The best jobs in AI, or Artificial Intelligence, offer plenty of opportunities to explore different career paths and impact society. The study of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields in computer science.
For example, artificial intelligence is used to help doctors diagnose illnesses, create new materials for manufacturing, and even predict stock market trends. So, students might wonder what they can do with an AI degree.
What is AI or Artificial Intelligence?
Before we dive into the different career options available to those with an AI degree, let’s first look at what AI is. Artificial intelligence is the study of how to create intelligent machines. This involves creating algorithms or rules that can be used to make decisions.
Artificial intelligence aims to create systems that can think for themselves. This can be done in various ways, depending on the task. For example, if someone wants to create a machine that can learn, they use a neural network. On the other hand, if an AI expert intends to create a machine that can solve problems, they would use a rule-based system. The possibilities are endless when it comes to artificial intelligence. With the proper training, students can use an AI degree to change the world.
What Industries Use Artificial Intelligence?
AI professionals work across sectors. Those who have earned an AI associate degree will find a rewarding career in one of the sectors below.
| Sector or Industry | How they use AI |
|---|---|
| Banking and Finance | predict stock market trends |
| Healthcare | help doctors diagnose illnesses |
| Manufacturing | create new materials for manufacturing |
| Energy and Utilities | reduce carbon emissions, reduce downtime |
| Transportation | autonomous cars, map routes, driving directions, help prevent emergencies |
| Advertising | AI-powered targeted advertising |
| Entertainment | pre-editing using facial recognition |
| Sports | identify strategies for winning |
| Computer Science | continued the development of AI and ML |
What Types of Jobs do People With an AI Degree Get?
Many different career options are available to those with a degree in artificial intelligence. For example, graduates can become data analysts, programmers, software engineers, or project managers.
Each of these careers offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards. There are a variety of different jobs that students can pursue with an AI degree. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common degrees.
Associates Degree in AI
An associate degree is the most basic degree in AI. It covers the basics of computer science and teaches learners how to create algorithms that can make decisions. With this degree, students may work in entry-level roles as data analysts, technical programmers, or artificial intelligence research assistants.
Bachelor’s Degree in AI
This degree builds on the basics covered in an associate’s degree. In addition to learning how to create algorithms, graduates also learn about artificial intelligence applications and systems.
Master’s Degree in AI
This degree is for those who want to pursue an advanced career in artificial intelligence. It covers advanced topics in artificial intelligence, such as machine learning and natural language processing. With this degree, graduates often become research scientists or data scientists.
PhD in AI
This degree is for those who want to pursue a career in academic research or teaching. It covers the most advanced topics in artificial intelligence, such as machine learning and natural language processing.
Artificial Intelligence Job Titles
There are many different jobs that students can pursue with an AI degree. The best part is that the demand for AI experts is growing, so they will probably find a job that pays well and offers upward mobility. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs in AI.
AI Specialists
An AI Specialist develops, deploys, and manages of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. They are responsible for creating and managing AI solutions that help businesses optimize their operations and make better decisions.
- AI Robotics Specialist
- Specialist for Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- AI Computer Vision Specialist
These professionals work with a variety of tools and technologies, including machine learning and natural language processing, to provide innovative solutions. They must have a strong understanding of how AI can be used to improve a company’s operations, as well as the technical skills to implement those solutions.
Salary Range: $66,000 to $170,000 (GlassDoor)
Artificial Intelligence Project Manager
An AI Project Manager plans to organize and directs the work of a team of employees working on an AI project. This role requires a deep understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing technologies. They must have the ability to develop project plans and timelines, manage resources, coordinate with stakeholders, and evaluate project performance.
Salary Range: $85,000 to $95,000 (GlassDoor)
Data Scientist
Data scientists use artificial intelligence to analyze data and make predictions. They develop and utilize predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and AI tools to leverage data for insights and decision-making.
Salary Range: $59,000 to $168,000 (BLS)
AI Programmer
Programmers create the code that makes software applications run. They often work in teams with other programmers and engineers. With a background in basic machine learning an AI Programmer is fluent in programming skills such as Python, R, or other languages.
- AI Machine Learning Programmer
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Programmer
- AI Robotics Programmer
Salary Range: $30,000 to $190,000 (ZipRecruiter)
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers use artificial intelligence to create systems that can learn independently. They often work in fields such as information technology or banking.
Salary Range: $90,000 to $226,000
AI Engineers
An AI Engineer works with business partners to solve AI business problems. They translate business analytic problems into cognitive computing technologies. An AI Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. They often work in teams with other engineers and programmers.
- Software Engineer
- AI Robotics Engineer
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer
- AI Computer Vision Engineer
Salary Range: $79,000 to $266,000 (ZipRecruiter)
AI Research Scientist
Research scientists research new applications of artificial intelligence. They often work in universities or private companies.
- Machine Learning Researcher
- Robotics Researcher
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Researcher
- AI Computer Vision Researcher
Salary Range: $26,000 to $214,000 (ZipRecruiter)
How Much Can You Make With an AI Degree?
As with any career, the pay for jobs in AI varies depending on various factors. However, on average, employment in this field pays pretty well. In fact, according to payscale.com, the median salary for an AI engineer is $129,378.
This is a good salary, especially considering the growing demand for AI experts. With an AI degree, students can find well-paying jobs with room for growth. Below are some more of the highest-paying jobs in AI.
What Is the Job Outlook With an A.I. Degree?
As technology evolves, the use of the valuable insights generated by AI software and its professionals will continue to grow, expanding across sectors and job types. The job outlook for those with an A.I. degree is very good.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for computer and information research scientists, which includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists, is projected to grow 21 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
AI specialists are expected to be in high demand in a range of industries, from healthcare and finance to education and logistics. The increasing demand for AI professionals is expected to create many job opportunities for those with an AI degree.
How Do You Advance Your Career in AI?
In addition to the technical skills, it is important to also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as you may work with other professionals in the field. You will need to be able to articulate your ideas and present them in a clear and concise manner.
In order to increase your job prospects and career opportunities, you may want to pursue a specialized degree in AI or computer science. This will provide you with the necessary foundation to become a successful AI professional. Additionally, you may want to consider joining professional organizations and taking part in conferences and workshops
Additional education will lead you to AI jobs with increased responsibility, higher potential income, and more comprehensive compensation packages like most professional careers. So, to qualify for the most in-demand jobs, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Earning an AI associate degree is an excellent way to begin a career in this field. Once you have earned an associate degree, you can enroll in a bachelor’s degree in AI program. Many of these degrees allow you to use the credits you have already earned. With this advanced standing, most students take an additional two years to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Your Career in AI
A career in AI is an exciting and rewarding opportunity. With the rapid advances in AI technology, there is an ever-growing need for professionals who are able to develop and apply AI solutions. AI is a rapidly evolving field, so having a deep understanding of the technology and its applications is essential.
Some of the most common roles in AI include data scientists, computer vision engineers, machine learning engineers, and AI application developers. In each of these roles, you will need to be knowledgeable about the underlying algorithms, programming languages, and frameworks used to develop AI applications.
You will also need to have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as you may be asked to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. When you decide to earn one of the Top Online AI Degrees, there are many great options.
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