Searching for a New Career? These AI Roles Are Booming in the U.S., According to LinkedIn

With the surge in interest surrounding generative AI, it's no shock that businesses are on the lookout for individuals who possess the necessary skills in AI. This includes not only tech-savvy developers and engineers who can create and maintain AI systems but also professionals in sectors like sales and marketing who must interact with AI-generated data.

LinkedIn has unveiled a report shedding light on the most promising career paths in the U.S., with numerous AI-related jobs making the cut. The study features a detailed ranking of roles, particularly spotlighting several AI positions among the leading ten spots.

Prominent Role: AI Engineer

Topping the list is the role of AI Engineer, otherwise known as a Machine Learning Engineer. Individuals in this position are tasked with creating and managing AI models to handle intricate tasks that require decision-making and problem-solving prowess, tasks typically performed by humans.

Essential skills include knowledge of programming languages and familiarity with technologies like RAG. Predominantly, the demand for AI Engineers spans industries like Technology, IT Services, and Business Consulting, with hotspots in cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Dallas.

Candidates generally need around 3.7 years of experience, with common transitions into this role from software engineering, data science, or full-stack engineering. The work arrangement can be flexible, with 26% of the jobs being remote while 27% adopt a hybrid model.

Strategic Insight: AI Consultant and Strategist

Securing the second spot is the role of AI Consultant and Strategist. Professionals in this category assist businesses in planning and implementing AI technologies to boost operational efficiency and meet targeted corporate objectives.

Key skills include understanding of LLMs. The Technology and Internet sectors, along with IT consulting and business services, are primary employers, with significant demand observed in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston.

This role typically requires 8.2 years of prior experience, with pathways from fields such as business founding, software engineering, and product management. A flexible work life is usual, with 30% of roles offering remote options along with 33% hybrid positions.

Data Annotator Insights

Coming in fourth, the Data Annotator, or Content Analyst, is crucial for reviewing and tagging data according to specific rules and quality standards. Their work ensures that data sets used in AI and machine learning are accurate.

Common skills for this role include expertise in specific data processing methodologies. The field spans industries from Technology to Staffing, with a notable presence in academic settings where research assistants often perform this task.

The largest concentrations of these jobs are seen in Austin, Texas; New York; and San Francisco. Typically, 3.5 years of experience is needed, with common transitions from roles in content management or data analysis. Notably, 27% of positions offer remote work opportunities, with another 29% being hybrid.

Advancements in AI/ML Research

Ranked fifth is the AI/ML Researcher role, primarily focused on designing and evaluating innovative AI models and algorithms to enhance system capabilities.

Necessary expertise includes proficiency in sophisticated algorithms. Common industries employing these experts encompass Technology, Higher Education, and Research.

Major job hubs for this role are San Francisco, New York, and Boston, with around three years of experience typically required. Individuals often enter this role from data science, software engineering, or machine learning engineering positions. There's a fair amount of job flexibility, with 16% remote roles and 24% hybrid.

Role of the Data Center Technician

Further down the list at number 17, Data Center Technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot servers and other data center hardware.

Competencies often include specific technical support skills. Predominantly, these roles are within IT Services and Technology sectors, with positions in Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; and Columbus, Ohio.

A background with 3.8 years of experience is typical, often transitioning from IT, technical support, or data center operations roles. Most work is on-site, with only 3.6% remote and 32% hybrid jobs.

Beyond these five positions, other career paths on the list may intersect with technological innovation. Notables include strategic advisors and consultants, business founders, and venture partners, all indicative of a thriving environment for tech-driven roles.

LinkedIn curated the list by examining millions of member-posted jobs from early 2023 to mid-2025, focusing on roles that showed consistent growth and significant job listings recently.

"This year's findings underscore robust momentum in both technical and strategic AI roles," LinkedIn asserts, pointing out the popularity of AI Engineers, Consultants, and Data Annotators as key growth areas, alongside an uptick in flexible work models as professionals adapt to dynamic market conditions.