LinkedIn study shows women vastly underrepresented in high-pay AI hires
LinkedIn data reveal that women hold only about a quarter of new AI-focused positions in the U.S., despite these roles paying roughly double non-AI jobs.
A LinkedIn analysis finds that women make up only 26% of new hires for jobs requiring AI expertise in the United States, while they represent half of hires for positions without AI requirements. These AI roles command salaries of about $177,000, roughly twice the $80,000 typical of non-AI positions, highlighting a significant earnings gap. Globally, women hold just 13% of leadership positions at AI companies, compared with 20% in broader tech leadership roles across 27 nations.
The study notes that women are disproportionately employed in jobs likely to be displaced by AI, such as clerical and administrative work, yet they are not benefiting from the sector’s growth. Sarah Steinberg of LinkedIn warned that this disparity could deepen existing barriers for women in the economy. She advocated for a shift toward skills-based hiring, emphasizing that AI competencies can be acquired through online training without formal degrees, potentially expanding women’s access to these high-pay roles.
Why it matters
The findings highlight a widening gender pay and opportunity gap as AI jobs surge, affecting economic equity.
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