Key Takeaways
- Technology and AI are expected to create significantly more jobs than they displace by 2030.
- Machine Learning Engineers are the most sought-after role at AI startups currently.
- Enterprise Sales roles are surprisingly the second most in-demand position, indicating AI products are ready for market.
- Salaries for these top roles can be very high, often exceeding $200,000, especially at leading companies.
- Major tech hubs like New York, San Francisco, and Austin are hotspots for AI job openings.
The rise of artificial intelligence and technology is changing the job market, but maybe not how you’d expect. While some jobs will be replaced, many more new ones are projected to emerge.
A report from the World Economic Forum suggests that for every job lost to factors like AI and automation, nearly two new ones could be created by 2030. This wave of change means new opportunities are opening up rapidly.
Investment is pouring into AI startups, fueling a fierce competition for skilled workers. These companies need top talent to build and release cutting-edge AI models and applications.
So, which jobs are hottest right now? According to analysis by Jobright shared in a Forbes article, Machine Learning (ML) Engineers top the list, with over 2,000 openings found in their study of private US AI startups.
Perhaps more surprising is the second most in-demand role: Enterprise Sales. With nearly as many openings as ML engineers, this shows a significant trend. AI products are maturing and ready to be sold to large businesses.
Companies like OpenAI are rapidly expanding their sales teams, highlighting the growing business need for professionals who can sell complex AI solutions. This demand reflects that AI is moving beyond research and into practical business applications.
Interestingly, the role of Machine Learning Engineer wasn’t common just five to seven years ago. Its prominence surged with the generative AI boom, making it crucial for tech companies today.
These high-demand roles often come with substantial paychecks. At leading companies like OpenAI, ML Engineer salaries can reportedly reach extremely high figures, as noted by Levels.fyi, sometimes exceeding $1 million for top-level engineers, though starting points are often around $240,000.
Enterprise sales roles at such companies also command impressive salaries, potentially reaching close to $300,000 in total compensation. Broader industry averages reported by Salary.com place senior ML engineers generally between $172,000 and $210,000, with enterprise sales roles in a similar high range.
If you’re looking for these opportunities, major US tech hubs like New York City and San Francisco are prime locations. Austin, Cupertino, and Mountain View also boast thousands of AI-related job openings.
Work arrangements vary, with hybrid-remote models being quite popular among larger startups, though fully remote and in-office positions are also available.
For those searching, job boards specializing in tech and startups, such as Y Combinator, Dice, Levels.fyi, and Crunchboard, often list relevant AI positions.
Whether you have a deep technical background suited for engineering or strong communication skills perfect for sales, the growing AI sector presents exciting career possibilities.
