15 Most In-Demand AI Jobs: Best Artificial Intelligence Jobs In 2024

Photo of author

By Zeeshan Hakmi

Artificial Intelligence promises to transform every industry profoundly in the coming decade. AI is already generating trillions in value annually. Consequently, in-demand AI jobs are growing over 4X faster than the overall job market according to recent research by Stanford University and others.

Yet qualified AI talent supply isn’t keeping up. So, people skilled in AI can unlock abundant lucrative opportunities. So, we thought about searching for the most promising AI careers today for newcomers to tap into.

With pragmatic learning, even beginners can develop AI skills in high demand within months. They can also position themselves to capture the tremendous upsides that this adoption wave presents in the short and long term.

Is There Demand For AI Jobs?

Yes, there is massive demand for AI jobs. Some of the in-demand AI jobs are high-paying artificial intelligence jobs across sectors as well. According to a Stanford University report, job openings requiring AI expertise have grown 4.5X since 2015.

The average AI specialist salary in the US tops $170,000, per recent Indeed data. Prominent AI roles like machine learning engineers, data scientists, AI consultants, and computer vision experts are among the most sought-after tech jobs today given the continued innovation and adoption of AI globally.

Business value derived from AI is projected to touch $1 trillion globally within the next 5 years. So, skilled AI talent will continue enjoying abundant opportunities and premium compensations for the foreseeable future.

A man coding an AI on his lapptop.

What Is The Highest Salary In The AI Field?

AI researchers command some of the highest salaries in the AI field, with annual compensation crossing $350,000 for top talent. Leading tech firms value PhD-level experts advancing in-demand AI careers through innovative research, with specialized skills in cutting-edge domains like self-supervision, multi-task learning, transformers, and reinforcement learning.

Beyond research, experienced AI architects managing large-scale deployments earn over $200,000 on average. Also, seasoned prompt engineers tuning conversational systems at places like Google and Microsoft get compensated very generously upwards of $150,000 per year plus valuable equity.

You can even make money with AI chatbots if you want to do freelancing. So, people with advanced AI skills find no shortage of lucrative opportunities at leading firms globally based on current talent supply-demand gaps.

15 Most In-Demand AI Jobs: Dream Jobs In 2024

You must have already understood that the AI era has started. It will soon dominate the entire job sector. So, before it is too late, it is your golden chance to learn AI skills to grab the in-demand AI jobs. The top 15 opportunities in the AI job field are as follows.

Two scientists in white shirt standing in front of a robot.

1. Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineering is one of the most in-demand AI jobs due to the rising adoption of AI across industries. As more companies integrate machine learning into their products and services, there is a growing need for talent that can develop, optimize, deploy, and maintain machine learning systems.

The average salary for a machine learning engineer in the US is over $146,000 per year. For freelancing projects, machine learning engineers can charge $100 to $150 per hour.

ML engineering is one of the high-income skills. You typically need a master’s degree in computer science or a related quantitative field, along with knowledge of programming languages like Python and frameworks like TensorFlow. Core technical skills include mathematics, statistics, and algorithms.

Though machine learning is complex, the basic concepts can be learned within 3-6 months through online courses and hands-on projects. Some free resources to get started:

2. NLP Engineer

NLP (Natural Language Processing) engineering is a rapidly growing field within AI. As more companies seek to incorporate speech recognition, semantic search, and language generation capabilities into their products, there is high demand for NLP engineers.

The average salary of an NLP engineer in the US is over $130,000. For freelance gigs, they can charge $80-$100 per hour. So, it is truly among the most in-demand AI careers in 2024.

You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, computational linguistics, or a related field. Fluency in Python and experience with libraries like NLTK and SpaCy is a must. Understanding linguistics, phonetics, and human languages is also very important.

With some dedicated focus, you can gain proficiency in NLP within 6 months and expertise within a year. Useful free learning resources include:

3. Deep Learning Engineer

Deep learning engineering is an in-demand role focused on designing, building, and deploying deep neural networks. As deep learning advances, finding talent with the right blend of skills is crucial yet challenging. So, companies are looking for talented people having apt deep learning skills.

In the US, the average deep learning engineer salary crosses $172,000 per year. Freelancers can make $125-$150 per hour on projects.

You need an advanced degree in CS paired with specialized knowledge of neural networks, algorithms, and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Though deep learning is complex, with consistent effort one can gain competency within 4-6 months by learning. The key is to supplement theory with hands-on coding projects. Here are some useful resources:

4. Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineering is an exciting field involved in designing, building, operating, and maintaining robots. With advances in AI, automation, and IoT, the demand for qualified robotics engineers is rapidly rising. Currently, it is one of the highest-paying and in-demand AI jobs.

In the US, the average robotics engineer earns over $150,000 annually. For freelance projects, they can charge around $80 to $120 per hour. Some freelancers even charge up to $200/hour.

A bachelor’s degree in robotics, mechatronics, electrical, mechanical engineering, or computer science is essential. Relevant technical skills include programming, computer vision, and working with hardware like sensors and actuators.

While robotics is multi-disciplinary, if you have an engineering/CS background, you can gain enough robotics skills to be job-ready within 4-6 months. With self-learning and projects, robotics skills can be picked up fairly quickly. You can learn through courses like:

5. Data Engineer

Data engineering is one of the hottest tech roles today as companies adopt data-driven decision-making. DEs build the infrastructure for collecting, storing, and analyzing data at scale. It is also among the most in-demand jobs requiring AI skills.

In the US, the average data engineer salary is over $140,000 per year. For freelance projects, they charge around $90 per hour.

You need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields. Hands-on expertise in SQL, databases like MongoDB, and cloud platforms like AWS is a must. Python, Spark, Airflow, and BI tools are also useful skills.

Within 3-6 months of dedicated learning, you can gain job-ready data engineering skills. With some focused learning, getting into data engineering is really achievable within months. You can learn through courses like:

A women talking to a female robot.

6. Software Engineer

Software engineering remains one of the most in-demand tech jobs as every company transitions digitally. They build applications, websites, systems, and services using programming languages. Now, it has already become one of the in-demand artificial intelligence jobs.

In the US, the average salary is over $110,000 per year. For freelance work, they charge around $50-$70 per hour. If you have 5+ years of hands-on experience, you can charge up to $150/hour.

A computer science or software engineering bachelor’s degree is essential. Fluency in languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, and frameworks like React is required.

The core coding skills can be developed in 3-6 months. With focus and consistency, quality job-ready software engineering skills can be obtained in 3 months. You can learn via resources like:

7. Computer Vision Engineer

Computer vision is an exciting field within AI focused on enabling machines to identify, process, and analyze visual data. They work on systems like facial recognition, medical imaging, autonomous vehicles, and visual inspection.

In the US, the average salary for a computer vision engineer is over $130,000 per year. Freelancers charge around $100 per hour. It is also among the best choice if you are looking for jobs without any experience.

You need an advanced degree in computer science, specializing in areas like machine learning and neural networks. Proficiency in languages like Python and C++ along with libraries like OpenCV and TensorFlow is vital.

Within 3-6 months of solid focus, you can gain enough job-ready computer vision skills. With some diligent self-learning, getting into this exciting field is very feasible. Some of the most useful resources are:

8. Prompt Engineer

Prompt engineering is an emerging role in AI focused on designing and optimizing prompts to get the most value out of large language models. As more companies adopt AI assistants and chatbots, there is a growing demand for prompt engineering skills.

In the US, the average salary for a prompt engineer is around $90,000 per year. Prompt engineers can also freelance for $70-90 per hour. This industry is also filled with part-time weekend jobs.

You need strong communication skills, creativity, and an obsession for refinement. Technical skills like Python, Regex, and CLI editors like Vim or Emacs are useful. Familiarity with GPT-4 and tools like Anthropic’s Claude is a plus.

In 2-3 months of practice, you can gain prompt engineering skills. With some creativity and persistence, prompt engineering skills can be developed quickly. To get these in-demand AI jobs, you can learn through:

9. Data Science

Data science is one of the hottest tech roles today as organizations realize the value of data-driven insights and decision-making. They use statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data.

In the US, the average data scientist salary is over $120,000 per year. For freelance gigs, they charge $70-$100 per hour depending on experience.

You need a master’s or PhD in computer science, statistics, applied math, or other quantitative fields. Fluency in Python and SQL along with machine learning skills are essential.

Within 3-6 months of dedicated practice, you can gain job-ready data science skills. Getting into data science is achievable within months with some diligent learning. You can learn through resources like:

10. Data Analyst

Data analyst is a crucial role focused on collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to drive business insights and strategy. As data becomes a key priority, demand for qualified data analysts keeps growing rapidly.

It is currently one of the in-demand jobs requiring AI skills. In the US, the average data analyst salary is over $70,000 per year. For freelance projects, data analysts charge around $30-$40 per hour generally.

You need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in statistics, mathematics, or economics. Hands-on skills in Excel, SQL, Python, and data visualization tools are a must.

In 2-4 months of dedicated learning, you can gain job-ready skills. With some focus, getting into data analytics is very feasible within months. You can learn data analysis through resources like:

An android robot holding a scanning machine.

11. AI Architect

AI Architect is an advanced role focused on designing, developing, and integrating AI systems into products and workflows. As AI matures from proof-of-concepts to production, there is surging demand for skilled AI architects.

In the US, the average salary for an AI architect is over $160,000 per year. AI architects also freelance for $100-$125 per hour. If you are looking for low-stress jobs, it is also the best profession to enter.

You need a master’s in computer science along with hands-on expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and programming. Understanding of cloud platforms like AWS and GCP is also vital.

Within 6 months of intense learning, you can gain proficiency via online resources. And with diligence and focus, skilled AI architects can be developed within 3 months. Some of the most useful knowledge resources are as follows:

12. Business Intelligence Developer

Business Intelligence (BI) developer is a role focused on building data analytics platforms, BI tools, and dashboards to derive actionable business insights from data. As data-driven decision-making grows, demand for BI developers is surging. It is currently one of the in-demand AI jobs in 2024.

The average BI developer salary exceeds $100,000 per year in the US. Freelance BI developers charge around $60 per hour typically.

You need a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or a related quantitative field. Hands-on expertise in SQL, data modeling, ETL processes, and BI tools like Tableau is essential.

Within 3-5 months of consistent learning, you can gain BI developer skills. Quality BI development skills can be gained within months with focus and practice. Learn through resources such as:

13. Product Manager

Product management is among the most sought-after tech roles today as delivering great products requires blending technology, design, and business skills. They lead the entire product lifecycle, from ideation to launch and growth.

In the US, the average product manager salary exceeds $120,000 per year. They also charge around $100 per hour for consulting projects. If you take freelancing on per-project basis, you can quote up to $10,000 per project.

You need excellent communication, strategic thinking, user empathy, data analysis, and project management skills. Technical knowledge in areas like analytics and product design tools is useful.

With dedicated learning, product management know-how can be gained within months. In 3-6 months, you can gain quality product management skills through resources like:

14. AI Consultant

AI consulting is an emerging field focused on advising companies on their AI strategies and implementations. As more organizations explore AI but struggle with real-world deployment, demand for AI consulting skills keeps rising.

The average AI consultant salary is over $150,000 per year. Independent consultants charge over $125 per hour on average. Thankfully, you can even find high-paying remote jobs in this sector.

You need a blend of business and technology skills. An advanced degree in CS/IT along with communication skills and strategic thinking is vital. Domain knowledge in industries applying AI is a plus.

In 4-6 months of dedicated learning, you can gain AI consulting skills. With some targeted learning, quality AI consulting skills can be gained rapidly. You can learn through online resources to get these in-demand artificial intelligence jobs.

15. AI Research Scientist

AI research science focuses on advancing state-of-the-art in machine learning and AI through rigorous research and experimentation. With massive potential still unexplored, the demand for skilled AI researchers keeps growing exponentially.

In the US, an average AI research scientist earns over $170,000 annually. They also advise startups and charge around $150 per hour.

You need a PhD in computer science or computational mathematics/physics specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Strong math, data science, and programming skills are vital prerequisites.

While it takes years of graduate school to become an AI expert, in 6-12 months you can gain useful readiness. With a PhD and continued learning, specializing in AI research is very stimulating. You can learn the basics from:

A man and an women talking while wearing VR headset.

What Soft Skills Do You Need To Enter The AI Field?

Landing one of the many in-demand AI jobs requires more than just hard technical skills. Even if you only have experience in high-school diploma jobs, you can easily learn these skills. Here are 5 vital soft skills needed to succeed in the AI field:

  • Communication: You must articulate complex ideas simply to colleagues and be able to listen effectively. Take public speaking courses and summarize concepts easily.
  • Creativity: Ask novel questions and make connections across fields using your imagination. Study arts and culture while ideating daily.
  • Leadership: Motivate and guide teams especially when tackling ambiguous research problems. Enroll in management courses and volunteer in your community.
  • Ethics: Objectively assess societal impacts of AI systems and contribute responsibly. Read philosophy essays and participate in debates.
  • Lifelong Learning: Given the fast evolution of techniques, constantly skill up through the latest papers, online courses, and code repositories. Identify open challenges and uplevel your expertise continuously.

A passion for AI paired with soft skills hugely boosts your employability and career advancement potential. Technical skills age but soft skills are timeless.

How To Prepare For An AI-Related Job Interview?

If you are aiming for in-demand AI careers, you need to prepare for it. Here is the actionable guide to prepare for an AI-related job interview.

  • Step 1: Thoroughly research the role, company, and the interviewers to understand context and expectations.
  • Step 2: Brush up on core concepts in probability, statistics, linear algebra, optimization, and programming. Learn Python/R, SQL, and TensorFlow, as these fundamentals are tested rigorously.
  • Step 3: Refresh the latest advancements in AI like self-supervised models, Transformers, contrastive learning, etc. Then practice resolving ambiguous problems which evaluate aptitude and creative thinking besides technical knowledge.
  • Step 3: Enhance communication skills to eloquently explain complex methodologies.

Analyze your CV against the role requirements to anticipate questions and prepare quality responses highlighting your ready fitness. Following these key steps improves your chances of success dramatically.

Final Note

The opportunities within AI are expansive with various meaningful and even same-day pay jobs roles to choose from based on your interests and background. With pragmatic learning reinforced by real-world practice, developing expertise is very achievable in under 6 months.

Position yourself proactively to ride the industry growth upwards through this decade. Our world needs more talented, ethical, and diverse professionals steering AI to benefit all positively. In-demand AI jobs present a compelling career option. So, seize it!

Leave a Comment