College career path ‘over’ as skilled trade get 30% pay bump, recruitment giant says
A recent report by Randstad indicates that skilled trades are experiencing a significant pay increase, with entry-level workers in AI-related fields earning up to 25% more. The data reveals that AI skills can lead to faster promotions and higher salaries, particularly in technical roles. However, the job market remains challenging for new graduates, with AI contributing to a notable number of job cuts.
- ▪Entry-level workers with AI skills are earning salaries up to 25% higher than their peers.
- ▪In technical roles like software development, salaries can increase from $85,000 to $105,000 with AI expertise.
- ▪Workers with AI certifications are promoted up to 3.5 times faster than those without.
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| Publication time | Wed, 20 May 2026 12:07:23 GMT |
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Randstad's most recent data also highlighted that entry-level workers with AI skills are commanding salaries up to 25% higher, as graduates continue to face an employment drought. "AI is a fast pass to promotion and pay for new entrants into the labour market," Noordende said. "Provided that you combine it with social skills...the softer skills, the judgement, the collaboration, the empathy... can fast-track your career."The premium can be seen most clearly in technical roles like software development, where entry-level pay in the U.S. jumps from $85,000 to $105,000 with additional AI expertise. Meanwhile, workers who have secured AI certifications are getting promotions up to 3.5 times faster than their peers, the Randstad data showed.
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