G42, a UAE-based technology group, in collaboration with Semafor, surveyed 750 AI professionals across major talent hubs to understand their employment preferences. The study reveals that compensation, job security, and work-life balance are top priorities for AI experts. Despite 68% of respondents valuing compensation highly, only 43% expressed satisfaction. Similarly, 70% prioritised job security, with 48% feeling secure in their current roles. Work-life balance was important to 67% of participants, yet only 48% were satisfied with their current balance.
The report also highlights that research-focused AI professionals seek autonomy and global exposure, while implementation specialists prioritise competitive salaries and rapid career growth. Hybrid work models are favoured by 70% of associate-level respondents, compared to 53% of team leaders. Senior professionals are drawn to leadership roles and sustainability-focused projects, whereas junior talent seeks flexibility and hands-on learning opportunities.
G42’s findings aim to inform workforce development policies and recruitment strategies for organisations worldwide looking to attract top AI talent. The company’s collaborations with NVIDIA, AMD, Cerebras, Qualcomm, and OpenAI, along with a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in 2024, position it to offer significant opportunities for AI professionals.
