5 In-Demand Jobs Requiring AI Skills

Key takeaways

The need for employees to develop artificial intelligence (AI) skills continues to grow as more businesses adopt the technology.

• Data suggests that the AI market will grow to a value exceeding $2.4 trillion in 2032, an increase of more than $2.02 trillion since 2025 [1].

• AI literacy is among the top AI skills, with other in-demand capabilities that include technical skills such as prompt engineering and machine learning, and workplace skills such as flexibility, innovation, and critical thinking.

• You can help your workforce upskill to meet your organization’s needs for specific AI skills with continuous learning initiatives and training.

Explore some emerging AI roles and some in-demand AI skills in those positions and across others. Then, consider the impact Coursera for Business could make on your company’s learning and development initiatives. You can save on training, gain access to programs from more than 350 of the world’s leading universities and organizations, and provide your workforce with tailored learning paths. 

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The role of AI skills in the modern workplace

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming businesses as organizations across diverse industries increasingly adopt it. Research from MarketsandMarkets reveals a significant increase in the AI market, worth approximately $371.7billion in 2025, with an expected growth to more than $2.4 trillion by 2032 [1].

Along with the growth in the technology and its uses comes a significant increase in the demand for professionals with the AI skills needed to perform essential functions. Data from Indeed Hiring Lab shows a 134 percent increase in the number of job posts that mention AI skills from February 2020 through the end of 2025 [2].

Additionally, the World Economic Forum notes that, "Professionals today across several major economies see AI reshaping society, but fail to grasp its impact on their own roles, delaying the upskilling needed to future-proof careers and organizations” [3]. When considering the skills needed, it’s important to note that the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII) suggests learning not just about AI in theory, but also core components and future-ready skills such as generative AI (GenAI) and prompt engineering, AI and machine learning operations, data analysis, human-AI cooperation, and AI ethics and governance [4].

The soaring demand for AI skills has revealed a sizable gap between the skills employers need now and the capabilities of today’s workforce.

The types of AI job skills and popular AI-based jobs offer diverse opportunities for those with the education, expertise, and abilities to work with the technology today and continue growing as it evolves. Explore some popular AI jobs and the AI skills in demand among many of today’s employers. 

AI jobs and career opportunities

Having AI skills will likely become necessary across a range of jobs and industries, including marketing, project management, finance, and human resources. Additionally, it has given rise to new and emerging roles. 

AI jobs fall under the broader category of computer and information technology (IT) careers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that all jobs in this category will grow much faster than other occupations, with about 317,700 job openings each year in the decade leading up to 2034[5]. This estimate represents strong job growth; however, the demand for AI skills and specialties may outpace that number.  

*All salary data represents total median pay, which includes base salary plus bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation sourced from Glassdoor in February 2026.

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1. AI engineer

Median total salary: $140,000 [6]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; some employers may prefer master’s and certifications

AI engineers work with AI-based algorithms, programming and training them to perform their intended functions. They might work on various types of projects, using coding languages such as Python or Java and algorithms and deep learning applications. AI engineers can also specialize in a specific area, such as research, to help develop the technology or find new uses for it. Some experience and knowledge of data science, programming, and engineering, in addition to AI skills such as working with machine learning algorithms, are required.

Additionally, AI ethics engineers will likely play an increasingly important role as companies and society balance AI technologies and initiatives with ethical concerns and considerations. In this role, engineers can work to develop ethical standards, guidelines, and policies for AI development. They may review projects to pinpoint potential concerns or identify risks and make sure the product complies with the standards in place.

2. Natural language processing engineer

Median total salary: $162,000 [7]

Requirements: Bachelor's degree or certificate plus experience; some employers require a master's or PhD

This job explores and develops programs based on the way computer systems and human language are (or can be) intertwined. Natural language processing is the technology that lets you interact with digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Home by taking human language and translating it into a language computers can understand. It also plays a role in transcription services and chatbots.

A natural language processing engineer will develop, program, and maintain natural language processing systems and projects. They will rely heavily on predictive modeling, algorithms, mathematics, coding, and tasks like language modeling and grammatical tagging, which make it easier for computers to understand the meaning of human language.

3. AI research scientist

Median total salary: $204,000 [8]

Requirements: Advanced degree and relevant experience

This role works on the front lines of AI, researching new models and algorithms and finding new and innovative uses for AI technology. Although tasks vary by position and company, AI research scientists may collaborate with others on research to further an organization's goals. They may also participate in experiments and write code, apply analysis to product development, delve into the theories behind AI, and design new applications.

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4. Data analyst

Median total salary: $93,000 [9]

Requirements: Bachelor's degree; some employers prefer an advanced degree

AI and data analysis go hand in hand, with the demand for skilled data professionals set to continue growing rapidly. A data analyst will use AI skills and tools to perform repetitive tasks, focusing on work that requires critical thinking. They may also work directly in AI, interpreting data to aid in developing models and algorithms for use across various industries, ranging from health care to finance.

5. AI business strategist

Median total salary: $145,000 [10]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree at a minimum; master’s may be preferable 

Businesses in various industries are embracing AI, which creates the need for skilled professionals who can collaborate with them and guide them to adopt the appropriate AI applications and transform their strategies using AI. Like any business strategist, an AI business strategist will work to help an organization remain focused on their goals and meet their objectives. 

Although requirements vary, many employers or clients prefer someone with professional experience and skills, such as the ability to make sound decisions, think logically in any situation, and overcome challenges through strategic planning and problem-solving.

Types of AI job skills employers are looking for

AI literacy is among the top skills employers are looking for in 2026 [11]. Data from a late 2025 CNBC survey, indicates that 89 percent of human resources executives expect the technology to reshape jobs in 2026, with 67 percent reporting it already is changing employees’ tasks and daily workflow to some extent [12]. While many of the skills needed to keep up are technical, others are more workplace-oriented. 

Technical AI skills 

• Prompt engineering

• Data science and analysis

• Programming languages such as Julia, Python, C++, and JavaScript

• Math, including statistics and algebra

• Big data technologies

• Machine learning

• Cognitive learning and language processing

• Applying the application programming interface (API)

• Frameworks and algorithms

Workplace AI skills 

• Emotional intelligence 

• Interpersonal skills

• Active learning and willingness to continue learning

• Innovation and creative thinking

• Bias detection

• Analytical judgment and critical thinking

• Flexibility and adaptability

Read more: What is Professional Development and What Are the Benefits?

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