The AI jobs debate just got messier, and the data is surprising

New research from Ramp and Revelio Labs reveals that while AI cuts 90,000 jobs, aggressive adopters see headcount increase by 10.2% and entry-level roles rise 12%. The real risk? A widening gap between tech leaders and laggards.

New research from Ramp and Revelio Labs analyzed AI spending and workforce data across nearly 22,000 companies. What they found was surprising. Through May 2026, roughly 90,000 job cuts were tied to AI. The impact is real.

Projections suggest that 15% of US jobs could be eliminated by AI over the next five years. The stakes are high. But companies that adopted AI most aggressively saw their headcount increase by 10.2%. The story is more nuanced.

And entry-level roles rose by 12%. It's not just about cutting jobs. Goldman Sachs found AI erased about 16,000 net jobs per month over the past year. The debate is far from settled.

The data counters claims that AI will lead to broad job losses but does not prove AI universally creates jobs. The real risk? A widening gap between resource-rich firms and everyone else.

Key facts

• New research from Ramp and Revelio Labs analyzed AI spending and workforce data from nearly 22,000 companies.
• Roughly 90,000 job cuts were tied to AI through May 2026, and 15% of US jobs are projected to be eliminated by AI over five years.
• BUT the twist: companies that adopt AI most aggressively ("high-intensity adopters") actually saw headcount INCREASE 10.2%, and entry-level roles rose 12%.
• Goldman Sachs separately found AI erased about 16,000 net jobs per month over the past year.
• Authors: the data "counters claims that AI will lead to broad job losses" but does not prove AI universally creates jobs.
• The real risk: a widening gap between resource-rich firms that grow with AI and everyone else.

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