AI specialists eye new, better jobs as demand rises

Dive Brief:

• AI professionals are more optimistic about job prospects in the broader market than other technologists, according to a Dice report published Thursday. The company surveyed 520 IT professionals in June.     
• Nearly three-quarters of AI specialists said they anticipate changing employers in the next year, compared to just two-thirds of other IT technologists, the report found. 
• AI workers are even more confident in their near-term odds in the marketplace, as 58% expect to land better positions this year, compared to only 36% of other tech professionals. 

Dive Insight:

Enterprise AI adoption plans require in-house specialized talent, even when leveraging provider services. 

The novelty of the technology, coupled with rising demand, have placed a premium on these types of skills. Compensation reflects this dynamic, as Indeed data shows an average technologist with generative AI competencies earns a yearly salary of $174,727, nearly 50% higher than tech workers without them.

To address the knowledge gap in-house, companies have launched upskilling programs —  often turning to their tech providers for training courses, which they offer at low cost or free of charge. 

Keeping AI talent engaged requires CIOs to actively involve them in AI and ML learning initiatives, said Art Zeile, CEO of Dice, in an email.

“Encouraging them to join AI advisory councils, ethics committees, or pilot projects not only fosters a sense of ownership, but also aligns them with the company’s broader AI strategy,” Zeile said.

AI sits alongside cybersecurity and data science as top areas of interest for talent reskilling according to a Skillsoft report published in June. One-third of surveyed executives flagged difficulties in hiring AI talent, up from 13% in a 2023 report. 

A review of existing compensation packages is key to attracting top talent, Zeile said.

“Many AI professionals may be drawn to big tech companies because of their expectation for better salaries, perks, and benefits,” said Zeile. “To retain top AI talent, CIOs must ensure that compensation packages rival those of larger firms.”