Much has changed in the global business landscape since Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and tools were made public two years back. It has become a critical part of most business processes, driving a higher demand for individuals skilled in this technology.
Nearly 71% of employers say they’ll hire a less experienced candidate with decent AI skills over an experienced individual without AI skills. This article lists 12 AI skills that can make you highly sought-after and irreplaceable.
Machine Learning
Machine Learning (ML) is a subcategory of AI that uses algorithms and training data to replicate how humans learn. Professionals with machine learning skills design and implement algorithms that facilitate machines to learn from data, identify patterns, and make predictions without being exclusively programmed for each task. It results in competitive advantage over competitors, increased operational efficiency, and reduced costs. Machine Learning (ML) engineers receive an average annual salary of $161,385.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
The rise of chatbots, voice assistants, and other natural language interfaces has increased the demand for NLP professionals. This skill bridges the gap between machines and human language so machines can understand and respond to natural language. NLP professionals use various algorithms and techniques to help machines process and analyze text to mimic human comprehension. NLP assists with text summarization, sentiment analysis, machine translation, etc. Professionals with NLP skills earn an average annual salary of $164,000.
Computer Vision
Businesses in all sectors are turning to computer vision engineers to train their machines to ‘see’ and interpret visual data as humans do. While computer vision skills aid in various ways, companies mostly use them for image processing, facial recognition, video analysis, image classification, etc. Since mastering this skill demands a deep understanding of advanced mathematics, algorithms, image processing, and machine learning, companies are ready to pay top dollar for hiring the best talent. Computer Vision engineers in the USA receive an average annual salary of $121,515.
Deep Learning
Deep learning focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing artificial neural networks to process and analyze data. It is a subset of machine learning that helps companies handle gigantic amounts of unstructured data while enabling machines to learn and perform the given tasks that mimic human intelligence. Healthcare companies use it for medical diagnosis, retail stores for fraud detection, and automobile companies for object detection. The average pay offered to individuals with deep learning skills is approximately $99,628 a year.
AI Ethics and Bias Mitigation
Since AI is trained from existing data available online, it has inherited societal biases. Individuals with AI ethics and bias mitigation skills are in high demand because they can identify biases in AI, evaluate datasets for quality, and implement strategies like re-weighting algorithms, counterfactual explanations, etc., to reduce AI biases. Professionals with AI ethics and bias mitigation abilities can earn an average annual income of $135,000.
AI Research
Individuals with AI research skills are tasked with finding newer techniques, algorithms, and methodologies to improve existing AI systems. For example, they can be hired to develop advanced algorithms that analyze medical images more accurately or analyze market data in real-time. AI research scientists typically earn between $172,895 to $191,576 per annum, with the average being $184,141.
Robotics Process Automation (RPA) with AI
Businesses across industries are always looking for ways to automate repetitive tasks, streamline operations, and reduce costs. RPA with AI is gaining popularity because it helps achieve all these goals. RPA with AI professionals are experts in identifying automation opportunities, designing workflows, and ensuring smooth integration with existing systems. Since it is a complex and technical skill, professionals with decent RPA skills can potentially earn an average annual income of $106,207.
Generative AI Modeling
If you’ve used any generative AI tool to create written content, images, videos, courses, or any digital asset, you’ll know the potential impact it can have on a company’s bottom line. Hence, companies are hiring professionals with generative AI modeling skills to design, develop, and maintain AI systems that can generate content aligning with their brand. This skill can be used for model development, training and fine-tuning, data preparation, evaluation and testing, deployment, and more. Generative AI engineers in the USA receive an average annual salary of $115,864.
Data Processing and Feature Engineering
Data processing focuses on turning raw data into a format that allows machine learning models to extract meaningful insights and make accurate predictions. On the other hand, feature engineering skills are used to extract meaningful features that can be used to train machine learning models. Feature engineers can earn a median salary of $120,198 a year.
AI Engineering
AI engineering is a timeless skill used to design, develop, and deploy AI models that can facilitate innovative product creation, improve business operations, and support other business processes. This skill demands a deep understanding of complex algorithms, programming languages, and data structures, which few have. Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineers in the USA receive a median annual salary of $106,386.
AI Chatbot Development
Most businesses now want to integrate conversational chatbots into their business website, increasing the demand for AI chatbot developers. Professionals proficient in this skill use their NLP, software development, and machine learning knowledge to build chatbots that improve customer experience. AI chatbot developers receive an average annual salary of $117,000, with experienced professionals earning as high as $170,300 a year.
AI Solution Architect
An AI solution architect is a high-paying skill because it facilitates designing and implementing AI systems within an organization to solve complex problems. Companies look for AI solution architects who can create scalable and robust architecture while considering the overall performance optimization, data security, and system integration. Most of these jobs demand technical AI expertise and strong business acumen, and businesses are willing to pay higher salaries to the right candidates. AI solution architects in the USA typically earn an average annual income of $145,963
