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Top 10 jobs in artificial intelligence (AI) & who’s hiring

Discover the top 10 jobs in AI and the companies that are hiring. Stay ahead of the game with our guide to artificial intelligence careers.

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days, with many people talking about how AI will change or replace existing jobs. However, it’s also important to note that AI will create many innovative and exciting opportunities in the working world.

If you’re a college student getting a degree in a technical field like computer science, a career path in AI could be for you. From AI research scientists to deep learning engineers, a variety of roles are available. We highlight some current full-time gigs available on Handshake right now.

Is artificial intelligence a good career path for you?

The use of AI technology has expanded significantly in the past years, more than doubling since 2017. While some people worry about AI replacing jobs, it’s important to note AI will also create many new jobs. All in all, AI is expected to create some 97 million new jobs by 2025.

Organizations actually report having trouble filling AI roles — which is good news for anyone looking for a gig! For example, many organizations report struggling to find fitting AI data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI product managers, and data architects.

What do you need to work in AI? You’ll benefit from the following mix of hard and soft skills:

  • Technical prowess. Programming, coding, and data analytics skills are in demand for many AI jobs.
  • Ability to collaborate. AI is a complex technology that isn’t harnessed by one person alone. Get ready to work in teams.
  • Adaptability. AI capabilities are constantly evolving. Adapting to the changing tools can help you keep up.
  • Communication skills. Communicating on AI complexities in writing and verbally will serve you well in the field.
  • Curiosity. An innovative mindset can help you explore AI’s full potential.

Best degrees for artificial intelligence

Whether you want to work for Big Tech or a little startup, a technical degree is advisable for anyone wanting to break into the AI field. Consider these options for your bachelor’s degree (bonus points if you go on to get a master's degree):

  • Computer science. This degree can pave the path to any of the tech jobs listed below. Discover additional jobs for computer science majors.
  • Statistics. A stats degree can lead to jobs like business intelligence developer or deep learning engineer.
  • Engineering. An engineering degree can prepare you for many roles, such as an AI research scientist.

Ideally, you’ll complement the above degrees with AI-specific certificates or hands-on experience. For example, the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute offers a certification in AI engineering, while Google offers courses in data analytics.

Industries where you can build an AI career

Tech companies are at the forefront of AI optimization and hiring. However, you don’t have to work for a tech giant like Amazon or Google. New jobs are popping up in a diversity of fields as other industries harness AI software tools — from ChatGPT to automation technologies.

Areas looking for AI pros include:

  • Health care. AI is expected to help health care practitioners diagnose and treat patients in the future. Software engineers and AI research scientists are two job roles that can help.
  • Finance. Banks are already using AI to detect fraud and understand consumer purchasing behavior. Financial services can use data engineers, natural language processing engineers, deep learning engineers, and more.
  • Supply chain. Supply chain management is one field already reporting big savings thanks to AI. Available jobs range from machine learning engineer to business intelligence developer.
  • Government. Government agencies are already hiring for AI jobs in areas like engineering, cybersecurity, and compliance.
  • Human resources. HR professionals and recruiters may use cutting-edge AI tools to help with everything from sifting through resumes to writing job ads.

Scroll down to see who’s hiring in AI on Handshake. If you like the idea of working in tech but AI isn’t for you, check out these other tech jobs.

Top 10 entry-level jobs in artificial intelligence

Ready to launch your AI career? From programmer to data analyst, we highlight some real-world opportunities worth exploring.

1. Software engineer

Software engineers work in software development to create new products for the AI pipeline, from new-and-improved chatbots to shopping apps. They use programming languages like Python and Java. Learn about the day in the life of a software engineer.

Average salary: $76,018 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar

Skills:

  • Teamwork abilities
  • Coding and programming prowess
  • Problem-solving skills

2. Data scientist

Data scientists collect, organize, and analyze data used in AI. They may also label data to help improve generative AI for the future. They work for tech companies, engineering firms, software manufacturers, and more.

Average salary: $74,905 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar

Skills:

  • Detail-oriented
  • Analytical mindset
  • Team player

3. Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers use data and algorithms to enhance AI tools. They want to help AI improve accuracy and basically “think” more like a human. Duties include researching, analyzing, and tweaking machine learning formulas.

Average salary: $122,531 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar

Skills:

  • Innovative attitude
  • Ability to adapt
  • Research-oriented mindset

4. Data engineer

Data engineers develop, create, and test data storage architecture. They basically build the digital infrastructure that holds the data AI tools need to function properly.

Average salary: $114,260 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, or similar

Skills:

  • Analytical mindset
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Communication skills

5. Natural language processing (NLP) engineer

Natural language processing (NLP) engineers design NLP processing systems. For example, they might create tools that allow AI to recognize speech patterns (they’re the reason Alexa can follow your commands). In addition to developing new tools, they may improve existing tools to enhance the user experience.

Average salary: $115,008 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or similar

Skills:

  • Time management skills
  • Collaboration abilities
  • Organizational talent

6. Robotics engineer

Robotics engineers use tools like automation and AI to develop robotic systems. These systems may perform labor-intensive tasks previously done by humans — from picking warehouse items to mopping floors.

Average salary: $105,290 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar

Skills:

  • Hands-on attitude
  • Ability to pivot
  • Detail-oriented

7. Business intelligence (BI) developer

Business intelligence (BI) developers help bridge the gap between AI data and those working with it, including product managers, analysts, and executives. They organize, analyze, and report data in a comprehensible way, for example, by creating visualization models.

Average salary: $94,487 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, or similar

Skills:

  • Excellent communication abilities
  • Collaborative mindset
  • Good people skills

8. Deep learning engineer

Deep learning is a type of machine learning that deals with artificial neural networks (i.e., digital versions of what you find in your own brain). They help improve AI so it can better mimic the way people acquire knowledge.

Average salary: $147,023 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or similar

Skills:

  • Research-driven mindset
  • Innovative outlook
  • Time management skills

9. AI research scientist

AI research scientists develop techniques and infrastructure to harness AI’s power in a range of industries, from health care to financial services. Their job is to stay at the forefront of AI technology and implement the latest into their organizations.

Average salary: $65,875 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or similar

Skills:

  • Superior programming skills
  • Research experience
  • Good project management skills

10. Computer vision engineer

Computer vision engineers help AI-driven tools “see” like a human. They create programs that can create and interpret visual information similar to how a human brain would (e.g., scanning a QR code to see a restaurant menu).

Average salary: $105,531 annually

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar

Skills:

  • Collaborative mindset
  • Ability to evolve
  • Analytical skills

Let Handshake help you find an AI job

Technology is a great career path. In particular, AI promises to offer an increasing number of opportunities in the years ahead. If you have the technical skills to enter the field, it’s a solid job choice. The above list gives you a peek at the types of roles available.

Start your AI job search today with Handshake. Simply create your profile and let potential employers come to you. You can connect with companies in all kinds of industries, including finance, health care, HR, tech, social media, and beyond.

Handshake also makes it easy to sort jobs based on details like location or commitment (like full versus part time). It’s fast, easy, and stress-free. Set up your Handshake profile today.

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