Hong Kong – June 13, 2025 – Artificial intelligence is redefining the labour market, driving a sharp increase in productivity and wages across AI-exposed roles, according to PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer. Based on analysis of nearly a billion job ads and thousands of company financial reports across six continents, the study highlights that AI has become a key productivity engine and value amplifier, rather than a job destroyer.
Since the rise of generative AI in 2022, productivity in highly AI-exposed industries — such as financial services and software publishing — has surged from 7% (2018–2022) to 27% (2018–2024). Wages in these sectors are also growing at twice the pace of those in less AI-exposed fields. Globally, roles requiring AI skills now command an average wage premium of 56%, up from 25% last year.
Contrary to fears of automation-driven job loss, AI is shown to augment, not replace, workers. Between 2019 and 2024, job growth in highly automatable roles rose by 38%, while those considered augmented by AI experienced even faster growth. Roles that blend AI and human expertise are thriving, especially in public administration, energy, and water sectors — all seeing AI-oriented job growth above 30% in Hong Kong.
Locally, despite a cooling in new job listings in 2024, demand for AI-related roles in Hong Kong rose from 1.6% to 1.9%. The Information & Communication sector led the shift, with AI skills appearing in 7.2% of postings, up from 6.4% in 2021.
“Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to unlock the redefined employment opportunities emerging from an AI-enabled work landscape,” said Wilson Chow, PwC Global TMT Industry Leader and China AI Leader. “Rather than replacing human creativity, AI serves as a transformative enhancer across industries.”
The report also highlights a rapid evolution in skills requirements. Employer preferences are shifting away from formal degrees and toward demonstrable AI capabilities, particularly in tech-exposed roles. The skills mix in AI-heavy occupations is evolving 66% faster than in previous years.
PwC recommends businesses embrace AI holistically — not just as an efficiency tool, but as a core growth strategy. Key actions include deploying AI across the enterprise, investing in skills development, and building trust in AI systems to unlock their full potential.
