Employers in China are increasingly seeking talent with strong knowledge in artificial intelligence, offering significantly higher salaries than for other jobs, according to a recent report by recruitment portal Zhaopin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the second quarter of the year, companies offered an average monthly salary of 13,594 yuan ($1,870) for AI-related positions, marking a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase. That was the highest salary among all job categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial and funds companies ranked as the second-most-generous employers, offering an average monthly salary of 13,169 yuan ($1,811), followed by insurance companies at 12,451 yuan and new energy companies at 12,447 yuan per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Company recruiting payments are greatly influenced by technological advances and industry development, reflecting the demand and supply situation of the job market,” said Li Qiang, vice-president of Zhaopin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The increasing salaries for AI-related positions and those requiring advanced tech or financial knowledge result from the nation’s supportive policies for nurturing AI talent and the market’s surging demand.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Li said AI talent is in short supply, prompting companies to offer attractive salaries to attract and retain such talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“These newly emerged industries require workers to possess digital and multiple skills,” he said. “For example, technical positions often require knowledge in data processing, programming languages and machine learning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A report by global consultancy McKinsey & Co last year projected that China’s need for AI-related workers would grow sixfold by 2030, from one million to six million. However, local and overseas universities, as well as existing top-tier talent, could only provide one-third of the necessary talent, leaving a shortage of about four million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond cutting-edge industries, some traditional services and manufacturing positions also saw rising salaries in the second quarter, according to Zhaopin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regular workers and skilled workers in the manufacturing sector experienced a 9.8 percent year-on-year salary increase, domestic services saw a rise of 16.9 percent, beauty and healthcare grew 8.5 percent, and tourism services increased 8.4 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Based on our survey, the job market is stable,” Li said. “Job-seekers can enhance their competitiveness by continuing to learn, not only professionally but also in ‘soft skills’ like teamwork and communication.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Li also advised job seekers to adjust their expectations and consider opportunities in less-known or second- and third-tier cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“AI tools can improve interview abilities and increase the chances of securing a job,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n