A new report from Clutch reveals that workers embracing AI tools and training are advancing faster, earning more, and reporting greater work-life balance than peers who resist the technology. Based on a survey of 428 full-time U.S. employees, the study suggests AI fluency is emerging as one of the most valuable career accelerators of 2025.
The Payoff: Promotions, Raises, and Competitive Edge
The numbers speak for themselves:
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89% of employees who completed an AI training course received a raise or promotion in the past year.
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Only 53% of those without AI training reported the same.
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Regular AI users were 1.5 times more likely to advance in their careers.
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Two-thirds (66%) said their AI skills give them a competitive edge over coworkers.
“Workers who master AI are not just faster—they’re more valuable,” said Hannah Hicklen, Tech and Business Content Manager at Clutch. “AI fluency is a key differentiator in promotions, raises, and career growth.”
Upskilling Pays—Even When It’s Self-Funded
While employers are ramping up corporate AI training, many employees aren’t waiting for the company to pay. The report found that half of AI course takers covered the cost themselves, and 44% said the skills are essential in today’s job market.
The takeaway: employees see AI learning as an investment, not a perk. Those who can translate new tools into measurable results—better insights, faster execution, and smarter automation—are the ones reaping tangible rewards.
For HR and learning leaders, it’s a signal to embed AI literacy into talent strategy before the skills divide turns into a performance divide.
Smarter Work, Better Balance
Beyond paychecks and promotions, AI appears to be improving how—and when—work gets done. 63% of respondents said AI improved their job performance, while 62% reported a better work-life balance.
Most said they use AI to complete the same workload in less time, freeing up hours for higher-value projects or personal priorities. That echoes a growing corporate trend toward “time-shifting productivity”—where efficiency gains are reinvested in innovation or well-being rather than more busywork.
The Bottom Line
Clutch’s data reinforces a broader truth about the modern workforce: AI is no longer optional. Workers who adapt are being rewarded with higher pay, faster growth, and more control over their time. Those who don’t risk being left behind—no matter how strong their traditional skills.
In other words, AI isn’t just changing jobs—it’s changing careers.
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Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
