9 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Jobs to Consider in 2026

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Here are some in-demand jobs amid the AI boom that you can consider pursuing a career in.

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The outlook is bright for artificial intelligence jobs. That's good news for anyone interested in joining the growing field of AI-focused roles, which are growing in demand as more and more organizations seek to leverage AI-powered technology. At a glance, here's what you need to know about artificial intelligence jobs:

  • AI jobs are routinely ranked highly in the job market. In fact, machine learning engineers and data scientists have been on Indeed’s Best Jobs list for years [1, 2, 3].

  • Positions in the field are growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects opportunities in computer and information research to grow 20 percent between 2024 and 2034 [4].

  • Some jobs in the field include AI engineer, ML engineer, data engineer, and data scientist.

In this article, you'll learn more about AI jobs, including what they do and how much you can expect to earn in each. Afterward, if you want to learn more about AI, consider enrolling in the IBM AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization.

9 artificial intelligence jobs to consider

Artificial intelligence professionals are increasingly in demand and well-compensated for their hard-earned skills. If you're interested in joining the field, consider pursuing one of these positions:

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) engineer

AI engineers are professionals who use AI and machine learning techniques to develop applications and systems that help organizations become more efficient. They focus on developing the tools, systems, and processes that enable AI to be applied to real-world problems. Data " trains " algorithms, helping them learn and perform better. AI engineers can help cut costs, increase productivity and profits, and make business recommendations. 

Median total pay: $149,000 [5]

Read more: What Is an AI Engineer? (And How to Become One)

2. Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers are professionals who research, build, and design the AI responsible for machine learning. They maintain and improve existing AI systems. A machine learning engineer often serves as a liaison with other data science team members, collaborating with the data scientists who develop models for building AI systems. They run experiments and tests, perform statistical analyses, and develop machine learning systems.

Medina total pay: $159,000 [6]

Read more: What Is a Machine Learning Engineer? (+ How to Get Started)

3. Data engineer

Data engineers build systems that collect, manage, and convert raw data into usable information for data scientists, business analysts, and other data professionals to interpret. They make data accessible so that organizations can use it to evaluate and optimize their performance. Data engineering is a broad field with applications in nearly every industry. 

Median total pay: $131,000 [7]

Read more: What Is a Data Engineer?: A Guide to This In-Demand Career

4. Robotics engineer

Robotics engineers develop robotic applications for many industries, including automotive, manufacturing, defense, and medicine. They design new products or assemble prototypes for testing. Some may work on-site at a manufacturing plant overseeing robots as they are being produced, while others monitor their performance in the real world. Robotics engineering combines elements of mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science.

Median total pay: $141,000 [8]

Read more: Guide to a Robotics Engineering Career

5. Software engineer

Software engineers, sometimes called developers, create software for computers and applications. They use programming languages, platforms, and architectures to develop anything from a computer game to network control systems. A software engineer may also test, improve, and maintain software built by other engineers. If you’re an analytical thinker who enjoys solving problems and improving digital systems, you may find this career rewarding.

Median total pay: $148,000 [9]

Read more: Software Engineer Career Path: Overview, Jobs, and Pay

6. Data scientist

Data scientists determine what questions an organization or team should be asking, and help them figure out how to answer those questions using data. They often develop predictive models used to theorize and forecast patterns and outcomes. A data scientist might also use machine learning techniques to improve the quality of data or product offerings. 

Median total pay: $153,000 [10]

Read more: What Is a Data Scientist? Salary, Skills, and How to Become One

7. Natural language processing engineer

Natural language processing (NLP) engineers design natural language processing systems through AI technology to add speech recognition to software and devices, such as office assistants like Alexa or Google Home. They also work with text analytics for sentiment analysis and with language translation.

Median total pay: $113,000 [11]

8. AI research scientist

AI research scientists research, analyze, and develop new models, systems, and algorithms to support AI advancements. They often work in an academic setting, such as a university or research center, and take a theoretical approach. In addition to working on research and development, they're usually tasked with publishing papers and collaborating with other professionals, such as data scientists and engineers.

Median total pay: $192,000 [12]

9. Computer vision engineer

Computer vision engineers are experts in using computer vision to solve problems. Generally, they use AI technology to help computers and systems extract information from visuals and support technology such as facial recognition and image enhancement.

Median total pay: $162,000 [13]

Read more: Essential Computer Vision Skills

How to get a job in AI

When it comes to landing an AI job, you’ll want to consider the requirements and skills associated with a specific job role. These are the common ways to get a job in AI, but keep in mind that your path will vary depending on job type, level, and industry.

1. Consider earning a degree.

Many jobs in AI require a bachelor’s degree or higher. For some entry-level positions, you may only need an associate degree or equivalent skills and work experience. Often, AI professionals obtain undergraduate degrees in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. 

Read more: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree? 10 In-Demand Fields

2. Build practical AI skills.

To join the AI field, you'll need to build the right skills. Programming skills, for example, are essential for any AI worker. In addition to Python, you may also use C++, Java, and R frequently. You’ll also need to have extensive knowledge of ML frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, as well as a variety of ML and deep learning algorithms.

Because AI interfaces are vulnerable to cyberattacks, it’s also beneficial to have knowledge of AI security measures. If your company plans to release a new AI model for general use, you’ll need to know about DevOps deployment techniques to ensure your AI model is usable in a general way.

3. Apply to entry-level jobs.

Once you feel confident with your level of training, start doing research and applying for jobs. Many entry-level AI jobs, such as software engineer or developer, will indicate “entry-level” or “junior” in the job description. Those that require less than three years of experience are typically fair game. 

If you have trouble in your job search, try applying for internships or get started on a freelance project or a hackathon to sharpen your skills. You’ll receive feedback on your work and develop relationships that may benefit you in the future.

Read more: 5 Tech Entry-Level Jobs: No Experience or Commute Required

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Prepare for a career in AI with Coursera today

AI is a rapidly growing and changing field. Want to keep up? Explore AI careers and skills with these resources available from Coursera:

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses. 

Article sources

1. 

Indeed. "The Best Jobs in the US in 2019, https://www.indeed.com/lead/best-jobs-2019." Accessed December 15, 2025.

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