CHINA

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

Published: Jan. 15, 2026 12:38 p.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 rapidly transforming the 2025 workplace, increasing demand for AI-skilled roles and shrinking traditional entry-level white-collar jobs in China.
Mastery of AI tools brings an average annual salary premium of about 78,000 yuan ($11,192), with a surge in resumes citing AI proficiency across all age groups.
There is a significant shortage of core AI technical talent, with demand for algorithm engineers up 56%, and international returnees now comprising 10.7% of the talent pool.

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Who’s Who

Liepin: Liepin is a recruitment platform that released the "2025 China AI Talent Singularity Report" on January 8. The report highlights how AI is reshaping the workplace, leading to a surge in demand for AI-related roles and a contraction in traditional entry-level white-collar jobs. Liepin's data indicates a significant "AI wage premium," with positions requiring AI skills offering higher salaries. The platform also notes 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 for recent graduates to use AI for skill accumulation and to deliver high-quality work in the evolving industry landscape.

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