A recent report by PwC, titled the 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer, provides a nuanced perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market, introducing new optimism regarding job creation and wage growth amid concerns about automation. Contrary to fears that AI may displace jobs and drive wages down, the research highlights that AI technologies are making workers more valuable, with the potential to create new opportunities across various sectors.
Joe Atkinson, PwC’s Global Chief AI Officer, remarked on the rapid pace of technological advancement, stating that the speed at which AI is evolving is unprecedented. He emphasized that while technological change can evoke apprehension among professionals, historical patterns indicate that each industrial revolution has ultimately led to a net increase in job opportunities. The challenge, however, lies in the often-discernible gap between the skills workers possess and those required for emerging roles. Carol Stubbings, the Global Chief Commercial Officer of PwC UK, pointed out that this transitional period is not characterized by a lack of jobs; rather, it necessitates a preparedness among workers to transition into new roles.
The 2025 AI Jobs Barometer offers compelling evidence that both job creation and wage increases are occurring in professions exposed to AI technologies, including roles traditionally thought to be at risk of automation, such as customer service and software development. The report analyzed over 800 million job listings and thousands of company financial statements across six continents, challenging six prevalent myths regarding AI’s effects on employment.
The first myth pertains to productivity, with critics often asserting that AI has yet to meaningfully boost productivity. However, PwC’s findings indicate that productivity in sectors most amenable to AI adoption has surged nearly fourfold since 2022, contrasting with a modest decline observed in areas less influenced by AI. For instance, software publishing, a sector highly exposed to AI innovations, has experienced three times the growth in revenue per employee compared to sectors that have lagged in AI integration.
The second myth concerns the impact of AI on wages and worker bargaining power. Remarkably, the report revealed that employees with AI competencies earn approximately 56% more than their non-AI-skilled counterparts, a significant increase from 25% in the previous year. Furthermore, wage growth in sectors significantly influenced by AI is occurring at twice the rate of growth in less exposed industries.
The report also addresses concerns regarding job numbers. While sectors minimally affected by AI have observed a 65% job growth from 2019 to 2024, those more closely tied to AI technologies still experienced a robust, if slower, growth of 38%. This finding suggests that the integration of AI may well coincide with a reconfiguration of existing roles rather than wholesale job elimination.
Moreover, concerns about inequality and AI’s potential to widen the wage gap are met with opposing evidence from PwC’s research. The report indicates that both wage levels and job numbers are increasing in roles that AI can either augment or automate. Additionally, there is a noteworthy decline in the demand for formal degrees in AI-related jobs, thereby widening opportunities and making them more accessible.
The report also tackles the myth suggesting that AI could “deskill” jobs, asserting instead that AI is likely to enrich roles by allowing workers to engage in more complex tasks, as monotonous responsibilities are automated. For example, data entry professionals might transition into more advanced positions as data analysts, reflecting a shift in job complexity rather than a reduction in job quality.
The implications of these insights extend to the broader economic landscape, especially in countries with aging populations. The study posits that a slower growth rate in AI-exposed job sectors might serve as a boon, filling necessary labor gaps and satisfying workforce demands without straining the available talent pool. According to Atkinson, the productivity enhancements brought about by AI can generate a “multiplier effect,” aiding companies in bridging operational shortages.
The report’s overall message is one of cautious optimism: AI should be embraced not merely as a tool for enhancing efficiency but as a strategic opportunity for growth. There is a call to action for companies to collaborate with their workforce to adapt and seize emerging market opportunities, thereby creating new revenue streams and avenues for growth.
Atkinson cautions against a mindset focused solely on automating existing roles, advocating instead for a perspective that prioritizes innovation and the creation of future jobs and industries. The report points out that two-thirds of current jobs in the U.S. did not exist in 1940, largely due to technological advancements, further reinforcing the notion that history tends to favor evolution in the labor market rather than a straightforward decline.
This research from PwC underscores an imperative: as AI adoption accelerates, it is essential for both businesses and employees to transition effectively. The findings indicate a potential paradigm shift that could reshape not just job roles but the entire economic landscape—elevating workers’ value and opening doors to new possibilities previously unimagined.
As industries evolve in response to AI, workers and employers alike must anticipate and adapt to the changing realities of the job market. Whether it manifests in enhanced skills training, more inclusive hiring practices, or fresh career opportunities, the promise of AI extends beyond mere efficiency, encompassing the potential for a transformed economic future.
In navigating this transformative landscape, workers seeking careers that offer higher pay, greater flexibility, or increased job satisfaction can leverage resources to guide their transitions. As the economic environment shifts, both individuals and organizations are encouraged to embrace the potential for new beginnings in a rapidly evolving job market.