Nearly a year since the global launch of ChatGPT, enthusiasm surrounding generative artificial intelligence remains steadfast, particularly in the job market. Job searches in generative artificial intelligence on the Indeed platform have surged by almost 4,000% in the past year. While ZipRecruiter has observed a dip in job listings compared to the peak levels in 2022, the volume of available jobs in this field is now “much, much larger” than before the pandemic, according to ZipRecruiter’s Chief Economist, Julia Pollak.
Surprisingly, the most sought-after job in the artificial intelligence sector isn’t in engineering, as one might expect. The role of a Data Scientist currently holds the top spot in demand, reports CNBC.com. Over the last six months, it has been the most promoted job in artificial intelligence on Indeed and the second most posted on ZipRecruiter, based on exclusive data shared with CNBC Make It.
Rising Demand for Data Science in AI
While data science has been intertwined with artificial intelligence for years, the demand for these professionals has significantly escalated in recent months. Trey Causey, responsible for artificial intelligence at Indeed, notes that as more companies launch AI-related products to streamline operations or enhance customer experiences, the demand for data science professionals has surged. These data scientists play a pivotal role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting vast amounts of data from new AI models, aiding companies in making intelligent business decisions.
Recruitment in this domain has expanded beyond the tech sector, now encompassing industries like finance, aerospace, media, and more. All are expanding their recruitment budgets to bring these professionals on board or create new roles for them, according to reports from ZipRecruiter and Indeed.
“In 2021 and 2022, many of the hires for data science positions in AI were initially for temporary or freelance roles as companies were still testing the waters, deciding if they could monetize this technology,” explains Pollak. “Now, enough time has passed for companies to see the benefits of AI and make long-term investments in developing their AI teams.”
How to Become an AI Data Science Specialist
Typically, data science professionals need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter this field. However, Causey emphasizes that skills are more critical than education.
“Data science professionals need to be technically strong and have a range of technical and non-technical skills for success: statistical analysis, applied mathematics, a solid computer science foundation, exceptional communication skills, and project management skills,” he explains.
Continuous skill development is an “obligation” for data science professionals working with AI technology, according to Causey. Job seekers should demonstrate how their skills have evolved with industry changes.
Six-Figure Salaries and Remote Work Freedom
Data science specialists in the field of artificial intelligence can expect to earn at least $100,000 with less than a year of experience, according to Indeed data. ZipRecruiter places the average salary for an entry-level AI data science specialist at $122,738.
This average salary steadily rises to approximately $150,000 with 3 to 5 years of experience, according to both Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Many senior positions for data science specialists in AI offer salaries well above $200,000.
Moreover, there are numerous remote work opportunities for data science specialists in AI. Due to the specialized and sought-after nature of this role, negotiating flexible work arrangements may be more manageable.
In conclusion, landing one of these highly coveted data science positions requires demonstrating intelligence, proficiency, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working with machine learning and extensive statistics. If you’re aiming for success in this rapidly growing field, showcasing both technical prowess and non-technical skills is key.
