‘Old inequalities’ | The rise of the AI trainer - and the rise of the AI trainer pay gap

In the early months of 2026, fears surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs have reached fresh heights.

It’s easy to see why. Each week, headlines tie major job cuts across big tech and beyond to enhanced AI investment, or else offer doomsday predictions.

In reality, the jury is still out on whether this is really what layoffs are about (i.e. AI-washing), and most claims that AI is wiping out jobs typically come with an asterisk.

However, there is evidence that shows a surge in hiring for at least one type of job.