On Monday, Chinese state media Global Times reported that companies at a recent job fair in Shanghai offered AI graduates monthly salaries approaching 50,000 yuan (approximately $6,900). The fair, which took place on Saturday, included around 1,000 companies from various sectors, including semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, and small—to medium-sized enterprises.
These firms presented approximately 20,000 job opportunities for recent graduates and young job seekers. Event organizers reported receiving about 23,000 resumes, with 6,200 applicants completing preliminary hiring intention forms.
Leading Chinese tech companies, such as DeepSeek—known for its cost-effective AI models—and Unitree, a robotics company specializing in humanoid robots, were among the major employers at the event. These companies sought to fill positions in algorithm development, software engineering, and other AI-related fields.
The Global Times noted that AI-related companies offered starting monthly salaries for graduates ranging from 30,000 yuan (approximately $4,140) to 50,000 yuan (approximately $6,900).
Industry experts attribute this trend to the surging demand for highly skilled tech talent. They point out that AI specialists remain scarce in China, justifying the high wage offerings.
China Central Television (CCTV) reported that job fairs in other major cities, such as Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, also emphasized AI-related positions.
An executive from an online recruitment platform told CCTV that demand for AI-related roles has risen by 13% this year. Even entry-level algorithm engineers with minimal experience command starting monthly salaries of 35,000 yuan (approximately $4,830).
