The Impact of Artificial Intelligence Technology on Occupational Mobility in China

Yi Chen; Jingyi Wang

doi:10.54691/w03k1t86

Authors

Yi Chen School of Economics, Nanjing Audit University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211815, China
Jingyi Wang School of Economics, Nanjing Audit University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211815, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/w03k1t86

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence Technology; Occupational Mobility; Human Capital; Income Effect; Employment Perceptions.

Abstract

Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) for 2016–2022, this paper systematically examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technology on occupational mobility in China and its underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal that AI technology significantly promotes occupational mobility among the labor force; for every one-unit increase in AI technology, the probability of occupational mobility rises by an average of approximately 4.90 percentage points. Mechanism analysis indicates that AI technology primarily influences occupational mobility through human capital and income effects: technological progress drives adjustments in the structure of skill demand and facilitates occupational transitions, while income growth increases job attachment, thereby curbing some occupational mobility. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that AI technology exerts a stronger promotional effect on occupational mobility among women, non-agricultural household registrants, young people, and the labor force in central and western regions. Further research indicates that AI technology not only deepens the extent of occupational mobility but also influences its direction and employment perceptions; individuals with stronger digital skills are more likely to achieve upward occupational mobility, though their job satisfaction declines in the short term.

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