Japanese firm Needswell reports 75% rise in AI certifications as AI skills drive higher salaries worldwide

Needswell Co. announced that the number of employees holding AI‑related certifications rose to 107, a 75% increase year‑on‑year, with 46 new certifications earned in the past twelve months. The company says the growth supports its strategy to boost productivity, raise revenue per employee and shift from a labor‑intensive model to a solution‑provider business, investing in AI talent development, development platforms and knowledge sharing.

At the same time, analysts note that AI‑savvy workers command substantially higher pay. In the United States senior AI engineers can earn $200,000 or more, and globally workers with AI skills earn about 21% more than peers. Job postings that list AI requirements pay on average 28% more (roughly $18,000 extra per year) and the number of such postings has doubled in the past year. Executives say AI competence is becoming as essential as basic computer skills, with 66% of CEOs saying they would not hire candidates lacking AI ability and 71% preferring AI knowledge over industry experience.