I am excited to share my insights on the top AI jobs in demand in 2024. As artificial intelligence continues advancing rapidly, many companies are adopting AI to enhance productivity, decision-making, and customer service. Consequently, these organizations need skilled professionals to develop, integrate, test, troubleshoot, and train personnel on AI systems.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% increase in computer and information technology jobs, which include AI jobs in demand, between 2021-2031. Additionally, the median annual wage for this occupation was $97,430 in May 2021. Whether in manufacturing, marketing, finance, or healthcare, companies require experts to unlock the full potential of AI.
You don’t need a tech degree to break into this field. By combining training from bootcamps, certifications, or associate’s degrees with practical experience from freelance gigs, you can gain the skills and experience needed for AI jobs in demand. Working on diverse freelance projects enables honing your skills, increasing income, and making meaningful career progress.
We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.
Table of Contents
The 12 In-Demand AI Jobs in 2024
1. Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer researches, designs, and develops AI models and systems using huge datasets. This professional trains models, performs analyses, and enhances performance. ML engineering, one of the top AI jobs in demand, is projected to grow 21% by 2031. The average salary is $109,265 per year.
2. Data Scientist
A data scientist collects, analyzes, interprets, and visualizes data to extract insights. Data scientists also create ML models and algorithms. This occupation will likely expand 36% between 2021-2031 with an average pay of $104,090 annually.
3. AI Research Scientist
An AI research scientist conducts studies and experiments to assist in developing human-like AI systems. Working with data scientists, they train models, gather data, and document findings. AI research scientists fall under the computer and information research scientist occupation, expected to grow 21% with an average salary of $92,677 per year.
4. AI Ethics Consultant
An AI ethics consultant ensures AI systems follow ethical guidelines and policies. They perform assessments to identify bias and implications while advising teams on ethical considerations. Specific growth estimates are unavailable, but demand for AI ethics expertise is rising. The average pay is $101,540 annually.
5. Robotics Engineer
A robotics engineer designs, develops, and tests robotic prototypes to ensure proper functioning. They create documentation, provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and supervise technicians. Under the mechanical engineering occupation, robotics engineering will likely experience 2% growth by 2031. The average salary is $86,521 per year.
6. AI Product Manager
An AI product manager oversees all stages of an AI product’s lifecycle. They identify market gaps AI can fill, develop a product vision, work with teams to build the product, assist in launching it, and ensure correct usage. With AI’s expanding role, demand for AI-skilled product managers will increase. Average pay exceeds $131,481 annually.
7. AI Solutions Architect
AI solutions architects resolve organization’s AI challenges. They manage AI initiatives and improve products and processes through stakeholder input. As businesses increasingly seek AI-powered solutions, AI solutions architect jobs are growing. The average salary is $121,819 per year.
8. Software Engineer
A software engineer handles various software development stages like designing, programming, and testing. They collaborate with other engineers on new feature implementation and ensure applications meet quality and security standards. Software engineering jobs have a 25% growth estimate and pay $91,114 on average.
9. Data Analyst
A data analyst gathers, evaluates, interprets, and visualizes data to extract valuable insights while ensuring quality. They also write reports summarizing findings. Data analysis jobs are projected to grow 23% between 2021-2031, with an average salary of $65,499 per year.
10. Computer Vision Engineer
A computer vision engineer develops and optimizes machine learning models to uncover insights from visual data. Collaborating with other professionals, they build scalable models to handle image- and video-processing tasks. Demand for computer vision skills will rise as the technology becomes ubiquitous. Average pay exceeds $113,622 annually.
11. NLP Engineer
An NLP engineer enables systems to comprehend human language by training models with sizable datasets. NLP job growth will likely outpace other occupations at 21% between 2021-2031. The average salary for NLP engineers is $112,493 per year.
12. Prompt Engineer
Prompt engineers develop and refine AI-generated text prompts to improve algorithm responses. As adoption of AI applications grows across sectors, demand for prompt engineering expertise rises. While an emerging role, prompt engineers can expect around $110,000 in annual pay.
AI Jobs in Demand: Best Tips for Success
As the demand for AI jobs continues to soar, it’s crucial to position yourself effectively in this competitive landscape. Here are some best tips to help you succeed in securing AI jobs in demand:
- Stay Updated: The field of AI is constantly evolving. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends, technologies, and advancements. Follow industry leaders, read relevant publications, and attend conferences or webinars.
- Build a Strong Foundation: Ensure you have a solid understanding of core AI concepts, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks. A strong foundation will make you more versatile and adaptable to different AI roles.
- Develop Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and Java is essential. Additionally, familiarize yourself with AI frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras.
- Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable. Work on AI projects, participate in hackathons, or contribute to open-source AI projects. This will not only enhance your skills but also make your resume stand out.
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase your skills and projects in a portfolio. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your abilities in different areas of AI. This will be a key asset when applying for AI jobs in demand.
- Network: Connect with professionals in the field through LinkedIn, AI forums, or local meetups. Networking can provide insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
- Specialize: While having a broad understanding is important, specializing in a specific area of AI can make you more attractive to employers. Consider areas like computer vision, robotics, or AI ethics.
- Stay Curious: AI is a field driven by innovation. Cultivate a curious mindset and be open to learning new things. This will help you adapt to new challenges and stay ahead in the game.
- Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback on your projects or ideas. Constructive criticism can help you improve and refine your approach.
- Be Persistent: Breaking into the AI field can be challenging. Stay persistent, keep learning, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Your dedication will pay off in the long run.
By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of securing AI jobs in demand and build a successful career in this exciting and dynamic field.
AI Career FAQs
Is AI a Good Career Path?
Yes, AI offers high demand, strong compensation, job security, and tremendous impact potential, making it an amazing career path.
What Skills Are Important for AI Jobs?
Crucial skills include programming, machine learning, statistical analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and communication. Time management, collaboration, and attention to detail also matter.
Do Non-Technical Industries Need AI Experts?
Absolutely. Sectors like healthcare, finance, retail, and marketing have lots of opportunities for prompt engineers and other AI professionals.
What Salaries Do AI Careers Offer?
Salaries range from $65,499 to over $196,000 depending on the role.
What Education Do AI Jobs Require?
Most entry-level AI jobs need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, data science, IT, math, or related fields. Some roles require advanced degrees.
I hope this overview on AI jobs in demand in 2024 provides valuable insights! Let me know if you have any other questions.
We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.