Most Job Seekers Favor AI-Assisted Salary Decisions, Survey Shows

NEW YORK, United States — A growing number of workers are open to artificial intelligence playing a role in determining compensation, with 67% of job seekers saying they are more likely to join companies that use AI to help set pay, according to a new survey.

The study, conducted by career platform Resume Now, surveyed 884 U.S. workers and highlights how AI is increasingly influencing recruitment strategies. While many respondents see value in data-driven salary decisions, most still want human managers to retain final authority.

AI seen as a tool for fairer compensation

The survey suggests that AI involvement in pay decisions can make organizations more attractive to candidates. A majority of respondents said they view AI-driven compensation as a signal that companies rely on objective data when determining salaries.

Only about 32% of workers said they would feel less inclined to work for an employer that uses AI in compensation decisions, indicating overall positive sentiment toward the technology.

Experts say AI systems can analyze market benchmarks, industry salary trends, and regional pay differences, potentially helping companies offer more competitive and transparent compensation packages.

However, the report emphasized that clear communication about how AI influences pay decisions is essential. Workers expect organizations to explain pay bands, location adjustments, and bonus structures so candidates can better understand how offers are calculated.

Workers still prefer human oversight

Despite growing interest in AI-driven salary tools, the survey found that employees still trust human judgment more when it comes to final pay decisions.

About 59% of respondents said they trust their managers more than AI to determine compensation, while 34% said they trust AI more, citing consistency and reduced bias as key advantages. Another 7% remained unsure.

When asked what should happen if an AI recommendation conflicts with a manager’s decision, two-thirds of respondents said the manager should have the final say. This suggests that most employees see AI as a supporting tool rather than the ultimate authority.

Comfort with AI depends on limits

Overall comfort with AI involvement in compensation appears high. The survey found that 90% of respondents are at least somewhat comfortable with AI influencing pay decisions, with nearly half saying they are very comfortable.

However, many workers prefer limits on how much influence algorithms should have.

• 42% said AI should determine only about a quarter of their compensation decisions

• 39% said AI could influence up to half

• 6% said AI should not affect their pay at all

At the same time, 96% of respondents said they would welcome AI involvement if it helps ensure salaries remain competitive and aligned with market data.

A hybrid future for compensation decisions

The findings suggest that companies may increasingly adopt hybrid compensation models, where AI tools analyze salary benchmarks and market trends while managers make final decisions.

Such systems could help organizations balance efficiency and transparency while maintaining the trust employees place in human leadership.

As AI continues to reshape recruitment and human resource strategies, employers that combine data-driven insights with clear policies and human oversight may have an advantage in attracting top talent.