Sam Altman Says High AI Salaries Will Come Later
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has said that extremely high salaries linked to artificial intelligence will emerge only after the technology causes significant disruption to existing jobs and industries. Speaking about the long-term impact of AI on the workforce, Altman cautioned that the transition phase could be difficult, with many current roles changing or disappearing before new opportunities take shape.
New Jobs Will Replace Old Ones
Altman said that the kinds of jobs that could command “sky-high” salaries in the future may not even exist today. According to him, the AI-driven economy of the 2030s will likely create entirely new professions, similar to how the internet created roles that were unimaginable decades ago. These future jobs, he noted, could offer much higher pay once markets stabilise and productivity gains from AI are fully realised.
Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Shift
While optimistic about long-term outcomes, Altman acknowledged that AI adoption will initially displace workers and reshape industries. He said the benefits of AI will not be evenly distributed at first and that societies will need to manage the transition carefully to avoid widening inequality. The period before new high-paying roles emerge could be marked by job uncertainty and the need for large-scale reskilling.
Skills and Education Will Matter
Altman stressed that education and adaptability will be critical in preparing future generations for AI-driven careers. He said workers who are able to learn new skills and work alongside advanced AI systems will be better positioned to benefit from the next wave of economic change.
Broader Debate on AI and Employment
His comments add to an ongoing global debate on how artificial intelligence will affect employment, wages, and social stability. While some fear mass job losses, others argue that AI will ultimately boost productivity and create new forms of work over time.
