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AI-Exposed College Majors Saw Lower Pay

A U.S. Census Bureau paper found that AI-exposed graduates faced reduced employment likelihood and lower starting salaries.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Employment

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A U.S. Census Bureau report found that recent graduates in fields like computer science and mathematics face lower starting salaries due to AI-driven automation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that graduates in fields highly exposed to artificial intelligence, such as computer science and math, experienced significant initial career setbacks. These individuals faced lower employment rates and reduced earnings compared to their peers in less exposed fields.

Why it matters

The findings highlight how rapid advancements in AI can automate entry-level tasks, directly impacting the early career prospects of workers in high-tech and analytical fields. This shift suggests a structural change in how employers value the initial output of recent graduates.

Graduates in the top decile of AI exposure saw a 13-percent decline in earnings within the first three months. By the two-year mark, these salaries remained 5 percent lower than those in the control group.

The players

U.S. Census Bureau

The U.S. Census Bureau is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System responsible for producing data about the American people and economy.

The details

Fields including computer science, mathematics, journalism, and electrical engineering are classified as highly exposed to AI. Many graduates in these majors were forced to migrate toward lower-paying roles in the restaurant and retail sectors.

Timeline

  1. ChatGPT arrived in 2022.

  2. Employment likelihood dropped five percentage points in the first quarter post-graduation.

  3. Earnings declined by 13 percent in the first three months after leaving school.

  4. Salaries were 5 percent lower than the control group two years after graduation.

Macro View

This data reveals a departure from previous tech-driven labor cycles following the 2022 arrival of ChatGPT. Unlike historical periods where technical degrees guaranteed immediate premiums, current trends show these specific majors facing unexpected downward pressure.

Recent graduates entering the workforce should anticipate potentially longer job hunts and lower initial salary offers if their field is highly AI-exposed. It is becoming increasingly important for job seekers to emphasize skills that AI cannot easily replicate to maintain competitive compensation.

The takeaway

Recent graduates should prepare for a shifting job market where technical skills are being augmented or replaced by automation tools. Diversifying one's professional skillset can help mitigate risks in sectors currently experiencing high AI exposure.

Further reading

For broader context on labor market trends, visit the United States Employment section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by CHE.

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Do you believe AI integration in the workforce is making career outcomes worse for new graduates?