and insights at Lightcast