AI Skills Command Higher Salaries
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving a 10% increase in job growth and offering a 56% wage premium for skilled workers in Australia, according to a recent report by the Australian Institute of Business (AIB) released on 9th June 2026.
The comprehensive labour market analysis indicates that AI's integration into the workforce has expanded job opportunities, with Australian workers possessing AI skills earning a median salary of AUD 143,000. This represents a significant AUD 39,000 salary gap compared to the general workforce.
Australia's employment market has reached a record high of 14.7 million workers. AI plays a major role in this expansion by driving job growth and reshaping the future of work across the country.
Net job availability in AI-exposed roles grew by 10% between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the positive impact of AI on employment. Roles where humans collaborate with AI have grown by an impressive 47%, showcasing the technology's role in enhancing productivity.
Surprisingly, even jobs that are classified as 'automatable' have increased by 45%, challenging the narrative of mass displacement. Instead, AI is creating new opportunities and elevating the workforce.
Dr Sajjad Shokouhyar, Senior Lecturer at AIB, highlights AI's broader organisational impact. "AI’s real value is not limited to automation," Shokouhyar states. "Its greatest organisational impact comes from helping managers convert large, complex and fast-moving data into timely and actionable decisions."
AI's Influence on Job Roles
The skills required to perform existing jobs are changing 66% faster in AI-exposed roles, creating an urgency to upskill. This dynamic shift emphasizes the importance of continuous learning.
Andrea Rule, Marketing Director at LinkedIn Australia, notes the rapid evolution in required job skills. "38% of skills for jobs have changed globally, and we think that it could be up to 70% by 2030," she explains, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and upskilling.
Industry leaders echo the urgency to engage with continuous learning as AI's role in the workforce expands. Professionals need to adapt to new skill requirements to remain competitive.
To access the full report and explore detailed data, visit the AIB website where the article Australia's AI Revolution: Fuelling Job Growth and Wage Premiums is available.
