AI and data-based HR tech platform JobKorea, operated by Worksphere, said on Thursday that AI and data utilisation capabilities are emerging as a key competitive edge in the hiring market that influences annual pay. It disclosed the findings in its HR Money Report.

JobKorea's HR Money Report 2026, released on Feb. 11, analyses recent trends in hiring and the salary market. It is based on a survey of 485 corporate hiring managers and hiring data JobKorea has accumulated over 30 years.

By job category, AI, development and data roles posted the highest average annual salary at 49.47 million won among 21 major job categories. They were followed by planning and strategy at 49.12 million won, finance and insurance at 47.79 million won, and engineering and design at 46.61 million won. Roles where digital work execution and data utilisation capabilities are important were concentrated in the top salary tier.

By company size, the average annual salary was 52.79 million won at large companies, 44.83 million won at mid-sized firms and 39.94 million won at small and medium-sized enterprises. Mid-sized firms were about 85 percent of large companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises were about 76 percent. By industry, finance and banking was highest at 46.78 million won, followed by IT and information and communications at 46.56 million won, manufacturing, production and chemicals at 45.36 million won, and construction at 44.74 million won.

A JobKorea official said whether someone can use AI to deliver actual results is becoming a factor that determines talent value even for the same role and years of experience. The official added that the analysis based on JobKorea data is hoped to be a practical reference for workers preparing to change jobs and negotiate pay after the Lunar New Year holiday, helping them gauge market trends.