10 Artificial Intelligence Careers and How To Pursue Them

Updated 8 March 2023

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If you enjoy the idea of working with robotics and other complex machines that can mimic human characters, then pursuing a career in artificial intelligence may be right for you. There are many paths to consider, each with their own specialized responsibilities and skill set. Knowing about some of these occupations can help you to decide on the one that most closely aligns with your career goals. In this article, we discuss what AI is, explore 10 artificial intelligence careers and review how to start an AI career in four steps.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is the use of highly complex technology and coding interfaces to program machines with capabilities like automation and human imitation. These machines function with computer systems that require some degree of intelligence and the ability to compute with natural speed and accuracy. For example, programming a mechanical robot to clean would be a form of artificial intelligence. There are many key characteristics that help these machines operate in the way they do, like visual perception, face and speech recognition, decision making and language translation. With proper programming, some AI machines can adapt and learn limitlessly.

10 artificial intelligence careers

Here are 10 artificial intelligence careers you can pursue:

1. Software engineer

National average salary: ₹6,40,107 per year

Primary duties: A software engineer is a professional who combines principles and methodologies of computer science, engineering and math to create and test out software applications on computer devices. They possess a diverse range of duties like managing software programming projects, developing software systems and leading software development initiatives through their entire life cycles. They also work on software to fix errors and bugs.

2. User experience designer

National average salary: ₹5,67,967 per year

Primary duties: A user experience designer, or IU/UX designer, is a professional who designs and implements features of a digital tool to ensure the best experience for the users who use them, like a website or platform. Since the user's satisfaction is their primary concern, they collaborate closely with the marketing, technology and design teams to ensure the production of a tool that is easy to use and accessible on a wide range of platforms. They also work with customers to get their feedback and meet their needs.

3. Researcher

National average salary: ₹2,46,798 per year

Primary duties: A researcher is a professional who can work in nearly any industry, as their primary role is to review data and gather vital information from it. These individuals may use their skills to conduct research about AI projects and employ a variety of resources to collect their data from, like surveys, interviews, articles, publications, books and the internet. Once they collect a sufficient amount of research, they can work with AI developers to help them develop new processes.

4. Research scientist

National average salary: ₹8,72,606 per year

Primary duties: A research scientist is a professional who seeks to find missing information within knowledge bases and then fill in those inadequacies using the data they find from investigative formulas, methods and protocols. They then transpose their insights and finding in publications and documents. In AI, these professionals seek to understand undiscovered details and figure out solutions to these uncertainties.

5. Machine learning engineer

National average salary: ₹9,24,701 per year

Primary duties: A machine learning engineer is a person who develops AI software that is self-running and autonomous. They develop them so they can automate crucial predictive models that help with a variety of purposes like virtual assistance, recommended searching tips, chatbots, driverless cars and translation applications. They make their creations to learn, and as such, they have to give machines the ability to generate accurate predictive measures and resolve complex problems with data sets.

6. Data scientist

National average salary: ₹8,50,547 per year

Primary duties: A data scientist is someone who analyses and interprets raw data using complex mathematical and statistical methods, computations and techniques. In performing a data analysis, they hope to gain useful information for solving problems and creating meaningful solutions. Artificial intelligence can be a challenging field to work within, so there data driven solutions are crucial.

7. Business intelligence developer

National average salary: ₹8,22,760 per year

Primary duties: A business intelligence developer is a person who gathers critical information regarding market and financial sectors to improve business and project decision-making processes. Once they store collections of information, they can maintain and review these details seamlessly through their data warehouses. If their company has a very specific goal or business need, they can transpose that necessity towards creating technical specifications.

8. Prosthetist

National average salary: ₹4,32,476 per year

Primary duties: A prosthetist is a medical technologist who equips patients with mechanical and artificial limbs like prosthetic arms, legs, feet and hands. Some of the AI capabilities of these devices provide patients with significant autonomy. They must first assess the needs of the patient to determine what they need, whether that be a faux limb or brace.

9. Robotics engineer

National average salary: ₹2,60,557 per year

Primary duties: A robotics engineer develops a wide range of mechanical devices, applications and robotic systems to perform tasks in industry sectors like mining, agriculture, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. Their robotic devices help to simplify repetitive and laborious tasks. This ensures that companies can allocate human labour towards other critical duties.

10. Algorithm developer

National average salary: ₹7,41,346 per year

Primary duties: An algorithm developer creates codes for a variety of automated systems and maintains those systems as well. Their algorithms aid in the functional capabilities of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning. They work to debug coding errors and help to simplify the computing tasks of their artificial intelligence concepts.

How to start a career in AI in 4 steps

Here are four steps to help you start a career in AI:

1. Choose a specialisation

The first step to starting a career in artificial intelligence is to select a specialisation that interests you the most. There are many career paths and unique ways in which you can use AI. Whether you choose to go the medical route as a prosthetist or a more traditional robotics path, there are a variety of options for you to consider. Research different specialisations on job boards and career platforms to see the responsibilities that each one entails. The more assured you are of the specialty to pursue, the better you can plan to achieve it.

2. Earn an undergraduate qualification

Once you have selected a specialisation, consider going to university to earn an undergraduate degree in a major like robotics, technology, medical technology, IT, engineering, science or applied mathematics. Many employers expect a bachelor's degree at a minimum, though some may accept an associate degree if you have enough working experience to compensate. These degree programmes can last anywhere between two or four years. If you decide to earn a more advanced degree, it may be able to elevate your application status when you begin pursuing full-time job AI opportunities.

3. Join an internship

An internship is a temporary opportunity where you get to work with skilled professionals in a real life environment. Joining an intern programme is an essential aspect of progressing your career because it provides you with the chance to apply your knowledge to practical situations and duties, helping you learn how an occupation operates on a daily basis. This prepares you for future job roles once you begin looking for open positions. If you have the time, you can also pursue an internship while you are in school pursuing your academic degree.

4. Apply for jobs

Once you believe you have earned the necessary qualifications to pursue an AI career, start applying for jobs. The first action you can take is to consult your professional network, like a counsellor or professors. These individuals usually have connections in the industry and may be able to guide you toward an opportunity that is not widely available online. The most common way to find job positions is through online job boards and career platforms.

These resources usually allow you to customise your search options and set up a unique professional profile, helping you find jobs that align with your careers and making it easy for recruiters to find you as well.

Is artificial intelligence a good career?

Whether artificial intelligence is a good career primarily depends on your personal career goals and future endeavours. If you like programming and building robots, then this might be a career for you to pursue. If you find satisfaction in working with technology, but not with complex AI processes and systems, then you may enjoy some other kind of work. Pursuing a career in this field requires a great deal of technical prowess, problem solving and critical thinking. If these are qualities that you possess, then consider working in AI.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.