AI Skills that pay off (Fast)

• A Slack survey of over 10,000 desk workers found that 80% say AI tools already enhance their productivity, and workplace AI usage grew 24% in just one quarter (Slack, 2024).
• A report from Adobe Express found that 72% of users reported “moderate to significant” productivity improvements when using AI tools in professional or personal settings (Tech.co, 2025).

• By 2030, about 70% of the skills used in most jobs are expected to change, with AI emerging as a key driver (LinkedIn, 2025).

• A study of 1,000 professionals who upskilled in AI, ML, or Data Science found that 80% experienced career improvements (promotions, new roles, or salary increases), with an average 65% salary boost (All Things Talent, 2025).
• Research from Oxford and the University of Copenhagen revealed that workers with AI skills earn on average 21% more, and up to 40% more when combined with strategic capabilities (University of Oxford, 2023).

So, there’s plenty of data pointing to a growing demand for AI skills, and that acquiring these both improve productivity and lead to career improvements. But there’s a tonne of different AI-related skills out there. Which ones should you actually focus on? While some are flashy, they might not be very useful in everyday work. Others, however, are quickly becoming career superpowers that anyone can learn, regardless of their role.

Here are five of the most impactful AI skills right now:

Knowing how to ask AI the right questions is half the battle. Clear, structured prompts help you get better outputs, whether it’s for drafting copy, analysing data, or generating design ideas.

Understanding what AI can and cannot do helps you avoid mistakes and use it responsibly. AI literacy means you can spot when a tool adds value, and when it needs a human eye.

You don’t need to be a data scientist, but being able to read AI-generated insights, dashboards, or trend reports is a huge advantage. The skill lies in turning raw numbers into smart decisions.

Tools like Zapier or AI assistants can take repetitive tasks off your plate. From auto-generating reports to scheduling, automation frees up time for you to focus on the work that really matters, thereby boosting your workflow efficiency.

From ChatGPT to MidJourney and Runway, combining creativity with AI is already reshaping marketing, design, and storytelling. Knowing how to experiment with these tools can give you a creative advantage.

You don’t need to code or build your own AI models to stay relevant. These are practical, versatile skills that boost efficiency, spark creativity, and make you more valuable in almost any role.

Upskilling in AI is already paying off in measurable ways. A study by Coursera revealed that 77% of learners reported a positive career outcome, such as getting a new job, earning a promotion, or acquiring transferable skills they could apply immediately (Coursera, 2023)

To paint a clear picture of how AI is really boosting efficiency, try to imagine a marketing professional experimenting with AI copy tools.

By automating first drafts and running faster A/B tests, they could free up 5–10 hours a week – time that instead could go straight into campaign strategy.

The result? Stronger outcomes and recognition from leadership.

Or, picture a project manager who uses AI to automate weekly reports and timeline updates. What once took half a day can now be done in minutes, freeing them to focus on problem-solving and stakeholder communication. Not only does this shift save time, it makes them more visible as a strategic thinker.

Stories like this are becoming increasingly common, showing that the payoff from AI learning can come much quicker than most people expect.

AI adoption is moving fast. Professionals who start building AI skills today are putting themselves in a stronger position while others are still hesitating.

And because many of these tools are low-cost or even free, the barrier to entry has never been lower.

The bottom line: the sooner you get hands-on, the sooner you’ll see results.

The payoff from AI skills is clear: more efficiency, faster growth, and stronger career opportunities. And it doesn’t take years of training to get there, even small steps can make a measurable difference.

Would you like to see what AI can do for your career? Our AI Learning Experiences are designed to help you get hands-on, build confidence, and see results fast.

👉 Check out our AI for Business course.