Top Entry-Level AI Jobs (Roles, Skills & Where to Start)
By
Samantha Cox
•
Jun 11, 2025
Thinking about launching a career in artificial intelligence? You’re not alone, and you’re right on time. Entry-level roles like AI Engineer or Machine Learning Researcher are in high demand, offering a rare chance to break into one of tech’s most exciting and fast-moving fields. In this article, we’ll explore what the AI job market looks like today, the skills and education you’ll need, how to build real-world experience, and where to find those first job opportunities.
Key Takeaways
The AI job market is rapidly expanding, with notable growth in roles like software developers (17.9%) and personal financial advisors (17.1%), indicating high demand for AI expertise.
Key skills for entry-level AI positions include programming proficiency in Python and Java, understanding machine learning concepts, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Practical experience through internships or personal projects is crucial for job readiness in AI, with legitimate job listings available on platforms such as Fonzi and Indeed.
Overview of the AI Job Market
The AI job market is a vibrant and rapidly expanding arena, driven by advancements in technology and an increasing reliance on intelligent systems. AI is influencing various job sectors, with occupations that involve tasks easily replicated by AI being especially affected. This transformation is evident across multiple industries, from finance to engineering, where AI tools are enhancing efficiency and innovation.
Employment growth projections for various roles include:
Aerospace engineers: projected to grow by 6.0%, reflecting sustained demand for engineering services bolstered by AI tools.
Database architects: expected to see job growth of 10.8%, underscoring the rising complexity of data management.
Personal financial advisors: demand projected to grow by 17.1%, despite competition from AI-driven ‘robo-advisors’.
AI is not just shaping job roles but also revolutionizing the hiring process itself. Between 35% and 45% of companies have integrated AI into their recruitment processes, a trend that is set to grow at an annual rate of 6.17% from 2023 to 2030.
Employers are increasingly seeking skilled professionals with AI expertise, making it a high-demand field for job seekers. Whether you aim to join an established company or a burgeoning startup, the AI industry offers a plethora of opportunities for growth and innovation, including positions at artificial intelligence companies.
Common Entry-Level AI Roles
For those stepping into the AI field, a variety of entry-level positions await. The job market for artificial intelligence is projected to grow significantly, with software developer positions expected to increase by 17.9% from 2023 to 2033. This growth reflects the expanding need for professionals who can develop and maintain AI systems.
Common entry-level roles in AI include:
AI Engineers
Machine Learning Researchers
Infrastructure Engineers
Large Language Model Specialists
AI Models Specialists
These positions offer a gateway into the AI industry, allowing newcomers to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. As the field evolves, new entry-level opportunities continue to emerge, particularly in areas like generative artificial intelligence.
Working in entry-level AI roles typically involves collaborating with mid-level and senior team members, contributing to projects that require a blend of creativity and technical expertise. Whether you’re developing machine learning algorithms, optimizing data infrastructure, or fine-tuning language models, these entry-level jobs provide a solid foundation for a thriving career in AI.
Essential Skills for Entry-Level AI Jobs
To excel in entry-level AI jobs, certain skills are indispensable. Key among these is programming expertise, particularly in languages like Python and Java. These languages are the backbone of many AI applications, enabling the development of algorithms and the processing of vast amounts of data. Proficiency in these languages is often a minimum requirement for AI roles, as well as understanding the underlying code.
Understanding machine learning concepts is equally crucial. This involves knowledge of various algorithms and the ability to create autonomous systems that can learn from data. Strong problem-solving abilities are also essential, as AI professionals often face complex challenges that require innovative solutions.
Additionally, familiarity with intelligent user interfaces can enhance user interaction with AI systems. This skill is particularly valuable in roles that involve direct user engagement, ensuring that AI applications are both effective and user-friendly. Combining these technical skills with a solid understanding of AI principles will make you a competitive candidate in the AI job market.
Educational Pathways to AI Careers
Embarking on an AI career typically requires a strong educational foundation. For most entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science or data science is essential. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that underpin AI and machine learning.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, completing certification courses in AI or data science can significantly enhance your job prospects. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in specific areas of data analysis, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
For those looking to further their education and career credentials, pursuing a master’s degree in a relevant field is a common pathway. The combination of formal education and specialized certifications equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the AI industry.
Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or looking to expand your college credentials, the right educational pathway can open doors to a rewarding AI career.
How to Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience is a crucial component of preparing for a career in AI. AI internships offer hands-on experience, allowing you to work on real-world problems and develop practical skills. Internships in specialized areas like machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision provide targeted experience that can be highly beneficial for your career.
These internships typically require a commitment ranging from 10 weeks to a year and often offer paid opportunities. Participating in online courses focused on AI and machine learning can further enhance your knowledge and skills. Online courses or certifications are a great way to gain practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to learning in AI.
Engaging in personal projects is another effective way to showcase your capabilities and dedication to the related field. Whether through internships, online learning, or personal projects, gaining practical experience is essential for improving your employability and securing better salary offers for recent college graduates and students. This experience allows you to obtain valuable skills that employers seek.
Finding Legitimate AI Job Openings
Finding legitimate AI job openings is a critical step in launching your career. Popular platforms for finding genuine entry-level AI job listings include:
Indeed
AIJobs.net
DataScienceJobs.com
Reputable job boards like Fonzi and the AAAI Career Center provide a dedicated space for AI job opportunities. Many of these platforms offer remote job opportunities, making it easier to find positions that fit your needs. Networking through AI meetups and online platforms can also help you connect with industry experts and discover job openings.
Almost all job boards allow filtering by experience level, helping beginners find entry-level AI positions. Using these resources wisely will increase your chances of finding a legitimate and rewarding AI job opening.
Preparing for AI Job Interviews
Preparing for AI job interviews requires a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills. Practical tips for showcasing your skills and succeeding in the competitive AI job market are essential. For instance, practicing interview responses with video conferencing tools can help you become comfortable speaking to a screen. This is particularly important as many AI job interviews are conducted virtually.
Simulating a conversation with a human by maintaining eye contact with the camera and projecting a friendly demeanor can make a significant difference. Additionally, understanding the unique challenges of AI-driven interviews and how to adapt, with this consideration, can give a person access to a connection review edge over other candidates, assisting in the maintenance process to verify the effectiveness of their testing approach.
By preparing thoroughly and practicing your responses, you’ll be better equipped to handle the nuances of AI job interviews and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
The Role of AI in Hiring
AI is playing an increasingly prominent role in the hiring process. Nearly 40% of companies are projected to utilize AI in their hiring processes by the end of 2025. AI-driven interviews require candidates to adapt to the absence of human interaction, creating a unique set of challenges. However, responsible use of AI in hiring, as exemplified by platforms like Fonzi, aims to reduce bias, protect candidate experience, and speed up the hiring timeline.
Fonzi is built to help companies find top engineering talent faster, fairer, and with greater confidence. Our structured, bias-audited process ensures every candidate is evaluated on real skills, not guesswork, making it easier for hiring teams to discover standout talent they might otherwise miss. For engineers, this means a more transparent and equitable experience, where quality gets recognized.
Career Growth and Salary Expectations
A career in AI offers promising growth and attractive salary prospects:
Entry-level AI engineer roles typically earn between $95,000 to $120,000 annually in the United States.
These roles generally provide compensation that is 10-20% higher than traditional software development positions.
Many entry-level AI professionals experience substantial salary increases, often between 20-30% within the first couple of years, with the average salary reflecting this upward trend.
Holding a master’s degree or PhD can significantly enhance salary offers, particularly in research positions. Additionally, benefits in entry-level AI positions may include stock options, remote work flexibility, bonuses, and stipends for learning and development.
The specialized nature of AI roles often commands higher salaries compared to other tech jobs, making it a lucrative career choice for aspiring professionals.
Summary
In summary, AI offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for recent graduates and those looking to pivot into tech. From understanding the job market and essential skills to navigating educational pathways and preparing for interviews, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring AI professionals.
Inspire yourself to take the first step towards an AI career with confidence. The future of AI is bright, and with the right knowledge and preparation, you can be part of this transformative industry.
