AI Skills Boost Salaries by 28% in HR and Other Non-Tech Roles
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for coders. If you work in Human Resources, content, education, or finance, knowing how to use AI tools can increase your salary by nearly a third. That’s the finding of a recent global report from labour market research firm Lightcast, based on over 1.3 billion job postings worldwide.
The report shows a growing demand for AI literacy in non-technical roles. Employers want HR professionals who can leverage AI to streamline recruitment, automate screening, and improve onboarding workflows. This demand is driving a significant pay premium for those who bring AI skills to the table.
AI Skills Are Moving Beyond IT
In 2019, 61% of AI-related job postings were in IT and computer science. By 2024, that number dropped to 49%. This shift means AI fluency is increasingly expected in mainstream roles, including HR. AI-powered tools are now part of everyday business—from hiring processes to training and employee engagement.
Generative AI Tools Are Changing Hiring Trends
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and DALL·E have accelerated this trend. Since 2022, job postings mentioning generative AI in non-tech roles have increased by 800%. These tools help automate repetitive tasks and improve creativity, making AI-literate candidates more valuable across departments.
Why HR Professionals Should Care
- Automation in recruitment: Use AI to screen resumes faster and identify the best candidates.
- Improved candidate experience: Automate outreach and onboarding emails with AI-generated content.
- Data-driven decisions: Leverage AI for workforce analytics and employee engagement insights.
HR professionals who adopt AI tools can boost efficiency and add strategic value to their teams, positioning themselves for better pay and career growth.
The Salary Advantage of AI Skills
According to Lightcast's report, roles requiring AI skills pay an average of $18,000 (₹15 lakh) more annually than similar roles without. That’s a 28% increase, even for mid-level and entry-level positions. The reason? There’s a talent gap. Companies want AI capabilities but struggle to find employees who can confidently use these tools.
The Automation Paradox
While AI is automating routine tasks, causing layoffs in some areas like customer support, those who can work with AI are less likely to be replaced. Often, these employees move into higher-value roles that require strategic thinking and AI tool management. The takeaway: understanding AI tools is becoming necessary to stay employable.
How HR Professionals Can Get Ahead
If you’re in HR, here’s a practical plan to build AI skills that employers want:
- Explore popular AI tools: Start using ChatGPT, Notion AI, or AI-powered ATS systems in your daily work.
- Take focused courses: Platforms like Complete AI Training offer short, actionable courses on AI fundamentals and prompt engineering.
- Showcase AI use: Update your resume with specific AI tools you’ve mastered and how you applied them to improve HR processes.
- Integrate AI in projects: Use AI to automate reporting, candidate communication, or employee surveys and highlight those successes.
The Bottom Line
AI literacy is becoming a must-have skill in Human Resources. Those who learn to use AI tools will not only stay relevant but also earn more and take on stronger roles. As generative AI reshapes routine tasks, HR professionals who adapt will be the ones who thrive.
For more resources on learning AI skills tailored for HR and other roles, check out Complete AI Training’s courses by job function.
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