Companies with heavy artificial intelligence (AI) exposure expanded headcount 52%, versus 36% among the least-exposed companies, while senior roles accounted for 71% of software development posting gains between May 2025 and May 2026. PwC’s 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer says AI-exposed employers also recorded 40% productivity growth and 24% wage increases, compared with 17% wage growth at companies with minimal AI adoption. The wage premium for AI-skilled roles reached 62%, up from 57% a year earlier, while U.S. salaries in AI-exposed occupations rose 46% since 2021, compared with 25% for the least-exposed roles. Senior AI and machine learning engineers earned $240,000 to $520,000 and took 8 to 12 weeks to recruit. PwC distinguishes between professionalised roles, where AI augments high-skill work, and democratised roles, where AI tools broaden access to complex tasks; wages in the former are growing 42% faster. South Korean non-development AI postings rose 325% year over year in September 2026, while experienced AI professional roles increased 140%. AI specialist postings grew 68.9% from 2024 to 2025, against 8.6% overall job growth.