AI job loss debate complicated by new spending data
7 reported1 unconfirmed
A new report from Ramp and Revelio Labs, based on data from nearly 22,000 companies, adds nuance to the debate over AI’s impact on employment. The report found that companies spending heavily on AI are growing headcount faster, including in entry-level roles often considered at risk. High-intensity adopters, defined as firms spending an average of $30 per employee per month on AI in the first three months, saw headcount increase by 10.2%. Job growth occurred across functions such as engineering, sales, administration, customer service, finance, marketing, and scientist roles, with the strongest growth in the information sector. However, the data skews toward tech-forward, knowledge-work firms that may already be expanding, making it unclear whether AI directly drives hiring. The report’s authors stated it does not show that AI universally creates jobs but counters claims that AI will lead to broad job losses.
What’s reported
Through May 2026, companies announced close to 90,000 job cuts tied to AI.
Up to 15% of U.S. jobs are projected to be eliminated by AI over the next five years, by some accounts.
The report from Ramp and Revelio Labs tracked enterprise AI spend and workforce records from nearly 22,000 companies.
High-intensity adopters spending $30 per employee per month on AI saw headcount increase 10.2%.
Entry-level headcount rose by 12% in tech-forward firms.
Recent Goldman Sachs research found AI erased about 16,000 net jobs per month over the past year, with Gen Z and entry-level workers most affected.
Companies that only bought subscriptions and ran pilots without sustained investment did not see headcount gains.
Open questions
Whether AI is directly causing hiring growth or simply present at companies that are expanding for other reasons.
Key figures
Ramp (company)
Revelio Labs (company)
Goldman Sachs (research firm)
The paper’s authors (not named individually)
Sources: TechCrunch
