A 62% salary premium for AI professionals highlights inequality and fuels demand for training
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Global PwC study measures the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market
PwC’s AI Jobs Barometer 2026 analyzed over 1 billion job postings across 27 countries and territories. The data was cross-referenced with companies’ financial information and job-specific tasks. The term “salary premium” refers to the pay difference between employees who possess a particular skill and those who don’t, within the same role. According to the report, professionals with proven AI skills earn, on average, 62% more than colleagues without these skills—an increase from the 57% recorded in the previous edition.
Growth in demand for AI skills outpaces the overall job market
Jobs requiring specific AI skills have grown by 69% since 2019, while the overall job market has grown by just 9%. This expansion rate is nearly eight times higher than that of the broader economy.
Variation in premiums across industries
The salary difference is not uniform. In consumer markets, the premium can reach 118%, while in the public sector it is 16%. The value attributed to the skill tends to reflect how much each activity already incorporates technology into its daily operations.
Impact on companies and employee compensation
Companies with greater exposure to AI saw a 24% increase in salaries, compared to 17% for those with less exposure. A practical example is a financial analyst who uses AI to organize data and test scenarios, delivering faster and more detailed results. This productivity gain becomes a key factor in hiring and compensation decisions.
Training option: Saint Paul’s Pre-MBA in Artificial Intelligence
Saint Paul’s Pre-MBA in Artificial Intelligence offers four practical online classes—three recorded and one live with immediate content access. The program covers around 20 tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, Manus, ElevenLabs, and HeyGen, and includes topics such as autonomous research, document analysis, custom agent creation, voice cloning, and video production with avatars. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate and 30 days of access to the Inner AI Pro platform, which includes over 50 tools. The total investment is R$ 37.
How to start developing AI skills without learning to code
Applying AI in daily life doesn’t require programming knowledge. The first step is to use the technology for routine tasks, such as summarizing long reports, drafting emails, organizing spreadsheets, and preparing presentations. Next, learn to write effective prompts—clear commands that include context, objectives, and expected format. It’s essential to review the results, as generative systems can make mistakes or fabricate information.
Outlook for the future
The same study highlights that human skills, such as judgment, creativity, and leadership, are gaining importance alongside AI. The number of jobs requiring AI skills has nearly doubled since 2024. As PwC plans to publish the survey annually, it will be possible to monitor whether the 62% premium remains stable or increases over time.
