7 Entry Level AI Jobs That Will Set You on the Path to Success

7 Popular Entry Level AI Jobs to Explore

Entry level ai jobs have caught my attention as I have been fascinated by the world of artificial intelligence and closely followed the rapid growth and expansion of this field. The AI industry is moving at an incredible pace, and the popularity of entry level ai jobs among job seekers is on the rise. In fact, over the last four years, positions related to AI and machine learning have grown by nearly 75%, making it the perfect time to consider entry level ai jobs in this exciting domain.

I have noticed that employers and hiring managers are actively seeking skilled professionals who have honed their AI skills and can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. One of the best ways to achieve this is by starting with an entry level ai jobs position, which can provide you with the necessary foundation to build a successful career in artificial intelligence.

We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.

AI Industry Overview — A Brief Snapshot

Artificial intelligence has had a profound impact on virtually every industry, from healthcare and education to marketing, retail, eCommerce, and financial services. The numbers speak for themselves:

The number of artificial intelligence companies in the United States has doubled since 2017, with almost 14,000 AI startups as of 2022.
The AI market is projected to grow from $515.31 billion in 2023 to a staggering $2,025.12 billion by 2030.
The global AI job market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.2% from 2020 to 2027.

These statistics clearly indicate that the demand for AI professionals, including those seeking entry level ai jobs, will continue to rise in the coming years.

Career Outlook for Entry-Level AI Jobs

The job outlook for all types of AI jobs, including entry level ai jobs, is extremely promising. According to Infosec, “the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% increase in computer and information research jobs from 2019-2029, including positions like AI specialists and machine learning engineers.”

As someone who has been keeping a close eye on the AI job market, I can confidently say that now is the perfect time to explore entry level ai jobs. These positions can set you up for success in this exciting and innovative field, providing you with the skills and experience needed to advance your career.

7 Common Entry-Level AI Jobs

1. Research Assistant

Research assistant positions in the artificial intelligence and machine learning sectors are an excellent way to gain valuable skills and experience. In these entry level ai jobs, you may work at an academic institution or in a particular industry, assisting with AI- and machine learning-related research projects. Some examples of real-life research assistant responsibilities include:

Helping to build the research community and contributing directly to research programs that create and train hierarchical neural networks (HNNs) to address multiscale competence problems and create general re-usable neural modules.
Using machine learning approaches, such as natural language processing, to process clinical notes and develop algorithms for pre-processing clinical data and developing machine learning pipelines.
Applying basic statistical knowledge to understand, interpret, and describe complex data by preparing graphs and tables.
Providing research support for ongoing projects, including organizing project files, scheduling activities and meetings, and coordinating with team members across multiple sites.

To land one of these entry level ai jobs, you typically need excellent communication skills and basic computer programming skills, such as proficiency in coding and data science, competency in at least one ML framework, experience with Python, and a strong interest in AI/ML.

Salary range: For those with a year or less of experience, the average salary for these entry level ai jobs is $74,187 (with an additional $14,058 in commission, bonuses, etc., totaling a complete salary package of $88,245).

Education needed: The educational requirements for research assistant positions vary depending on the organization or company. Graduate students may hold these entry level ai jobs while obtaining an advanced degree, while postdoctoral students may also hold this type of job at a college or university. Some positions may only require an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field, while others may require a master’s degree or Ph.D.

2. Junior Data Analyst

As someone who has worked in the field of data analysis, I can attest to the importance of entry level ai jobs like junior data analyst positions. In this role, you will translate numbers and data into words and graphic visualizations to help businesses and organizations make more informed decisions. Typical responsibilities for these entry level ai jobs include:

Collecting and interpreting relevant data
Using tools and algorithms to help organizations understand different types of data
Writing reports and creating relevant charts and graphics

Salary range: The average salary for these entry level ai jobs is around $59,197, with a range anywhere from $42,000 to $82,000.

Education needed: Most junior data analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in statistics, computer programming, economics, accounting, or a related field. Some entry level ai jobs may require a master’s degree.

3. Junior Software Engineer

Software engineers play a crucial role in developing software and systems for businesses and organizations. As someone who has worked in this field, I can say that entry level ai jobs like junior software engineer positions are an excellent way to gain experience and learn from more senior team members. Responsibilities for these entry level ai jobs may include:

Assisting mid- to senior-level engineers on projects
Writing simple code and debugging existing software
Providing engineering-level documentation to enable testing and reporting
Developing, integrating, troubleshooting, and configuring software applications
Writing clear and maintainable source code and providing thorough test suites

Salary range: The average salary for these entry level ai jobs is around $77,904, with entry-level junior software engineers earning about $59,000.

Education needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline is typically recommended for these entry level ai jobs. Many employers also prefer candidates with programming language proficiency.

4. Information Systems Analyst

Information Systems Analyst entry level ai jobs are an excellent way to gain necessary IT and cybersecurity experience. In these positions, you will help develop best practices, monitor security issues, track problems or breaches, and install software. Some real-life responsibilities for these entry level ai jobs include:

Performing routine operational support, maintenance, and system configuration
Identifying, analyzing, and resolving data and system issues of low complexity
Participating in the development, validation, and execution of test plans
Providing priority level one support for business systems
Supporting system maintenance and upgrades throughout the product lifecycle

Salary range: For these entry level ai jobs, expect a starting salary around $55,492; those with 1–4 years of experience will earn around $60,938.

Education needed: Most Information Systems Analyst entry level ai jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, information systems, or a related field.

5. Junior Programmer

As someone who has worked in the AI industry, I can confidently say that programmers are in high demand. Junior programmer entry level ai jobs are an excellent way to gain experience and develop skills that will be valuable in other AI career paths. Responsibilities for these entry level ai jobs include:

Providing computer hardware maintenance
Debugging software
Writing programming guidelines
Developing and maintaining applications and databases

Salary range: The average salary for these entry level ai jobs is $53,282, with a range between $47,586 and $59,478.

Education needed: Most junior programmer entry level ai jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, as well as knowledge and skills in software debugging, software design, and programming languages.

6. Junior or Associate Data Scientist

Data science is an immersive, innovative, and constantly-expanding field that encompasses multiple subdisciplines, such as data analytics, data mining, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As someone who has worked in this field, I can say that junior or associate data scientist entry level ai jobs are an excellent way to gain experience and make an impact for businesses and organizations. Typical responsibilities for these entry level ai jobs include:

Developing analytic models and products that demonstrate an understanding of business value
Working with team members to research and develop tools and techniques to train and test machine learning algorithms
Using machine learning techniques to perform data analysis
Designing, building, modifying, and implementing software applications that apply machine learning methods

Salary range: The average salary for both associate data scientist and junior data scientist entry level ai jobs is $92,560, with a range between $81,180 and $102,042.

Education needed: For these entry level ai jobs, you will likely need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, or a related field. However, many positions in this field require an advanced degree.

7. Junior Software Developer

Junior software developer entry level ai jobs are an excellent way to gain experience in writing code, creating software designs, fixing bugs, and collecting user data. These positions can easily lead to experience for an artificial intelligence developer role, making them ideal for those interested in AI, algorithms, and computer programming.

Salary range: The average salary for these entry level ai jobs is $75,984, with a range between $69,435 and $83,368.

Education needed: Most junior software developer entry level ai jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and basic programming experience is strongly recommended.

How to Gain Experience for Entry-Level Positions

As someone who has navigated the AI job market, I have noticed that even entry level ai jobs often require or highly recommend some type of prior experience or knowledge. Fortunately, there are several ways to gain the necessary experience:

Master’s degree programs: Pursuing an advanced degree in artificial intelligence or data science can provide you with the tools, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in entry level ai jobs. Graduate programs also offer numerous networking opportunities.
Bootcamps: Attending an AI bootcamp can be a fulfilling experience for anyone looking to gain knowledge and experience from experts in the field. These programs can also be beneficial for students interested in a master’s degree, as they provide preparation for a rigorous curriculum.
Internships: A recent search for AI internships on LinkedIn revealed thousands of results, indicating that organizations and companies are actively seeking motivated individuals interested in starting a career in artificial intelligence. Internships can provide valuable experience and help you stand out when applying for entry level ai jobs.

If you’re interested in starting your artificial intelligence career, I highly recommend considering the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence. This innovative online program is an ideal way to obtain the experience and knowledge needed for many entry level ai jobs. If you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of their enrollment advisors.

In conclusion, the world of artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving, and entry level ai jobs are an excellent way to break into this exciting field. With the right education, experience, and motivation, you can build a successful and rewarding career in AI. As someone who has been in your shoes, I encourage you to explore the various entry level ai jobs available and take the first step towards your dream career in artificial intelligence.

FAQ

How do I start an AI career with no experience?

To start an AI career with no experience, begin by gaining knowledge through online courses, books, and tutorials. Develop your skills in programming languages like Python, R, and Java, and practice with hands-on projects. Pursue internships to gain practical experience and attend workshops and conferences to network with professionals in the field.

How do I get my first AI job?

To get your first AI job, focus on building a strong foundation in AI concepts and programming skills. Create a portfolio showcasing your projects and achievements, and tailor your resume for each job application. Apply for entry-level AI positions, such as AI/ML Engineer, Data Scientist, or AI Research Assistant, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Persistence and dedication are key to landing your first AI job.

Where can I work with artificial intelligence in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, you can work with artificial intelligence in various industries, including:

Financial services: Banks and fintech companies using AI for fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer service.
Healthcare: Hospitals and health-tech startups leveraging AI for medical diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment.
E-commerce: Online retailers using AI for product recommendations, customer segmentation, and supply chain optimization.
Telecommunications: Mobile network operators and ISPs employing AI for network optimization, customer churn prediction, and chatbots.
Agriculture: Agritech companies utilizing AI for crop yield prediction, pest detection, and precision farming.

Can I get a job in AI as a fresher?

Yes, you can get a job in AI as a fresher. Focus on gaining knowledge and developing your skills in AI through online courses, projects, and internships. Attend workshops and conferences to network with professionals and discover job opportunities. Apply for entry-level AI positions and showcase your passion and potential to employers. With dedication and effort, you can start your AI career as a fresher.

Where can I work with artificial intelligence in the United States?

In the United States, you can work with artificial intelligence in numerous industries and companies, including:

Tech giants: Companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook heavily invest in AI research and development.
Startups: Many AI-focused startups across the country are working on innovative solutions in various domains.
Healthcare: Hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and health-tech firms use AI for medical research, drug discovery, and patient care.
Finance: Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies leverage AI for risk assessment, fraud detection, and algorithmic trading.
Retail and e-commerce: Companies like Walmart, Target, and Amazon use AI for supply chain optimization, customer personalization, and recommendation systems.
Automotive: Car manufacturers and self-driving technology companies, such as Tesla, GM, and Waymo, use AI for autonomous vehicles and driver assistance systems.
Academia and research: Universities, research institutes, and national laboratories conduct cutting-edge AI research and offer job opportunities for AI professionals.