AI Professionals Receive Multiple Offers and Significant Pay Hikes Amid Strong Demand

Despite a cooling overall job market, AI professionals continue to receive strong demand with multiple job offers and counter-offers, often accompanied by 25-70% salary hikes. Companies are also providing additional incentives such as stock options, paid research leaves, sabbaticals, and flexible work arrangements to attract experienced AI talent, especially in areas like generative AI, data science, and AI engineering. This trend is expected to intensify in 2026, reflecting the scarcity and high competition for skilled AI workers.