AI Jobs in the United States

AI Jobs Overview

In the last decade, AI jobs have skyrocketed, and it seems to be only the beginning. You can find artificial intelligence jobs almost everywhere. From healthcare to finance, entertainment to retail, AI is shaping the way we operate.

It’s not just tech companies, but also traditional sectors like manufacturing and agriculture that are integrating AI solutions. According to Fortune Business Insights, the artificial intelligence market will break two billion by the end of the decade, a whopping 21.6% growth.

So, what are the common duties in AI jobs? They range from designing algorithms, data analysis, developing machine learning models, and ensuring the ethical application of AI, to testing and refining AI applications. It’s a broad field with lots of exciting and varied tasks depending on your role. Here are some popular ones:

• Machine learning engineer: Designs, implements, and deploys machine learning models to solve business challenges and optimize systems.
• Generative AI: Creates content or designs, such as images, text, or music, using deep learning models.
• Robotics: Professions dedicated to designing, constructing, and maintaining robots for diverse applications.
• Robotics engineer: Creates and designs robots and robotics systems to perform tasks that might be unsafe or inefficient for humans.
• Robotics technician: Responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting robotic equipment, ensuring that robots operate safely and efficiently.
• AI tech lead: Senior AI professional who oversees the technical direction of AI projects, ensuring best practices and guiding the development team.
• AI data engineer: Designs, constructs, installs, and maintains large-scale processing systems and infrastructure.
• AI researcher: Investigates and pioneers new methodologies in AI, often publishing findings in academic journals.
• Automation engineer: Focuses on creating and optimizing automated systems for manufacturing or software processes to improve efficiency and reliability.
• AI data scientist: Analyzes and interprets complex digital data, using AI tools to help businesses make informed decisions.
• Algorithm developer: Designs and implements algorithms to solve specific problems, optimizing for efficiency and scalability.
• Automation specialist: Specializes in implementing and maintaining automation systems to enhance speed and precision, whether in manufacturing, software testing, or business processes.
• Quantum computing: Experts in this field focus on the study and application of quantum mechanics in computing to solve problems more efficiently than classical computers.
• AI writing specialist: Leverages AI-driven tools to generate or optimize written content. Their work can range from creative storytelling to technical documentation using AI models.

Most AI jobs, at a minimum, require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Advanced roles might even require a master’s or Ph.D. Highly sought-after skills in artificial intelligence jobs include programming, understanding of machine learning algorithms, data analytics, and problem-solving.

The top cities in the U.S. for AI jobs are:

• New York
• Washington D.C.
• Chicago

Salaries for AI Jobs

AI careers can be quite financially rewarding, on top of intellectually stimulating. Your effective salary will depend on the company, location, years of experience, and educational background. Let’s break down some average yearly salaries for popular AI jobs:

• Computer researcher: from $52,504 to $125,027
• Data scientist: from $79,183 to $133,041
• Data engineer: from $83,285 to $138,520

To get the most accurate and up-to-date salaries for artificial intelligence jobs near you, head over to Monster’s Salary Tool. You’ll also find job locations with high demand, salaries for related jobs, and potential next steps in your career path.

How to Find the AI Job That Fits You

Take a moment to reflect on some key questions and gather some savvy tips to ensure you find the AI job that feels like it’s tailored just for you:

• What’s my passion within AI? AI is a vast field. Identifying your specific interest helps narrow down job roles. Think about what excites you. For example, neural networks, robotics, natural language processing, or ethical considerations in AI.
• Am I research-oriented or application-driven? Think whether you’d rather be working in a research lab developing cutting-edge theories, or in a business setting, applying AI solutions to real-world challenges.
• Where do I see myself in the near future? Choose artificial intelligence jobs that align with your broader career trajectory. Think about which roles would be a good stepping stone or long-term fit, depending on what you are looking for.
• Do I thrive in teams or solo? Some AI roles, especially in large firms, may involve collaborative projects. Others, perhaps in smaller startups, might see you wearing multiple hats and working more independently. Reflect on your ideal setup.

What if you aren’t sure if a particular AI job or niche is right for you? In that case, consider contract or internship roles. Temp roles can give you a taste without the long-term commitment. Plus, they can often lead to full-time positions if that’s what you decide you want.

Thoroughly Review the Job Descriptions

Jobs in artificial intelligence vary a lot and it’s by fully understanding the specifics that you can ensure the role fits your skills and passion. For example, an AI data scientist job at one company might be more about data visualization, while at another it’s deep neural network creation.

Sometimes, job descriptions sneak in little requests, like “mention your favorite AI algorithm in your cover letter”. It’s their way of seeing who’s truly attentive. So, always thoroughly read the whole listing before applying.

Research Companies, Not Just Roles

Sure, the job description sounds dreamy, but what about the company’s culture, history with AI innovations, or training opportunities? Company culture is something you should never overlook. Try to gain as much information as you can about it. Remember, every company has its own philosophy. It’s all about finding the one that fuels your passion.

AI companies can range from fast-paced, risk-taking startups to methodical, well-established giants. Knowing their culture ensures you’ll thrive and feel at home. Look up their core innovations to see if they excite you.

How to Apply for AI Jobs

Before you hit that tempting “Apply” button here on Monster, let’s talk about something essential: tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job. Trust us, in the world of AI, the devil is often in the details.

Tailor Your Resume

Prepping your resume for a job in artificial intelligence to match our machine learning resume sample, is an exciting task where every line counts. Here’s your game plan:

• Use the essential skills and responsibilities listed in the job description to help you tailor your resume to the role by mirroring its language.
• Add any recent AI courses, webinars, or certifications that can show your commitment to continuous learning.
• Because metrics matter, whenever possible, quantify your achievement. For example, “improved model accuracy by 15%” sounds more impactful than just “improved a model”.
• Unsure about your resume performance? Use Monster’s professional resume services to get help from an expert.

Add a Cover Letter

A cover letter isn’t just a formality, but your chance to infuse your personality into your AI credentials. Here are a few cover letter tips to keep in mind:

• Start your letter with a personal story or statement about AI, like what fascinates you about the industry or how you ended up working in it.
• Mention a recent AI innovation or project the company achieved; that’ll prove that you’ve done your homework and genuinely want to be part of their journey.
• Remark on your skills and abilities that the company is seeking, such as collaboration or problem-solving.
• Make your passion for AI shine through your cover letter, but remember, recruiters have limited time so keep it concise.

Submit Your Application

Ready to catapult your AI career using Monster? Perfect choice! Each application, whether it leads to a job or not, is a step forward in your journey. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Before you do anything else, sign up to Monster and fully complete your profile, including uploading your resume.
2. Set up multiple job alerts related to specific AI skills or jobs near you. This way, you’ll receive notifications when relevant listings pop up.
3. Scroll our listings and make use of the direct application feature. Attach your tailored application material and then keep track of your application history.

How to Follow Up on Your Job Application

Let’s talk about follow-ups and nailing those post-application connections. The most common follow-up method is a concise and professional email. Typically, giving it about a week after the job posting closes is the ideal timeline.

If you had a point of contact during the application process, reach out directly to them. If you don’t have direct contact, look up the company’s HR address or the AI department head.

Interviewing for AI Jobs

AI job interviews will likely test your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and hands-on coding ability. Use these tips to help you prepare for your job interview:

• First, familiarize yourself with the company’s latest AI projects or products. Then, during the interview, impress them by citing how you can contribute based on their past or ongoing innovations.
• Practice answering questions using the STAR method to emphasize projects that showcase your AI skills. For example, describe in detail how you developed a chatbot or predicted stock prices using machine learning.
• Practice coding challenges and revisit AI fundamentals and algorithms. Interviewers will test your knowledge to see how well you grasp core concepts.

Commonly Asked Interview Questions

Most AI job interviews comprise a mix of technical assessments, behavioral questions, and discussions about past projects. Here are some questions you might face:

• Describe a challenging problem you faced in an AI project and how you overcame it.
• How would you handle a situation where an AI project you are working on has ethical implications?
• How do you handle feedback or criticism, especially when it concerns a model or algorithm you’ve designed?
• Which programming language and software are you most comfortable with, and why?

How to Follow Up on Your Job Interviews

Within 24 hours, send a brief email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. Personalize it by referencing a memorable part of the interview. For example, “I appreciated our discussion on the ethical considerations of AI, and it further fueled my desire to join your team.”

AI roles are competitive, and decision-making may take time. Be patient and wait at least a week before reaching out again and asking for updates.

What to Do When You Get an Offer for an AI Job

Handle your job offers like a pro by following these steps:

1. Even if you need time to decide, acknowledge the offer as soon as you receive it. This keeps the lines of communication open and shows that you’re respectful.
2. Ask all necessary questions before signing any contracts. It’s essential to understand every detail to make an informed decision.
3. Know your worth; research and compare salaries and consider the entire compensation package before negotiating pay or benefits.
4. No matter what you ultimately decide, be professional in communicating your choice.

AI Jobs Career Path

Common career paths in AI include:

• Machine learning engineer: Designs and implements machine learning applications.
• AI research scientist: Dives deep into fundamental AI challenges and paves the way for new innovations.
• Data scientist: Sifts through massive amounts of data, finding patterns and insights to feed into AI algorithms.
• Robotics programmer: Writes the code that breathes life into robots, enabling them to perform tasks with precision and intelligence.
• AI ethicist: Identify potential moral dilemmas, biases, and societal impacts of AI technologies.

AI Jobs: Similar Occupations

Expand your search to related computer jobs such as:

• coding jobs
• data architect jobs
• 3D animator jobs