Observed Signal · Sep 13, 2026 · Research Report · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
AI & Labor Market Market: AI May Pressure Wages Before Job Losses, Economists Say
A recent study by Apollo Global Management suggests that AI may be slowing wage growth for workers in highly exposed occupations, with real wages growing 6.7 percentage points slower after 2023, but without significant job losses. However, experts caution that data is limited and may overstate AI's impact. Ben Zipperer notes that savings from AI may be reinvested elsewhere, and post-pandemic normalization could also be a factor. MIT's Daron Acemoglu expects wage impacts to be larger than employment effects, while a Dallas Fed analysis finds wage pressure on younger workers with low experience premium. David Autor's research on accounting and inventory clerks shows that AI exposure does not determine outcomes, as some occupations gain specialization and higher pay. The debate is shifting from 'AI exposure' to the nuanced effects on human expertise.
This article provides data-driven insights into AI's potential impact on wages, relevant to AdTech as AI affects workforce costs and automation trends.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apollo study: workers in highly AI-exposed occupations saw real-wage growth 6.7 percentage points slower after 2023 vs. less-exposed workers.
- BLS data: labor share of nonfarm business output fell to 52.8% in Q2 2026, lowest since 1947.
- Apollo study used only 321 of 800 BLS occupations; only 11 met high-exposure threshold.
- Dallas Fed analysis (Feb 2026) found no direct correlation between overall wages and AI exposure, but younger workers with low experience premium face wage pressure.
- MIT's Autor/Thompson research: accounting clerks saw wage gains of 39% despite 32% employment drop; inventory clerks saw wage declines of 13% with 175% employment growth.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedJPMorgan Chase
Diversified banking group serving consumers, businesses and institutions.
“JPMorgan’s David Kelly on jobs report: Wage growth is still weak in this report....”
Apollo Global Management
Public alternative asset manager investing through affiliated funds.
“A recent study from Apollo Global Management's chief economist Torsten Slok......”
Revelio Labs
Workforce intelligence data platform for enterprises, investors and researchers.
“AI is making it difficult for entry level employees, says Revelio Labs' Evan Sohn....”
MIT
Non-profit university with digital learning and specialist media properties.
“Daron Acemoglu, professor of economics at MIT... David Autor, a labor economist and head of MIT’s economics department....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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