Top AI careers include machine learning engineer, AI engineer, data scientist, and research scientist, plus security roles that protect AI systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists median pay of $135,980 for software developers, $120,230 for data scientists, and $140,300 for computer and information research scientists. Data scientist jobs are projected to grow 35% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations.
$135,980
Software developer median (BLS)*
+35%
Data scientist job outlook 2025–35*
$129,180
Info. security analyst median*
$140,300
Research scientist median (BLS)*
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage survey / OEWS May 2025 wages; Employment Projections 2025–35. BLS has no dedicated “AI engineer” job category—software developers and research scientists are the closest published titles.
Popular AI careers
Technical
AI Engineer
Build and deploy AI models and systems. Strong programming and ML skills required.
Explore role → TechnicalMachine Learning Engineer
Focus on training, optimizing, and productionizing ML models at scale.
Explore role →Related BLS occupations (2025–35 outlook)
Typical education
- AI EngineerBachelor's+
- ML EngineerMaster's common
- Data ScientistBachelor's+
Highest-paying cybersecurity jobs
Six security jobs ranked by median pay.
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What AI and machine learning jobs pay.
View → CyberCybersecurity Salary & Jobs
Role-based pay context and education paths—without invented wage figures.
View guide → CareersData Scientist
Skills, degrees, and how the role differs from ML engineer.
View → CareersCybersecurity Analyst
SOC entry paths, education options, and next-step roles.
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