Contemplating a career in AI? Or perhaps you’re already working in the field and are looking for a new challenge in 2024.
If you’re prepared to up sticks and move out of state, you could command some of the highest tech salaries in the country.
That’s according to a new study by BizReport, which looked at AI’s impact on the workforce and how proficiency in AI and its related fields, including machine learning, equates to higher salaries — 77.53% higher than those of other occupations, to be exact.
The study also looked at the states where AI salaries are highest, and while California makes the top five, other states, including Arizona and Colorado, are giving it a run for its money.
Arizona
Good news if you’re a System AI Architect living in Arizona. The report found that those who possess this job title command an average salary of $449,000 per year, one of the highest-paying job titles in the country.
With the average cost of living in Arizona coming in at just $44,875 per year — the median monthly mortgage is $1,545 and the typical home in Phoenix costs around $434,000 — it’s clear to see that those who work in tech and are earning higher salaries have plenty of disposable income to play with.
Arkansas
Arkansas doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you think of tech, but a Machine Learning Researcher can expect to bring home $409,877 per year, according to BizReport.
Comparatively, the cost of living in Arkansas is 8% lower than the national average, and housing is 21% lower, meaning those who work in the field of machine learning can enjoy a high standard of living here.
California
Thanks to Silicon Valley and the sprawl of tech companies into surrounding areas, California has become a global tech hub. While opportunities abound in all areas of the sector, those who work in machine learning command some of the highest salaries on the pay scale, with Engineering Managers earning on average $406,949 per year.
The downside is that life in the Golden State is on the pricier side and California is the fourth most expensive place to live in the U.S. Housing on average comes in at $9,972 per month; a typical house in San Jose (which is home to tech companies including PayPal, Adobe, eBay and Netflix) costs $1,385,816.
Colorado
Whether you love hitting the slopes or hiking some of the most picturesque trails in North America, Colorado has plenty to offer tech workers, including salaries of $402,319 for AI Research Team Leads.
While life in Colorado isn’t cheap, especially if you want to incorporate skiing or snowboarding into your daily routine, it isn’t one of the top 10 most expensive states to live in either, and residents can expect the average annual cost of living to be $53,374.
Connecticut
At the top end of the pay scale, Machine Learning Engineers working in Connecticut can expect to earn $398,476. However, tech salaries across the board are higher in Connecticut, with the average AI tech worker earning just over $176,000 per year.
With excellent transport links to New York City, it’s easy to see why the state has long been established as a suburban haven, albeit a very affluent one — the cost of living is 16% higher than the national average, and if you live in swanky Stamford, you can expect to pay 30% more than the national average. Housing is also much more expensive, at around 25% higher.
Whether you already live in one of the five states mentioned or are planning a change of scene in 2024, the TechRepublic Job Board features thousands of opportunities in the AI field, including the three below in Phoenix, AZ, San Jose, CA and Colorado Springs, CO.
AI Frameworks Engineer, Intel, Phoenix
The Machine Learning Performance (MLP) division is at the leading edge of the AI revolution at Intel, covering the full stack from applied ML to ML / DL and data analytics frameworks, to Intel oneAPI AI libraries, and CPU/GPU HW/SW co-design for AI acceleration. Intel is seeking an AI Frameworks Engineer to conduct the design and development of optimized AI software. As such, you will implement various distributed algorithms such as model/data parallel frameworks, parameter servers, dataflow based asynchronous data communication in machine learning and/or deep learning frameworks. You will also transform the computational graph representation of neural network models and develop machine learning and/or deep learning primitives in mathematical libraries. The new hire will also be responsible for optimizing code for various computing hardware backends. See the full job description here.
Expert AI/ML Applied Scientist – Generative AI and Knowledge Graphs, SAP, Palo Alto
SAP integrates AI technology with extensive industry-specific data and deep process knowledge to create innovative AI capabilities for all SAP applications. The company’s AI organization is dedicated to seamlessly infusing AI into all enterprise applications, enabling customers, partners and developers to enhance business processes and generate remarkable business value. As an Expert AI/ML Applied Scientist, you will have the unique opportunity to lead the development of foundation models and provide strategic guidance for the project team of AI scientists and data engineers. You will also be tasked with defining processes, methods, hypotheses and experiments, reviewing results from the ground up and collaborating cross-functionally with other teams to understand needs and requirements. You can find out more about this role here.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Intern, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Colorado Springs
Lockheed Martin is driven by innovation and visionary thinking, and the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Artificial Intelligence (AI) team is currently recruiting its summer 2024 Interns. The ideal candidate is passionate about a broad range of projects, from research and development to prototype development, culminating in the deployment of products to customers. The successful candidate will have beginner experience in areas including software engineering, DevOps, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Key responsibilities include creative ML work, software development and containerization, display and database integration, high performance compute environments, partnering with peer engineering organizations and chief engineer offices, customer-focused work and deployment to the edge, all while working with a close knit team. View additional details on how to apply here.
Discover thousands more exciting roles in AI and other areas of tech on the TechRepublic Job Board