Growing Interest in AI Careers
A recent report highlights the growing appeal of the artificial intelligence (AI Industry) among job seekers, with more than half of prospective job-hoppers expressing a strong interest in transitioning to AI-related roles. The report, released on March 24 by leading Chinese online recruitment platform Zhaopin, surveyed nearly 38,000 workers about their career aspirations, confidence levels, and professional development plans.
Among emerging industries, AI was identified as the most attractive, with 49.2% of respondents keen to move into the field. Other sectors drawing interest included new energy (41.7%), high-end manufacturing (36.3%), residential services (24%), and cross-border e-commerce (14.8%). Overall, 57.2% of workers showed a willingness to pursue AI careers, motivated by promising career growth, higher salaries, and the challenge of working in a cutting-edge industry.
The job market is already witnessing a surge in interest, with Zhaopin data revealing that the number of job seekers searching for AI-related roles in February rose by over 200% compared to the previous year. As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, employees are prioritizing AI-related skills, with 45.4% viewing AI proficiency as essential and 12.3% considering job changes due to a lack of AI training at their current workplaces.
Rising Demand for AI Talent and Competitive Salaries in AI Industry
As the AI industry expands, demand for specialized talent is growing. A McKinsey & Company report forecasts that China will require approximately six million AI professionals by 2030, with a talent gap potentially reaching four million. The rapid adoption of AI technologies across industries has driven companies to increase hiring efforts and offer more competitive salaries.
Li Qiang, executive vice-president of Zhaopin, noted that AI Industry advancements, including the widespread use of DeepSeek, have accelerated the need for AI talent. Data from Zhaopin indicates a significant year-on-year increase in job openings, with demand for algorithm engineers rising by 46.8%, machine learning specialists by 40.1%, and deep learning professionals by 5.1%. Salaries for these roles have also increased, with algorithm engineers earning an average monthly salary of 23,510 yuan ($3,237), machine learning specialists 21,534 yuan, and deep learning professionals 24,015 yuan.
Additionally, there is a growing demand for AI education professionals, with the number of AI lecturer positions surging by 112.4% in the month following the Spring Festival. These roles offer an average salary of 15,792 yuan per month, reflecting the increasing emphasis on AI talent development.