Securing high-paying AI jobs doesn’t necessarily mean venturing into the tech sector. Recent findings from LinkedIn challenge common perceptions by revealing that industries such as professional services, administrative and support services, retail, and manufacturing have been leading in hiring for AI-related roles since December 2024, surpassing the tech sector.

Globally, the demand for AI skills is soaring, with AI job postings on LinkedIn featuring AI or generative AI more than doubling between July 2024 and July 2023. Similar trends are observed on other job search platforms, with Indeed reporting a remarkable surge in searches for generative AI jobs, witnessing an almost 4,000% increase in the past year and a 306% rise in related AI job postings.

While the AI jobs market is flourishing, certain roles are particularly sought-after. Drawing insights from data on Indeed and ZipRecruiter, here are the top five in-demand AI jobs companies are currently recruiting for:

Data Scientist

Data scientists are the architects of AI, utilizing advanced statistical techniques to interpret complex data sets. They extract meaningful insights, develop machine learning models, and contribute to informed decision-making within organizations.

Software Engineer

Software engineers in the AI realm are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AI-based applications. They write code, build algorithms, and ensure seamless integration of AI technologies into software solutions.

Data Engineer

Data engineers lay the groundwork for AI success by developing the infrastructure necessary for handling vast datasets. They design, construct, and maintain the systems that facilitate the flow of data, ensuring it’s accessible and usable for AI applications.

Research Scientist

Research scientists drive innovation in AI by conducting cutting-edge research. They explore new algorithms, models, and approaches to address complex challenges. Their work often forms the foundation for advancements in AI technology.

Product Manager

Product managers play a crucial role in the AI ecosystem, bridging the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. They define the vision for AI products, prioritize features, and guide the development process, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Analyzing information from ZipRecruiter on AI job postings between January and October 2023 and data from Indeed covering the period from April to October, these five roles consistently emerged as highly sought-after positions on both platforms. Notably, these roles lowest average salaries exceeding $100,000, with product managers commanding the highest average salary at $153,698 and data scientists having the lowest at $127,128.

The flexibility of remote work adds another layer of appeal to these positions, as all these roles offer thousands of open remote opportunities. This opens the door for professionals to pursue lucrative AI careers from the comfort of their homes.

Interestingly, the demand for AI literacy is extending beyond technical roles. LinkedIn notes that companies increasingly seek professionals with AI knowledge for non-technical positions like supply chain specialists and sales managers. This shift indicates a growing recognition of the value of AI skills across diverse business functions.

As the LinkedIn report emphasizes, the demand for AI talent will continue to surge as more companies integrate AI into their workflows, presenting ample opportunities for individuals across various roles to embark on rewarding careers in the AI landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on AI Jobs

1. What are AI jobs, and what do professionals in this field do?
   AI jobs refer to positions within the artificial intelligence field, where professionals work on tasks such as developing machine learning models, creating AI applications, and leveraging data to derive insights. Roles include data scientists, software engineers, and product managers, among others.
2. Which industries are actively hiring for AI-related roles?
   Various industries are actively hiring for AI roles, extending beyond the tech sector. Some notable sectors include professional services, administrative and support services, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and more.
3. How has the demand for AI jobs evolved over time?
   The demand for AI jobs has significantly increased globally. Job postings mentioning AI or generative AI more than doubled on platforms like LinkedIn between July 2024 and July 2023, indicating a growing need for AI skills across industries.
4. What are the top five AI jobs in demand currently?
   The top five AI jobs in demand are:
   • Data Scientist
   • Software Engineer
   • Data Engineer
   • Research Scientist
   • Product Manager
5. What skills are essential for a career in AI?
   Essential skills for an AI career include proficiency in programming languages (Python, Java), knowledge of machine learning algorithms, data analysis, mathematical and statistical skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with AI tools and frameworks.
6. What is the average salary range for AI jobs?
   Salaries for AI jobs vary based on the specific role and experience. On average, AI roles command salaries exceeding $100,000. For instance, data scientists may have an average salary of $127,128, while product managers could earn an average of $153,698.
7. Can AI jobs be done remotely?
   Yes, many AI jobs offer remote work opportunities. The flexibility of remote work is especially prominent in roles such as data scientist, software engineer, data engineer, research scientist, and product manager.
8. Is AI literacy relevant for non-technical roles?
   Yes, AI literacy is becoming increasingly relevant for non-technical roles. Companies are seeking professionals with AI knowledge for positions like supply chain specialists and sales managers, recognizing the broader applicability of AI skills across diverse business functions.
9. How can one start a career in AI without a technical background?
   Individuals without a technical background can start a career in AI by acquiring foundational knowledge through online courses, certifications, and workshops. Networking with professionals in the field, gaining hands-on experience, and showcasing relevant projects can also enhance prospects.
10. What is the future outlook for AI jobs?
    The future outlook for AI jobs is promising, with continued growth anticipated as more companies integrate AI into their workflows. This trend is expected to create diverse opportunities across various roles and industries, making AI a dynamic and evolving field.