Artificial Intelligence Jobs in 2025: Skills and Opportunities

The world is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the top of this transformation. The artificial intelligence sector in India is already forecasted to reach ₹17 billion by 2027, with anticipated annual growth rates between 25% and 35% from 2024 to 2027. Moreover, the demand for AI professionals will grow by 15% annually until 2027. This growth is being driven by sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and transportation. These sectors leverage AI to streamline operations and decision-making processes, leading to multiple career opportunities in artificial intelligence. 

The prevalence of AI has increased due to the advent of ChatGPT and other key applications of Generative AI technologies. Gain an overview of AI career paths and the skills you can pursue in this guide. 

Top 15 Career Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial intelligence enables professionals to work at the forefront of technology. With high demand for skilled professionals, AI careers provide excellent growth prospects, job security, and the chance to make a significant impact on society.

Here is a list of the top 15 career opportunities in AI for aspiring professionals:

1. AI Engineer 

AI engineers develop and implement various AI algorithms and models to solve real-world problems like automating processes and enabling predictive analytics. This involves optimizing AI performance and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field. 

You must take the correct courses to learn how to become an artificial intelligence engineer. This involves knowing the required skills for AI engineer jobs like:

• Technical Expertise in Statistics
• Proficiency in Mathematics
• Knowledge of Programming Languages

The average annual salary of an AI engineer in India is ₹10,00,000. However, the pay scale may vary due to location and experience levels.

Here is an overview of the AI engineer salary based on location across the top 5 cities in India:

Source: AmbitionBox

Check out the salaries for AI engineers in India based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

Enroll in a Master of Science in Machine Learning & AI program from upGrad to become a successful AI engineer. 

2. Data Scientist 

Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex and large data to extract insights. This involves employing statistics for machine learning and other relevant techniques. The skills required for data scientist roles include:

• Statistical Analysis
• Data Mining
• Programming Languages like Python

The average annual salary of a data scientist in India is ₹12,06,500. The following table draws a comparison between data scientist salaries based on location:

Source: AmbitionBox

Conversely, here’s an overview of the data scientist salaries based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

3. Machine Learning Engineer 

Machine learning engineers create models and algorithms that enable machines to learn and improve autonomously by leveraging data. You must know what a machine learning engineer does, including their roles and responsibilities, to take up this position in the future. 

The skills required for machine learning engineer positions include:

• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• Programming Background

The average annual salary of a machine learning engineer in India is ₹10,00,000. The pay scale for these AI job roles also varies based on location differences.

Source: AmbitionBox

Conversely, here are the machine learning engineer salaries based on experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

4. AI Research Scientist 

AI research scientists work on innovating and researching to advance AI algorithms and technologies. They are aware of the top challenges of AI in 2025 and work extensively with other departments to devise effective solutions. Professionals pursuing AI research scientist careers typically have a doctorate and deep expertise in:

• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Computer Vision
• Natural Language Processing

The average annual salary of an AI research scientist is ₹19,00,000. The following table shows the salaries of these professionals across top locations in India:

Source: AmbitionBox

Here are the salary ranges of AI professionals based on experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

5. AI Robotics Engineer 

AI robotics engineers develop robotic applications for industries such as automotive, manufacturing, defense, and medicine. These professionals design new products or assemble prototypes for testing. The skills required for AI robotics engineer positions include:

• Programming languages like Java, C++, and Python
• Robotic frameworks like ROS (Robot Operating System)
• Proficiency in hardware integration and sensor technologies

The average annual salary of an AI robotics engineer in India is ₹5,20,000. Below is a breakdown of the salaries offered in the top 5 locations across the country:

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is an overview of the salaries of an AI Robotics Engineer based on experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

6. AI Product Manager 

AI product managers develop various AI-based solutions by combining their expertise in artificial intelligence techniques and product management. They also ensure that the end product aligns with the company’s development goals. 

You may pursue certain courses and certifications to learn how to become an AI product manager. Currently, the primary skills required for AI product manager roles include:

• Algorithms and Data Analysis
• Data Engineering
• Proficiency in AI Tools

The average annual salary of an AI product manager in India is ₹29,00,000. These salaries also vary depending on location and experience levels, as outlined in the tables below.

Source: AmbitionBox

Conversely, here are the salaries based on experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

Pursue an Executive Program in Generative AI for Leaders from upGrad to acquire the skills to become an AI product engineer. 

7. Natural Language Processing (NLP Specialist) 

An NLP specialist designs, develops, and maintains NLP applications in real life and integrates them with existing applications. These professionals already have an overview of natural language processing, which helps them develop various AI systems. These systems can easily understand and process human language, such as chatbots and translators.

The skills required to excel in natural language processing jobs include:

• Programming
• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Linguistics
• Complex Datasets

The estimated annual salary of an NLP specialist in India is ₹20,11,790. Below is an overview of the salaries for these professionals based on location:

Source: AmbitionBox

The following table showcases the salaries of NLP specialists based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

8. AI Ethicist 

An AI ethicist specializes in the ethical aspects of AI development and implementation across organizations. AI ethics jobs are integrated into other development teams or combined within corporate responsibility departments to ensure artificial intelligence systems are designed and deployed responsibly.

The skills required to excel as an AI ethicist include:

• Computer Science and AI Technologies
• Ethics, Philosophy, and Social Sciences
• AI Ethics Frameworks and Regulations

The estimated annual salary of an AI ethicist is ₹13,91,789. Here are the salaries of these professionals across the top 5 cities in India:

Source: AmbitionBox

Here are the salaries of AI ethics specialists based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

9. AI Consultant

An AI consultant advises businesses on integrating various AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to improve efficiency and operations. This role requires a blend of the following skills:

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Problem-solving

The average annual salary of an AI consultant in India is ₹13,50,000. However, the salaries of these professionals vary based on location, as shown below:

Source: AmbitionBox

The following table showcases the salaries of AI consultants based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

10. AI Operations Analyst 

An AI operations analyst is responsible for analyzing and maintaining accurate, up-to-date, and usable information across organizational systems. These professionals monitor and improve the efficiency of AI-driven operations.

The skills required for career opportunities in artificial intelligence across this field include:

• Analytical Skills
• Project Management
• Database Management System
• Data Analysis Software

The average annual salary of an AI operations analyst is ₹8,00,000. These salaries may also vary based on location, as indicated below:

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is an overview of the salaries of these professionals based on experience:

Source: Glassdoor

11. AI Trainer (AI)

AI trainers teach virtual assistants, chatbots, and other tech resources to interact human-like. These professionals also work closely with data scientists and engineers to refine AI systems for efficiency.

The skills required to become an efficient AI trainer include:

• Data Analysis
• Machine Learning
• Data Visualization
• Cloud Computing

The average annual salary of an AI trainer is ₹4,50,000. Salaries may vary based on location, as shown below:

Source: AmbitionBox
The following table showcases the salaries of AI trainers based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

12. AI Cybersecurity Specialist 

An AI cybersecurity specialist creates a foolproof defense plan using comprehensive knowledge of machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and other technologies. These professionals are well-versed in AI-driven cybersecurity and provide state-of-the-art protection to build trust for businesses and organizations.

Here is a list of skills required to become an AI cybersecurity specialist:

• Ethical Hacking
• Threat Modeling
• Risk Assessment

The average annual salary of an AI cybersecurity specialist in India is ₹11,17,500. The remuneration also varies based on location, as shown below:

Source: AmbitionBox

Meanwhile, here is an overview of the salary ranges based on your experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

Become an experienced AI cybersecurity specialist by pursuing upGrad’s online cybersecurity programs from top universities. 

13. AI UX Designer 

An AI UX designer focuses on creating user-friendly interfaces for AI-powered applications. They design intuitive experiences by considering how users interact with AI systems. This ensures that the technology is accessible, effective, and easy to understand while enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.

The skills required to become an AI UX designer include:

• UX Design
• AI and Machine Learning
• Wireframes and Prototypes
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Principles

The average annual salary of an AI UX designer in India is ₹8,12,500. Salaries also vary by location, as indicated below:

Source: AmbitionBox

Meanwhile, here are the salary ranges for these UX designers based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

14. AI Developer 

An AI developer builds and designs artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can solve problems, process data, and make predictions. They implement AI algorithms and models using programming languages like Python, Java, or C++.

Professionals must also possess the following skills to become AI developers:

• Machine Learning Frameworks
• Software Engineering Principles
• AI Algorithms, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning

The average annual salary of an AI developer in India is ₹6,00,000. The salaries may vary based on location, as shown below:

Source: AmbitionBox
The following table showcases the salaries of AI developers based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

15. AI Strategy Analyst 

An AI strategy analyst analyzes industry trends to develop AI-driven business strategies. These professionals collaborate with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for AI implementation, evaluate the impact of AI on product management, and provide actionable insights to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

Here’s what you need to excel in to become an AI strategy analyst:

• Data Analysis
• Business Intelligence
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

The average annual salary of an AI strategy analyst in India is ₹18,00,000. Salaries for these professionals also vary based on location, as indicated below:

Source: AmbitionBox

The following table showcases the salaries of AI strategy analysts based on their experience levels:

Source: Glassdoor

Pursue an Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI from upGrad to learn more about AI strategy analysis for organizations.

The Scope of Career Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial intelligence offers a wide range of career opportunities by transforming industries and creating new job roles. Sectors like healthcare, finance, and transportation have already adopted this dynamic and rewarding domain. 

Professionals with the right skills can explore opportunities for career growth in various industries due to the rapid adoption of AI technologies. This involves learning artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop intelligent systems and automate processes. 

AI Across Industries 

Artificial intelligence is deeply embedded across multiple industries, such as healthcare, retail, finance, and more. Here is a look at how professionals leverage AI technology across organizations: 

• Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostic tools and personalized medicine have transformed patient care. Healthcare professionals no longer have to maintain records to provide health updates manually. 
• Retail: Recommendation systems, including supply chain management and optimization improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Enhancing user experience with Generative AI has made it possible with advanced algorithms that analyze customer behavior, predict demand, and optimize inventory levels. 
• Finance: Fraud detection, risk assessment, and trading algorithms enable financial innovation. Organizations leverage AI to analyze vast datasets, identify suspicious activities, predict market trends, and enhance decision-making processes.
• Transportation: Autonomous vehicles and AI-powered predictive modeling in business analytics enhance safety and efficiency. AI-driven technologies process real-time data, optimize routes, and monitor vehicle health. 

Global Demand for AI Professionals 

The demand for AI professionals is surging worldwide. According to industry reports, the AI market is projected to grow by $243.70 billion in 2025. Job portals consistently rank AI-related positions among the fastest-growing. Roles like machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI ethics specialists are in high demand. This highlights the value of upskilling in AI technology to remain competitive.

AI as a Career Path for All Backgrounds 

AI careers are accessible to individuals from diverse professional and educational backgrounds. You can explore career opportunities in artificial intelligence if you belong to the following categories:

• Technical Professionals: Roles include AI engineers, machine learning specialists, and data scientists. These professionals design and implement algorithms, build predictive models, and analyze complex datasets to drive AI solutions.
• Non-Technical Professionals: Positions like AI product managers, ethics advisors, and strategists emphasize business acumen and problem-solving skills. They focus on aligning AI technologies with organizational goals to ensure ethical implementation and strategize AI-driven business transformations.
• Creative Roles: AI is opening doors in UX design and AI-driven content creation. With AI-powered tools and platforms, professionals can create intuitive user interfaces and generate personalized, engaging content.

Start your journey in artificial intelligence today by exploring online artificial intelligence and machine learning programs from upGrad. 

Why Are Career Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence So Exciting? 

Today, many businesses rely on AI to optimize operations and improve decision-making, and as a result, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. For instance, artificial intelligence in healthcare has enabled the development of predictive diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. Here are a few ways why the career opportunities in AI are exciting:

AI as the Future of Work 

AI is reshaping job markets by driving demand for roles such as AI engineers, data scientists, and machine learning specialists. Non-technical roles, including AI product managers and ethics specialists, have also become popular over the years.

• The core of Technological Transformation: AI drives advancements in automation, predictive analytics, and smart technologies. It transforms industries by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities across various sectors.
• Reshaping Job Markets: AI technology creates roles across industries, such as healthcare and finance, broadening career opportunities in diverse fields. It also promotes the emergence of entirely new professions, which require innovative skill sets and interdisciplinary expertise.
• Innovation Hub: AI professionals develop advanced solutions to address real-world challenges.  Their work drives breakthroughs in areas like personalized medicine, sustainable energy, and intelligent automation.

The Economic Impact of AI 

AI contributes to global GDP by enabling automation, reducing operational costs, and fostering innovation. Businesses that use AI consistently outperform competitors and drive demand for skilled professionals who can design and implement solutions such as:

• Predictive analytics for market trends and decision-making.
• Personalized customer experiences through recommendation systems.
• Intelligent automation of workflows to enhance efficiency.
• Advanced robotics for manufacturing and logistics.

Benefits of Working in AI 

Artificial intelligence jobs provide numerous advantages to aspiring professionals, including:

• High Salaries: AI professionals earn premium salaries due to their specialized skill sets.
• Career Growth: Constant innovation in the field creates abundant opportunities for upward mobility.
• Diverse Opportunities: Roles such as AI ethics specialists and robotics engineers cater to a wide range of interests and expertise.

Courses and Certifications in Artificial Intelligence 

Various industry-aligned AI courses are designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to excel in high-demand roles. The table below highlights some of the top courses and certifications that can support your journey in artificial intelligence:

What Does an AI Professional’s Job Look Like? 

Career opportunities in artificial intelligence offer an engaging work environment where professionals contribute to advanced technologies. Professionals in AI specialist positions play a vital role in various industries by managing daily tasks, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing impactful AI solutions.

Typical Day in an AI Job 

An AI professional’s daily responsibilities often include a combination of technical and strategic activities, such as data analysis, model development, system testing, and more. Here is what a typical day in an AI job looks like: 

• Data Analysis: Gathering and preprocessing large datasets to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Model Development: Designing and training machine learning or deep learning models tailored to specific tasks.
• System Testing: Evaluating AI systems for performance, debugging errors, and refining algorithms to meet objectives.
• Collaboration: Working with cross-functional teams to align AI solutions with business goals.

Collaborative Nature of AI Jobs 

AI professionals rarely work in isolation. They collaborate with:

• Data Analysts: To interpret data trends and insights that inform AI models.
• Developers: To integrate AI solutions into existing systems or create new applications.
• Business Strategists: To align AI projects with organizational objectives and customer needs.

This collaboration ensures AI technologies are both technically robust and strategically aligned.

Real-World Impact 

AI professionals contribute to several transformative projects across industries and sectors. Its real-world impact is already seen across sectors like: 

• AI-Powered Healthcare Systems: Predicting diseases and personalizing treatment plans.
• Smart Financial Tools: Enhancing fraud detection and automating investment strategies.
• Autonomous Technologies: Developing self-driving cars and robotics for various industries.

upGrad’s U & AI Gen AI Program can train you to become an efficient professional who is equipped with the latest technology trends. 

AI Skills in Demand in 2025 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping technology and business, making AI skills invaluable for professionals seeking roles in this field. As AI applications become more diverse and advanced, it is critical to develop expertise in technical, soft, and emerging skills, as outlined below:

Technical Skills 

A solid foundation in technical skills is essential for excelling in AI roles. The table below provides an overview of the skills required to become an AI software engineer or pursue similar roles: 

Soft Skills 

Soft skills are equally important for succeeding in AI roles. These skills enable you to enhance effective collaboration and problem-solving across organizations.

• Problem-Solving: The ability to break down complex problems and develop innovative AI-driven solutions.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating AI models and algorithms to ensure their accuracy, fairness, and efficiency.
• Communication: Articulating AI concepts to cross-functional teams and non-technical stakeholders for active collaboration.

Emerging Skills 

Artificial intelligence in banking and finance, healthcare, automotive, and other fields continues to evolve with the advent of technology. Hence, staying updated with the following emerging skills will set you apart:

• AI Ethics: Understanding and addressing ethical challenges in AI development and deployment.
• Explainable AI (XAI): Designing AI models that are transparent and interpretable for end-users.
• Generative AI: Mastering technologies like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) and tools like ChatGPT to create AI-driven content.

How to Prepare for an AI Career in 2025? 

Artificial intelligence offers abundant opportunities for professionals equipped with the right skills and expertise. Preparing for a career in AI requires you to have a strategic approach that combines technical proficiency, relevant education, and practical experience. You can position yourself for success by following the steps below:

Core Skills to Master 

You must build a strong foundation in technical skills to pursue job roles in AI. Find the most efficient career opportunities in artificial intelligence by mastering the core skills below: 

• Python Programming: Learn Python, the most widely used language in AI, for its simplicity and robust libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• Machine Learning Algorithms: Understand supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning to create AI models.
• Data Analytics and Statistics: Master data preprocessing, visualization, and statistical analysis to work effectively with large datasets.
• Deep Learning: Gain expertise in neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs).
• Mathematics: Develop proficiency in linear algebra, calculus, and probability, which underpin AI algorithms.

Educational Pathways and Certifications 

A solid educational background is the key to establishing a career in AI. You must pursue the right educational degrees and certifications to apply for artificial intelligence jobs across industries and sectors. Consider the following pathways:

• Degrees:
  • Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Data Science, or Mathematics
  • Master’s in Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
• Certifications:
  Popular programs to enhance your AI credentials include:

Gaining Practical Experience 

Practical experience is indispensable for building confidence and showcasing your skills.

• Internships: Work with companies on AI projects to gain industry exposure.
• Open-Source Contributions: Collaborate on GitHub projects to build your portfolio.
• AI Competitions: Participate in platforms like Kaggle to solve real-world problems and showcase your expertise.

Bottom Line 

Career opportunities in artificial intelligence have increased, with more companies searching for employees with this skill set. These machine learning careers will continue to grow in 2025 as industries adopt AI technologies to drive innovation and solve complex problems.

However, you must have the skills and knowledge to pursue these artificial intelligence jobs. This is where revolutionary platforms like upGrad can help. The online learning platform offers several artificial intelligence courses, with self-paced learning and live virtual classroom options available. Talk to our expert counselors to learn which course suits your requirements.

You can also check the following courses:

• Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI
• Advanced Certificate Program in Generative AI
• Post Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Executive) 
• Post Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning and Deep Learning (Executive) 
• Post Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning and NLP (Executive)

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Reference Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/india-ai-market-seen-touching-17-billion-2027-report/article67869754.ece 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/bengaluru-ai-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IC2940587_KO10,21.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/robotics-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-product-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/nlp-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ethics-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-trainer-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ux-designer-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ai-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm 
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/strategy-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/artificial-intelligence/worldwide 
AI engineer salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/artificial-intelligence-engineer-salary 
Data scientist salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary 
Machine learning engineer salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/machine-learning-engineer-salary 
AI research scientist salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/artificial-intelligence-researcher-salary 
AI robotics engineer salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/robotics-engineer-salary
AI product manager salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/product-manager-salary 
NLP specialist salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/nlp-researcher-salary 
AI ethicist salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ethics-and-compliance-officer-salary 
AI consultant salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/artificial-intelligence-consultant-salary 
AI cybersecurity specialist salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cyber-security-specialist-salary 
AI UX designer salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ui-or-ux-designer-salary 
AI developer salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/artificial-intelligence-developer-salary 
AI strategy analyst salary (location): https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/artificial-intelligence-analyst-salary