Get a Job in Artificial Intelligence (8 AI Career Paths)

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Updated June 16, 2026

What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence career path
8 artificial intelligence jobs

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the practice of using computers, algorithms and programs for tasks that usually require human engagement.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a relatively new technology that's growing in both ability and demand.
If you're interested in AI, learning more about the available positions can help you determine if it's the right career path for you.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a relatively new technology that's growing in both ability and demand. AI and machine learning may be applicable to many fields, including healthcare, marketing, manufacturing and technology. If you're interested in AI, learning more about the available positions can help you determine if it's the right career path for you.In this article, we explain what artificial intelligence is, detail how you can join the field and list eight career paths you can pursue.

Pro Tip: You can use Indeed Career Scout as your personal AI career coach to streamline every step of your search, from finding jobs and tailoring resumes to acing interviews and landing an offer.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the practice of using computers, algorithms and programs for tasks that usually require human engagement. The goal for many AI developers is to create a program that can learn about a task and perform it with the same level of quality as a person. For example, many AI developers aim to create AI that can recognize patterns, generate nuanced judgments and make decisions.Related: What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence career path

These are some steps you can follow to pursue a career in artificial intelligence:

1. Determine if it's the right field for you

AI and machine learning programs often use complex algorithms that rely on advanced math and technology. A career in AI might be right for you if you're:

Comfortable with complex math
Enjoy working with computers
Have great problem-solving abilities
Able to focus on one task intensely
Curious about how to advance technology
Great at working with a team

Related: How To Choose a Career Path

2. Earn a bachelor's degree in a related subject

Many employers require that candidates for Ai-related positions have at least a bachelor's degree in a related subject. You can also earn a master's degree to improve your qualifications and chances of receiving an offer. These are some subjects you can pursue when earning a bachelor's or master's degree for AI:

Computer programming
Information technology
Business data analytics
Software engineering
Robotics engineering
Data research science

3. Gain experience with AI and machine learning

Gaining experience with AI and machine learning can help you develop your skills and enhance your resume. Consider joining a technology club that focuses on these topics. You can also complete an internship with a company that develops AI to learn more about the process. Recent graduates may pursue an internship, or even apply for an entry-level position if they have AI knowledge from their courses.Related: A Guide To Finding an Internship During College

8 artificial intelligence jobs

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries. These are some jobs in artificial intelligence and machine learning:

1. AI consultant

National average salary: $75,020 per yearPrimary duties: AI consultants helps companies learn to create systems that use AI. The consultant may manage AI projects and teach team members within the organization how to use and maintain AI systems. An AI consultant reviews the company's current system to ensure new AI processes are compatible with the current infrastructure.Related: How To Become a Technology Consultant in 5 Steps

2. Business intelligence analyst

National average salary: $87,886 per yearPrimary duties: Business intelligence analysts use business data and AI programs to make assumptions and predictions about future business trends. They may asses trends in profit, ROI, ROA, ROE and other business metrics to determine the best course of action a company can take. A business intelligence analyst may create data models to create visuals for others to better understand business data.Related: Learn About Being a Business Intelligence Analyst

3. Computer engineer

National average salary: $82,060 per yearPrimary duties: Computer engineers design and create the physical elements within a computer or device. They may design new hard drives, motherboards, graphics cards, memory systems and audio elements, then test them for performance. A computer engineer may research new innovations nad materials to determine the best way to improve on a current piece of technology.Related: What Does a Computer Engineer Do? (Plus Job Requirements)

4. Research scientist

National average salary: $95,565 per yearPrimary duties: Research scientists who work with AI focus on gathering information about new ways to develop AI technology. They may assess current algorithms and generate ideas for improvements. An AI research scientist often works in a research institution or at a university.Related: Data Scientist vs. Research Scientist vs. Applied Scientist

5. Robotics engineer

National average salary: $107,080 per yearPrimary duties: Robotics engineers create machines that can perform simple and complex tasks. They can work with AI developers to create machines that use algorithms to learn and react to their surroundings, rather than follow a specific script. For example, a robotics engineer may work with AI to develop a machine that clears obstructions from the road. The machine can use AI to understand the conditions, how slippery the road is, if there are oncoming cars, how to warn cars about the obstruction and how to navigate other complex situations.Related: Robotics Engineering: Duties, Salary and Job Outlook

6. Data scientist

National average salary: $119,380 per yearPrimary duties: Data scientists working with AI gather, organize, clean and review data about AI systems. They may determine how successful an AI program is, or find trends within results that help inform decisions about future AI development. A data scientist is similar to a business intelligence analyst, but they don't focus only on business information.Related: What Is a Data Scientist?

7. Data engineer

National average salary: $130,733 per yearPrimary duties: AI data engineers design the infrastructure that stores information AI can use to make decisions and judgments. These tools process, analyze and organize large amounts of information AI can use to learn. Data engineers often work on teams with data scientists and AI developers.Related: Data Engineer vs. Software Engineer: Key Differences

8. Machine learning engineer

National average salary: $152,244 per yearPrimary duties: Machine learning engineers design and create machine learning models. They often work in teams with software engineers and data scientists to create machine learning systems. Machine learning is a subfield within AI that focuses on how an AI can learn, adapt and react to new situations and perform increasingly complex tasks.

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