The 10 Most In-Demand AI Jobs And Their Salaries: Indeed

Job search website Indeed recently took a look at AI job postings to see which AI jobs are most in demand and what kinds of salaries those jobs are paying. Here’s what it found.

Smart Career Moves In AI

Businesses are building AI capabilities into their products, everything from automobiles to consumer electronics. Health-care organizations are using AI to deliver better services to patients while manufacturers are adding AI to their operational technology to improve efficiency. And it’s hard to find an IT vendor that isn’t using AI in some way to make its technology smarter.

Artificial intelligence has been a hot technology in recent years and that’s spurred demand for engineers and software developers who can design and develop AI and machine learning algorithms and code and build them into everything from sophisticated IT systems to everyday consumer products.

[RELATED: Artificial Intelligence Week 2021]

Job search and employment website Indeed recently took a look at AI job postings to see which AI-related jobs are the most in demand and are paying the highest median salaries in the U.S. Here’s what it found.

Salary Survey Methodology

Indeed calculated the percent of AI job postings by job title from February 2021 through April 2021 and calculated the average salary for each job title based on job postings from May 2019 through April 2021.

Indeed defined AI job postings as those that contained one of these phrases somewhere in the posting: artificial intelligence, AI engineer, AI research, AI scientist, AI developer, AI technical, AI programmer, AI architect, machine learning, ML engineer, ML research, ML scientist, ML developer, ML technical, ML programmer, ML architect, natural language processing, NLP and deep learning.

Job Title: Software Developer

Median Salary: $95,000

Software developers are responsible for using their knowledge of programming languages to design software programs, according to Indeed. Their duties include meeting with customers to determine their software needs, coding and testing software to ensure functionality, and updating software programs to refine components like cybersecurity measures and data storage capacities.

Skills and qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or related field; proficiency in popular coding languages such as C++, Python and Java; knowledge of the software development life cycle; and strong problem-solving and communications skills.

Job Title: Software Engineer

Median Salary: $100,000

Software engineers (or software development engineers) are responsible for developing software programs or systems that align with user needs, according to Indeed. Their duties include meeting with customers or business professionals to strategize ideas for beneficial software, coordinating with other IT professionals to design software, and running tests to catch coding errors.

Skills and qualifications include the ability to use analysis and critical thinking to determine and assess the needs of the user and then creating software to meet those requirements. They must work well with teams of designers, developers and programmers. And they must be able to provide clear instructions to the project team, clearly explaining how the software works to the customer, and being available to answer any questions that may arise using exceptional communication skills.

Job Title: Full Stack Developer

Median Salary: $108,730

A full stack developer (or full stack software engineer) is a computer programmer who uses coding to operate on both front- and back-end systems, according to Indeed. Main duties include creating user interactions on various websites and platforms, writing code optimized for mobile, and developing databases and services for functionality.

A full stack developer has expertise in front-end technologies such as JavaScript and HTML5; development languages like .Net, Java and Python; database technology such as Oracle, SQLServer and MongoDB; and server technology such as Apache.

Job Title: Data Scientist

Median Salary: $110,000

A data scientist (or data science professional) is responsible for overseeing the collection, storage and interpretation of data for businesses, according to Indeed. Duties include sifting through data points to create organized data categories, comparing data points to current company processes, and writing reports outlining business predictions or proposals.

Skills and qualifications include exceptional technical writing skills and familiarity with machine learning, AI and data management tools. A data scientist should have the ability to communicate complex data in a simple, actionable way and the ability to visualize data in the most effective way possible for a given project or study.

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer

Median Salary: $120,000

A senior software engineer has a background in computer science, web development or engineering, according to Indeed. A bachelor‘s degree in any of those fields is required and experience in web development is always a plus. A senior software engineer is typically required to work with and supervise a team of software engineers developing information systems for a website or other software programs. Knowledge of web coding tools in CSS, HTML and JavaScript is a prerequisite. Even though senior software engineers work with a team, they also should be able to handle projects at an independent level and work alone if required.

Skills and qualifications include experience in software development, scripting and project management; knowledge of programming languages such as Python and C++; knowledge of relational databases such as PostgreSQL and NoSQL databases; and familiarity with operating systems like Windows and Linux. They should have an analytical mind with a problem-solving aptitude and the ability to work independently, according to Workable.com.

Job Title: Data Engineer

Median Salary: $122,060

A data engineer (or data systems engineer) is responsible for developing and maintaining data processing software like databases, according to Indeed. Duties include coordinating with company executives and other professionals to create unique data infrastructure, running tests on their designs to isolate errors, and updating systems to accommodate changes in company needs.

Skills and qualifications include the ability to build and optimize data sets, big data pipelines and architectures. Data engineers should be able to perform root cause analysis on internal and external processes and data, and build processes that support data transformation, workload management, data structures, data dependency and metadata.

Job Title: Machine Learning Engineer

Median Salary: $125,000

Machine learning engineers specifically work in the AI industry, according to Indeed. They collaborate with data scientists, computer engineers and developers to create programs that allow machines to function without direct human assistance. Machine learning engineers create models that ensure ML programs work according to requirements. They must be proficient in data science, statistics and software engineering. ML engineers create AI algorithms for social media, online stores, Internet of Things products and self-driving cars, among others.

Skills and qualifications include computer and data science capabilities with an understanding of data structures and complex programming languages such as Python, Java and R. Also important are research and analysis skills, knowledge of data modeling and evaluation, an understanding of machine learning principles and frameworks, and familiarity with system design and software engineering.

Job Title: Senior Data Scientist

Median Salary: $127,500

As with a data scientist, a senior data scientist is responsible for overseeing the collection, storage and interpretation of data for businesses, according to Indeed. Duties include sifting through data points to create organized categories, comparing data points to current company processes, and writing reports outlining business predictions or proposals.

A senior data scientist is expected to have at least five to seven years of experience.

Skills and qualifications include exceptional technical writing skills and familiarity with machine learning, AI and data management tools. A senior data scientist should have the ability to communicate complex data in a simple, actionable way and the ability to visualize data in the most effective way possible for a given project or study.

Job Title: Software Architect

Median Salary: $135,107

A software architect (or technical architect) is in charge of using computer code to design and develop software applications, planning the different features of a program and integrating them into a functioning system, according to Indeed. Duties include determining the technical specifications of a project, creating technical blueprints and editing code.

Skills and qualifications include a broad understanding of coding and programming languages, experience with database design and data modeling, and extensive knowledge of the software development process and corresponding technologies. They also include an understanding of design patterns and architectural styles, knowledge of agile software development, and expertise with content management systems.

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer

Median Salary: $155,000

A principal software engineer is a management and technical professional who develops and tests software to help achieve company goals, according to Indeed. Principal software engineers work with development teams while overseeing the technical aspects of computer software projects. Related job titles include senior software engineer, software engineer lead and chief software engineer.

Skills and qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science, according to Betterteam. Proven experience is required in high-level programming languages like Java, software development methodologies and in building complex web systems.