We have been singing the praises of a master’s degree in artificial intelligence within these pages. In a practical sense, you might be asking yourself, what can I do with a master’s degree in AI? Will there be jobs waiting for me upon graduation? This is an important consideration when you are choosing any degree program, and particularly a graduate degree program.
The answer to the question of whether there will be AI jobs available for you upon graduation is a resounding “yes”! According to a report by Precedence Research, as of 2022, the AI market in the United States was valued at $103.7 billion, and is projected to grow to $594 billion by 2032, at a compounded annual growth rate of 19.1 percent. The rise in the usage of digital technologies has contributed to this valuation, and heavy investment in research and development reflects that technological advancements in AI will continue for the foreseeable future.
Right now, the demand for AI talent outweighs the supply – especially for AI talent with advanced knowledge, such as that provided by a master’s degree program. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that employment in computer science and information technology jobs (a sector in which artificial intelligence is included) is projected to grow by 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, adding more jobs to a well-paying field.
Your decision to get a master’s degree in artificial intelligence should not solely be based upon how much money you can make with a career in the field, however. If you don’t have the interest, desire, and passion to learn artificial intelligence, you will either tire during the challenging, rigorous education you receive, or burn out once you have graduated and are working in the AI field. Make sure that you are truly interested in learning artificial intelligence before embarking upon a master’s degree program.
Here are just a few of the many jobs that you will be qualified to perform with a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.
Data Scientist
A career as a data scientist involves the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data for many different reasons. Technology, tools, and algorithms are used to glean knowledge from data and spot patterns. Data can be used to predict what will happen in the future and to make recommendations based upon those predictions. While a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level data scientist positions, more advanced knowledge is necessary for many upper-level positions, and it is preferred that candidates for those positions possess a master’s degree in AI. According to U.S. News and World Report, in 2021, data scientists averaged a salary of $100,910 per year.
Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer uses software engineering, applied research, and data science to create models that can handle large quantities of data. ML engineers need strong skills in mathematics, deep learning, and neural networks, as well as programming language skills in Scala, Python, and Java. A bachelor’s degree can get you a ML job in some areas, but a master’s degree in AI is preferred. Indeed.com quotes the average annual machine learning engineer salary at $160,557 as of 2023.
Research Scientist
Working as a research scientist in AI is an academic career that is best suited for those who are interested in asking questions and finding new solutions about artificial intelligence. The position combines many facets of AI including, but not limited to, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer perception. Many AI positions require a doctoral degree, but a master’s degree in AI can help you to get into the research field as you work on your doctorate. Glassdoor.com quotes the average annual research scientist salary at $147,000 annually as of 2023.
Business Intelligence Developer
The financial services industry is always looking for more business intelligence developers who are well-trained in artificial intelligence. Tasks can range from monitoring data on the stock market to assist in investment decisions, to watching sales trends to make distribution decisions. Business intelligence developers usually design, model and maintain complex amounts of data that business users can easily access. A bachelor’s degree may be enough to enter the field, but a master’s degree in AI is preferred. Salary.com quotes the average business intelligence developer salary at $96,246 as of 2023.
Natural Language Processing Engineer
Those interested in human language and how AI learns to process human language will enjoy a career as a NLP engineer. Document processing, speech recognition, and voice assistants all utilize NLP and need highly trained professionals to work with these areas. A specialized, advanced graduate degree in NLP or computational linguistics is necessary to get into this field. Glassdoor.com quotes the average NLP engineer salary at $101,442 as of 2023.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers work with autonomous systems and AI-powered robots. These are used in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. Advanced graduate-level degrees in AI, robotics, engineering and autonomous systems are usually required to break into this field. Indeed.com says the average annual salary for a robotics engineer is $109,657 per year as of 2023.
Data Analyst
A data analyst in AI is responsible for preparing data that is used in machine learning models and for reporting on the results. Advanced programming and database skills are required for this position, and these are best learned in a master’s degree program. Glassdoor.com quotes the average AI data analyst salary at $92,360 annually as of 2023.
Software Architect
An AI software architect must design and sustain the tools, systems, processes, and platforms that run AI technology. The architecture that powers AI is created and maintained by them. A bachelor’s degree may help you to obtain a position as a software architect in AI, but more and more employers are looking for candidates with a master’s degree. ZipRecruiter.com says that the average annual salary of an AI software architect is $131,322 as of 2023.
Software Engineer
Software products used in artificial intelligence applications are created by AI software engineers. Development and maintenance of that software is their responsibility. A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for an AI software engineer job, but a master’s degree in AI is preferred. Glassdoor.com quotes the average AI software engineer salary at $133,922 annually as of 2023.
Big Data Engineer
Big data engineers in AI work with vast amounts of data, helping to plan, design and develop big data environments for a variety of industries. A doctoral degree is required for many of these positions, but a master’s degree may be acceptable, especially in light of the growing demand for AI-educated big data engineers. Glassdoor.com quotes the average big data engineer annual salary at $151,300 as of 2023.