A new report from Lightcast has put hard numbers behind what many of us already suspected: workers with AI skills are being rewarded in today’s job market. On average, jobs that require AI knowledge pay 28% more—that’s about $18,000 extra per year. And here’s the twist: this isn’t just happening in tech. More than half of AI-related job postings are now in other fields, from HR and marketing to finance and even education.
AI Is Moving Beyond Tech
Not long ago, AI skills were mainly sought after in IT and computer science. That’s no longer the case. Non-tech industries are rapidly adopting AI—generative AI job postings outside of tech have jumped more than 800% since 2022. Employers in HR, marketing, finance, and education are looking for people who know how to put AI to work in practical ways.
Skills Over Titles and Degrees
The report makes it clear that employers aren’t just looking for “AI experts.” They want people who can apply AI to solve problems. And the payoff for real skills is big: employees with hands-on AI experience earn significantly more than those with only certifications. In fact, demonstrated skills can sometimes outweigh advanced degrees in the hiring process.
Opportunities Across Sectors
Some industries are moving faster than others.
Human Resources is leading the way with 66% growth in AI-related roles.
Marketing jobs requiring AI are up 50% year-over-year.
Finance is seeing 40% growth, especially for quantitative roles.
Education and Training are still early, but demand is growing quickly—generative AI-related postings have doubled in the last year.
The message is clear: no sector is untouched, and every workforce program should be preparing for this shift.
AI Complements Human Skills
Another important takeaway is that AI isn’t replacing everything—it’s enhancing what people can already do. Skills like communication, teamwork, ethics, and creativity are becoming more valuable, not less, when paired with AI. Workers who can combine technical know-how with strong human skills will be in the best position to thrive.
What Workforce Development Professionals Should Do Next
For those of us in workforce development, the call to action is simple but urgent:
Start weaving AI into training across all fields, not just IT.
Focus on hands-on applications—showing learners how to use AI tools in real work settings.
Partner with employers to make sure training reflects actual skills needed on the job.
Highlight the “human + AI” combination, preparing workers for roles where technology enhances their strengths.
As Lightcast’s Cole Napper put it, “Educators who wait and see what impact AI will have will find that they’ve lost students and funding to other providers who include AI skills across programs—not in place of other skills, but alongside them.”
Final Thought
AI isn’t a side note anymore—it’s a central driver of how work is done across industries. Workforce development professionals who embrace this now will not only help workers earn more but also keep programs relevant in a rapidly changing economy.