The World Economic Forum predicts that while 92 million jobs will be displaced by 2030 due to technological innovation and AI, 170 million new ones will emerge, creating 1.85 new roles for every job lost. As AI startups continue to attract significant venture capital investment, certain existing job titles are experiencing a surge in demand. An analysis by Jobright of over 80,000 job vacancies at private U.S.-based AI startups revealed that Machine Learning (ML) Engineers and Enterprise Sales roles are the most in-demand positions.
Top AI Jobs in Demand
ML Engineers top the list with 2,071 job openings, followed closely by Enterprise Sales roles with 1,988 openings. This demand is driven by enterprises seeking the latest AI solutions, indicating that AI products are ready for integration into major companies. For instance, OpenAI has increased its enterprise sales personnel from 200 in June 2023 to 300 by the end of 2024, accounting for over 20% of its total staff.
Salary Ranges for AI Professionals
Salaries for these roles are highly competitive. At OpenAI, ML Engineer salaries range from $240,000 to $1.34 million for a level six engineer. Enterprise Sales roles can pay up to $290,000 in total compensation. On average, ML Engineers earn $108,898, while senior roles pay between $172,880 and $209,640 annually. Enterprise Sales professionals can expect $223,618 to $280,359 per year.
Where to Find High-Paying AI Jobs
Top locations for AI jobs in the U.S. include startup hubs like New York, San Francisco, Austin, Cupertino, and Mountain View, each with over 1,000 AI job opportunities. Job boards like Y Combinator, Dice, Levels.fyi, and Crunchboard list numerous openings, including remote and hybrid-remote positions.
As AI continues to shape the future of work, professionals with technical backgrounds may find opportunities in engineering roles, while those with strong communication skills can explore tech sales positions. With AI startups offering competitive salaries and numerous job openings, now is an opportune time to explore these career paths.
