Elon Musk warns high salaries may vanish as AI reshapes the future of work

Elon Musk has issued a fresh warning that even the most comfortable financial positions may not offer long-term security in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI). 

The tech billionaire has argued that as AI systems and robotics grow more capable, traditional ideas around work, wages, and even money itself could fade away.

Speaking on the People by WTF podcast, xAI CEO suggested that money may eventually lose its purpose altogether. 

In a future where intelligent machines can meet nearly all human needs, he noted that salaries would no longer be required as a way to distribute resources or reward labour. 

Musk explained that money currently functions as a tool to allocate human effort. However, once machines can handle most forms of labour, from building homes to delivering health care and education, that system may no longer make sense. 

He referenced Iain M. Banks’ The Culture science fiction series as a compelling vision of such a society, where advanced AI enables abundance and frees people to pursue personal interests rather than paid employment.

However, this is not a new idea for Musk. He has repeatedly predicted that AI will outperform humans in most tasks, turning work into something people choose for enjoyment rather than necessity. 

That said, his vision raises unresolved questions, particularly around how scarce resources would be distributed without money.