Top-Paying AI Jobs: AWS Study Highlights Lucrative Opportunities for Skilled Professionals
Published on: May 29, 2025
A recent survey commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS) highlights a growing trend in the job market: the high demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills. The study indicates that 73% of employers prioritize hiring workers with AI expertise, but face challenges in finding qualified individuals.
The survey reveals that organizations are prepared to offer substantial pay increases for AI-skilled workers across various business functions. Anticipated salary hikes include an average of 43% in sales and marketing, 42% in finance, 37% in legal, regulatory, and compliance, and 35% in human resources. Employers recognize the diverse applications of AI in different departments, expecting AI-skilled employees to drive productivity and produce higher-quality work.
The Wall Street Journal's August report on the 'AI recruiting frenzy' corroborates these findings, with companies ready to offer near seven-figure salaries for top AI talent. The AWS survey found that 42% of employers are actively seeking candidates with AI development skills, and 75% of those prioritizing AI talent recruitment are struggling to find qualified candidates.
The study, conducted by Access Partnership for AWS, surveyed 3,297 employees and 1,340 organizations across various industries in the U.S. It highlights the transformative potential of generative AI, which could automate up to 70% of business activities by 2030, significantly impacting the global economy.
To address the AI talent gap, companies are exploring creative solutions, including partnerships with educational institutions and leveraging gig workers. Betsy Summers, a principal analyst at Forrester, emphasizes the need for talent leaders to seek diverse talent sources.
Amidst these industry shifts, Amazon recently announced initiatives to provide free AI skills training and education to 2 million people globally by 2025. This includes offering free courses and partnering with Udacity for scholarships worth over $12 million. Similarly, Microsoft launched a new initiative with LinkedIn to facilitate global AI skill development.