CHINA

AI Skills Are No Longer Optional as Salary Gap Widens in China, Report Says

Published: Jan. 15, 2026 10:27 a.m. GMT+8

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Artificial intelligence has evolved from a niche technical skill into a “universal productivity” engine that is fundamentally reshaping the 2025 workplace, according to a new report released by recruitment platform Liepin on Jan.8.

This transformation is driving a stark realignment in the labor market: while demand for AI-related roles is surging, traditional entry-level white-collar jobs are contracting, the 2025 China AI Talent Singularity Report said.

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AI is transforming the workplace, increasing demand for AI-related roles while reducing traditional entry-level white-collar jobs, creating challenges for non-technical graduates.
Mastery of AI tools brings a significant wage premium: jobs requiring AI skills paid about 78,000 yuan ($11,192) more annually, with resumes listing AI skills up 81.8% year-over-year.
Demand for technical AI talent like algorithm engineers and Ph.D. holders is rising, while “AI-native” graduates risk lacking business insight; overseas talent now forms 10.7% of the pool.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Liepin: Liepin is a recruitment platform that released the "2025 China AI Talent Singularity Report" on January 8. The report highlights the evolving impact of AI on the workplace, noting a significant surge in demand for AI-related roles and a substantial "AI wage premium." Liepin's data shows an 81.8% year-over-year jump in resumes showcasing AI tool mastery.

Tongdao Liepin Group: Tongdao Liepin Group is a recruitment platform that released the 2025 China AI Talent Singularity Report on January 8. Ba Ran, Vice President of Tongdao Liepin Group, emphasizes the importance of AI skills for recent graduates and insights for companies seeking AI-proficient candidates.

AI generated, for reference only