Many of today’s leading professions didn’t exist just a few years ago. And this trend is poised to continue through the years to come. Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements are predicted to create more jobs than they take. Since 2021, generative AI-related job posts have increased by over 250%. To expand on the now famous words of Professor Richard Baldwin — AI won’t replace you, but the humans who can build and use it will.
In the midst of unpredictable market shifts, top brands aren’t just investing in this emerging technology; they’re leveraging it to cut costs, save time, and step ahead of the competition. Businesses everywhere race to develop and master the latest AI tools, but a tool is only as strong as the talent behind it. And true AI specialists remain in short supply. More than half of companies admit they don’t yet have the right AI talent to bring their strategies to life.
The need for AI skills and roles is growing faster than companies and professionals can adapt. Whether you’re looking to hire an AI expert or become one, explore the 10 most in-demand AI jobs for 2024 to thrive in the future of work.
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- AI Chatbot Developer
- AI Product Manager
- AI Solutions Architect
- Prompt Engineer
- AI Artist / Designer with AI Skills
- AI Content Creator / Writer with AI Skills
- Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
1. AI Engineer
In 2024, some of the most in-demand candidates featured in the Onward Search talent showcase were AI Engineers. Encompassing other specialized AI engineering roles, the title broadly refers to professionals who design, develop and implement AI tools, systems and processes. These developers not only write the code and build models from scratch; they help product managers and business leaders understand and adopt the technology. Over the last two years alone, startups and large corporations have hired hundreds in this field, and the demand is poised to grow.
2. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning (ML) is the innovation at the center of the AI talent rush. ML systems leverage data and algorithms to improve their own accuracy over time. Machine learning engineers design, test and enhance these algorithms, enabling AI to emulate the way humans learn. From facial recognition to predictive analytics and automation, the technology has countless real-world applications, and companies are investing heavily in it. Experts predict the machine learning market will rise from $140 million US dollars to nearly $2 trillion by 2030.
3. Robotics Engineer
In 2024, a record 4 million robots were recorded being operated in factories around the world. From assembling cars to exploring mars, these advanced machines are automating all kinds of tasks, but they aren’t creating themselves. Robotics engineers design, build and program robots and robotic systems, ensuring the machines are safe and functional. These skilled experts are often responsible for everything from constructing robotics to testing and elevating them. Beyond development, such engineers also often provide troubleshooting services.
4. AI Research Scientist
As every innovation begins with experimentation, AI research scientists are the people who make the technology possible. They’re responsible for planning AI experiments, performing analysis, and publishing the papers that advance projects, brands and the field at large. Even throughout headcount reductions, many tech companies continued to fill AI research roles. In recent years, organizations have exponentially increased their AI research efforts, publishing over 350,000 papers in 2023 alone. Currently, the demand for research scientists is expected to grow over 20% higher by 2033.
5. Data Scientist
The US Department of Labor projects around 20,800 new data science jobs open each year. These in-demand AI experts use machine learning models to analyze information and make data-driven predictions. While data scientists collaborate with machine learning engineers to build the algorithms, data scientists are primarily responsible for leveraging AI tools to collect information and derive insights. As AI can process and assess enormous datasets in real time, these scientists use it to uncover the patterns that humans otherwise couldn’t.
6. AI Chatbot Developer / NLP Engineer
Since 2019, chatbots have seen a 92% increase in usage. They aren’t new, but they are of newfound importance. So are the AI experts responsible for designing, creating and maintaining them. Chatbot developers must master AI and natural language processing (NLP) to empower bots to understand users, sound like humans, and engage people in helpful conversations. With the recent rise in virtual assistants and customer support automation, these developers and engineers have been more critical than ever before in recent years.
7. AI Product Manager
While hundreds of new AI products seem to launch every few months, studies show that 95% of new products fail. The AI product manager’s role is to close the gap between technology and business to ensure their products are among the 5% that succeed. These experts define the vision for AI products, prioritize features, and ensure that AI solutions meet customer needs. As more AI products, tools and startups seem to emerge every day – specialized product managers have become increasingly more popular at startups, tech companies and brands across industries.
8. AI Solutions Architect
In 2024, 72% of businesses used AI in at least one business function, and leaders everywhere plan to incorporate it into their processes. However, efficient adoption and integration remain a challenge. Across industries, IT leaders struggle to move critical AI projects forward. Combining extensive research with experience, AI solutions architects help companies adapt. These in-demand professionals assess which AI tools, products or services would be best for a company to build or use. Then, they help develop and implement the systems themselves, leading AI projects from proof of concept to completion.
9. Prompt Engineer
Prompt engineers are among the most buzz-worthy AI professions, but they’re not what most people think. These skilled professionals do more than produce high-quality, AI-generated outputs; they enhance generative AI (genAI) systems so that users can do the same. When you interact with GenAI, its response is often guided by pre-engineered prompts embedded in its code. Engineers develop these prompts to help users get desired results. These niche experts are especially valuable if your organization is developing AI or leveraging it at scale.
10. AI Artist / Designer with AI Skills
Graphic design. Photography. Animation. Music. You name it; AI can create or elevate it – but not without humans to lead the way. While critics remain skeptical, advocates believe the potential is undeniable. Despite the limitations of present-day technology, skilled artists can already use AI to produce award-winning work in a fraction of the time. While some companies specifically are hiring for AI artists, many are merely seeking graphic designers, animators, art directors and creative experts who possess AI skills and can stay up-to-date on the latest trends. As AI tools advance, the demand grows for talent who can use them effectively.
11. AI Content Creator / Writer with AI Skills
Even linguistics experts and present-day AI content detectors struggle to tell the difference between AI-generated content and human text at times. There’s no question the quality and accuracy of such content widely varies. However, the results aren’t just a testament to the technology; they’re a reflection of the user or writer. AI is only a tool. To produce effective content at record speeds, companies require skilled professionals who know their craft as well as their tech. While some leaders remain reluctant to hire AI writers, content automation is on the rise, and ‘AI writing’ skills are in demand.
12. Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
Tasked with leading the AI revolution, chief AI officers (CAIOs) shape AI strategies, oversee ethical implementation, and ensure that AI investments align with business objectives. While only a select few companies currently have full-time CAIOs in place, there’s a growing demand for fractional CAIOs. These leaders act as part-time executives for organizations that don’t yet have the capital or need for a full-time hire. In 2024, the White House announced that all federal agencies had to hire a CAIO, and organizations across industries are following suit.
Final Thoughts
As 2024 comes to a close, the nature of AI jobs, the demand for talent, and your work itself are tentative to evolve as rapidly as AI tools. Keeping up isn’t easy, but it is essential. If you know you need to make a hire or a career shift, but you’re not sure where to begin, don’t wait to act. Keep researching roles, seek expert guidance, and embrace the challenge of change. AI isn’t just a trend; it’s the future, but it only works as well as you do. In 2025 and beyond, the employers and jobseekers with the strongest AI skills will be the ones to thrive. Join them.
It takes human talent to use AI to its fullest potential.
Onward Search specializes in staffing and talent solutions at the intersection of creative and technology. Over the last 15+ years, we’ve helped many of our 3K+ clients hire AI experts to develop chatbots, drive content automation, and advance key initiatives. We also offer interactive training programs to help teams power productivity and creativity.
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