AI jobs advertise $177,000 salaries — more than double non-AI roles — yet women land just 26% of hires

Artificial intelligence may be shaking up the job market, but workers with the right skills could reap significant benefits. According to a recent LinkedIn study, AI-related job postings typically offer a salary of around $177,000, compared to approximately $80,000 for non-AI roles. This stark pay gap highlights the lucrative opportunities that could arise from the AI boom, at least for those who can take advantage of it.

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However, despite the lucrative prospects, women are not sharing in these opportunities equally. In the U.S., women made up only 26% of hires into AI-skilled jobs in 2025, compared to 50% of hires in non-AI roles. This underrepresentation of women in the AI industry is a concern, as it could widen the existing gender pay gap. Jackie Cook, founder and CEO of Momentum Group, notes that many women already possess skills that could be considered AI experience, such as redesigning workflows, analyzing data, or building products.

However, many women may not identify themselves as AI experts, which could filter them out of the applicant pool before they even apply for these high-paying roles. The problem extends beyond just technical skills, according to Deepika Sidana, a senior manager and enterprise AI leader and Professional Development Director for the Society of Women Engineers' New York chapter.

Sidana emphasizes that the biggest barrier is the entire pipeline, from encouragement to pursue these fields, access to meaningful projects, referrals, evaluations during hiring, and sponsorship and advancement opportunities. Cultural perceptions also play a role, as technical confidence and engineering ability are often more readily associated with men.

Women may face pressure to prove their competence before being considered for the same opportunities. Cook advises women to start with what they already know and apply AI tools to problems within their existing fields, rather than abandoning their current careers to pursue a new one. She suggests learning enough about AI to understand its capabilities and limitations, then using those tools to demonstrate their accomplishments.

This approach can make a stronger impression on a resume than completing an AI course. While individual confidence is essential, Cook emphasizes that structural barriers and systemic issues also contribute to the underrepresentation of women in AI. She encourages women to apply for roles they may not feel fully prepared for and to advocate for themselves by labeling their AI-related experiences.

By taking these steps, women can help break through the barriers that prevent them from fully participating in and benefiting from the AI revolution.