Key Takeaways:
- AI literacy is now the most in-demand skill that employers are looking for in job seekers
- AI engineers are among the fastest-growing jobs in Australia, with a typical salary of $190,000
- AI adoption is driving demand for roles like director of artificial intelligence, with a typical salary of $250,000
- Eight in 10 global leaders are more likely to hire someone who is comfortable with AI tools over someone with more experience but less proficiency
- Some jobs, such as office clerks and receptionists, are at risk of losing employment due to AI by 2050
Introduction to AI in the Job Market
The job market is evolving rapidly, and artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a significant role in this transformation. According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise list for 2026, AI engineers have taken the top spot, with a typical salary of $190,000. This is not surprising, given that AI literacy has become the most in-demand skill that employers are looking for in job seekers. As LinkedIn career expert Brendan Wong notes, "AI is no longer a specialist skill – it’s becoming part of everyday work and leadership. Whether you’re in tech, business or creative industries, building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career."
The Rise of AI Engineers
AI engineers are responsible for designing systems that can analyze data and make predictions, making them a highly sought-after talent in the job market. With a typical salary range of $165,000 to $250,000 per year, it’s no wonder that many job seekers are looking to pursue a career in this field. As Wong explains, "This year’s list shows how quickly the job market is evolving." The demand for AI engineers is expected to continue growing, with many industries looking to implement AI strategies to stay competitive.
The Impact of AI on Other Jobs
While AI is creating new job opportunities, it’s also expected to put some jobs at risk. A study by Jobs and Skills Australia found that office clerks, receptionists, bookkeepers, and professional sales, marketing, public relations, business analysis, and programming jobs are among those set to lose the most employment by 2050. This is because many of these tasks can be automated, making them less necessary in the future. However, as Wong notes, "building AI literacy and staying open to new skills will be key to future-proofing your career." This means that workers in these industries will need to adapt and acquire new skills to remain relevant in the job market.
Other In-Demand Jobs
In addition to AI engineers, other jobs that made the list include chief risk officers, mechanical engineers, and directors of artificial intelligence. These roles are all highly skilled and highly paid, with typical salaries ranging from $200,000 to $250,000 per year. Chief risk officers, for example, are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks that could impact an organization’s operations, finances, or reputation. As Wong explains, "AI adoption is driving demand for roles like director of artificial intelligence, which ranked fourth on the list." This highlights the importance of AI in the job market and the need for workers to acquire AI literacy to remain competitive.
The Future of Work
The future of work is uncertain, but one thing is clear: AI is here to stay. As Wong notes, "AI is no longer a niche skill – it’s becoming part of everyday work and leadership." This means that workers will need to adapt and acquire new skills to remain relevant in the job market. With eight in 10 global leaders more likely to hire someone who is comfortable with AI tools over someone with more experience but less proficiency, it’s clear that AI literacy is a key skill for job seekers to acquire. As the job market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how workers and employers respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/top-15-fastest-growing-jobs-in-australia-paying-up-to-255000-job-market-is-evolving-231841694.html