The number of entry-level roles in some departments have been cut drastically, with companies hoping that shiny new AI systems can do the work previously done by less experienced employees, according to the 2025 iGB Salary Survey. 

That money is instead being invested in mid-level employees, who bring with them the benefit of experience and specialist skills. 

As AI usage spikes, there is also an increasing demand for staff who know how to understand and oversee these systems to ensure they are running fairly and effectively. 

Meet my co-pilot 

Even in roles that ostensibly have nothing to do with AI, candidates are increasingly likely to be asked how they might use AI to support their work. 

They could also expect to be quizzed on their comfort level when interfacing with systems like co-pilots, which are finding increasing traction in the workplace. 

Researchers believe that 2025 will have seen rapid growth in the use of co-pilots, which are designed to use AI to act as virtual assistants and, according to the big tech companies that produce them, allow for more efficient and effective working. 

An academic study by Avanade estimated that functions like legal and finance will see co-pilot usage climb to above 50 percent of workers by the end of the year. For technology-driven fields like software development, the figure is closer to 75 percent. 

However Pentasia’s experts have warned candidates not to go too far in trying to showcase their AI fluency. 

Research for the Salary Survey turned up several horror stories of interviewees proudly brandishing AI-produced answers to questions by using tools during their assessments. Hiring managers say it is still paramount to advertise your personal skills and culture-fit in interviews, even if a certain level of AI-literacy is ideal. 

AI as standard for tech roles 

For tech or data drive roles, the survey indicates a more dramatic shift, as 2025 appears to be the year when AI has become a base level expectation for many vacancies. 

“AI and machine learning are now expected in roles like BI Analyst and Data Scientist, while new job titles – such as AI Automation Engineer – are emerging,” explained Brooke Petersen, chief marketing and growth officer with the Conexus Group. 

Business intelligence analysts now need to come armed with machine learning and AI skills, not just mastery of SQL and Tableau, if they are to win out against other candidates. 

To master the new field of Automation Engineers means more than just figuring out the quickest way to ask Chat GPT for a helpful answer. Skilled practitioners are able to understand how to go from the big idea of integrating AI into a company’s workflow to actually delivering on that objective. 

With AI skills in high demand across a range of job roles, skills are becoming more critical than sector-specific experience. 

The iGaming industry is increasingly looking to areas like FinTech to poach staff who have developed a cutting-edge understanding of technology. 

A devops specialist can now expect to command an annual salary of up to €105,000, while lead developers are demanding as much as €110,000. 

Keeping an eye on it 

While there are signs that 2025 was the year companies began to embrace AI more readily, the prevalence of the technology does not come without risks - something not lost on business leaders. 

“As AI adoption increases, so does the need for tighter oversight. Employers want candidates who can use AI effectively but within defined boundaries,” explained Petersen.  

Issues like inbuilt bias need to be watched for, as does the general concept of explainability. It can often be challenging to dissect why an AI has made the recommendations it has, but in high-stakes corporate situations, it is vital to integrate that reasoning. 

There are also concerns about sensitive company data. Using third-party AI tools for sensitive work queries, for example, risks giving away intellectual property that will be used to train publicly-accessible sources of AI intelligence.