Entry-Level AI Jobs: Salaries, Roles, and How to Start in 2025
Samantha Blake – Ex-Amazon Design Recruiter | Interview Coach
May 28, 2025
Why Entry-Level AI Jobs Are Booming
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing fields, with AI-related jobs increasing by nearly 75 percent over the last four years. As companies continue integrating AI into their operations, demand for skilled professionals is rising. This creates an excellent opportunity for those looking to enter the field through an entry-level AI job.
Employers seek candidates with a strong foundation in AI concepts, data science, and programming. Entry-level AI positions provide hands-on experience, career growth potential, and competitive salaries. This guide explores common entry-level AI roles, salary expectations, and strategies to start a career in AI.
AI Job Market Outlook for Beginners
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, from healthcare and finance to retail, education, and cybersecurity. The AI industry is expanding rapidly, driven by advancements in machine learning, automation, and data science.
The number of AI companies in the United States has doubled since 2017, with nearly 14,000 startups operating in 2022.
The global AI market is expected to grow from $515.31 billion in 2023 to over $2 trillion by 2030.
AI-related job postings have significantly increased, with many roles offering competitive salaries even at the entry level.
This rapid growth signals strong career prospects for AI professionals, making it an excellent field for those looking to enter the technology sector.
The demand for AI talent is expected to grow for years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research jobs—including AI-related roles—are projected to grow by 15 percent between 2019 and 2029.
Entry-level AI salaries vary based on factors such as location, education, industry, and job responsibilities. However, most entry-level AI positions offer above-average pay compared to other technology-related entry-level jobs.
Below is an overview of common entry-level AI jobs, their responsibilities, salary expectations, and education requirements.
7 High-Potential Entry-Level AI Roles and Salaries
1. AI Research Assistant
AI research assistants support AI and machine learning projects in academic institutions, research labs, and companies. This role provides valuable experience in AI model development, data analysis, and neural network training.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with AI and machine learning research projects
Work with neural networks and data science models
Analyze and process complex datasets
Maintain research databases and coordinate project activities
Salary Range: 74,187 to 88,245 (including bonuses)
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, AI, or a related field
Some roles may require a master’s degree or Ph.D.
2. Junior Data Analyst
Data analysts translate numbers and trends into meaningful insights that help businesses make informed decisions. A junior data analyst focuses on data collection, visualization, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
Collect, clean, and analyze data
Use data visualization tools to create reports
Identify patterns and business insights
Salary Range: 42,000 to $82,000
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, economics, or a related field
3. Junior Software Engineer
Junior software engineers assist in designing, developing, and maintaining AI-driven applications and software solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Write, test, and debug code
Collaborate with teams to develop AI-powered software
Work with programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++
Salary Range: 59,000 to 77,904
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering
Experience with AI frameworks is a plus
4. Entry-Level AI Data Scientist
Data scientists develop AI and machine learning models to analyze large datasets and generate insights for businesses.
Key Responsibilities:
Build machine learning models
Perform data analysis and visualization
Work with AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch
Salary Range: 81,180 to 102,042
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science, AI, or machine learning
5. Entry-Level Information Systems Analyst
Information systems analysts focus on optimizing AI-driven IT infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Monitor AI-based security systems
Identify and resolve system vulnerabilities
Support software updates and AI-driven system improvements
Salary Range: 55,492 to 60,938
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity
6. Junior AI Programmer
AI programmers develop and optimize AI-based software applications, working closely with engineers and data scientists.
Key Responsibilities:
Write, test, and debug AI-related code
Develop AI-driven software applications
Maintain and optimize AI algorithms
Salary Range: 47,586 to 59,478
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or AI
Experience with programming languages such as Python and Java
7. Junior AI Project Manager
AI project managers coordinate development timelines and ensure the successful execution of AI-related projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage AI project workflows
Coordinate teams of AI engineers and data scientists
Oversee project milestones and ensure deadlines are met
Salary Range: 70,000 to 90,000
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, or a technical field
AI project management certification is an advantage
How to Build Experience (Even Without a Job Offer Yet)
Even for entry-level AI positions, employers often seek candidates with some level of experience or practical skills. Here are some ways to build expertise:
1. AI and Data Science Bootcamps
AI bootcamps provide intensive training in machine learning, data science, and programming. Many bootcamps offer hands-on projects that simulate real-world AI applications.
2. Internships
AI internships provide practical experience and networking opportunities. Many companies, including tech giants and startups, offer AI internships for students and recent graduates.
3. Online Certifications
Platforms such as Coursera, Udacity, and edX offer AI and machine learning certification courses. Certifications from Google, IBM, and Microsoft can enhance job prospects.
4. Open-Source AI Projects
Contributing to AI and data science projects on platforms like GitHub can help demonstrate skills to potential employers.
5. Advanced Degree Programs
A master's degree in AI, machine learning, or data science provides in-depth knowledge and can significantly boost career opportunities.
Crush Entry-Level Interviews with AI Mock Practice
Landing an entry-level AI job requires not only technical skills but also strong interview performance. Many candidates struggle with preparing for AI-related interviews due to the variety of technical questions and role-specific requirements. AMA Career simplifies this process by offering a fully customized, AI-driven interview preparation platform that mimics real-world interview scenarios.
Experience Realistic Interview Scenarios with AI Simulation
What sets AMA Career apart is its hyper-realistic AI interviewer, designed to simulate real interview experiences. The AI interviewer is tailored to the user’s background and position-specific requirements, ensuring candidates get relevant practice for the exact interview rounds they will face. Additionally, users can engage with an AI avatar with vision, allowing for a more interactive and lifelike experience.
Start Your AI Career Today
AI is one of the most promising fields for job seekers, offering high salaries, strong job security, and exciting career growth opportunities. Entry-level AI jobs provide an excellent starting point for those with a background in computer science, data science, or machine learning.
To increase your chances of landing a job in AI, focus on gaining technical skills, completing relevant coursework, and building real-world experience through projects and internships.
Whether you are just starting or looking to transition into AI, now is the ideal time to explore this dynamic and rapidly growing field.
FAQs: Entry-Level AI Jobs, Salaries & Transitions
1. Do entry-level AI jobs require a Master’s degree?
Not necessarily. Many AI roles are open to candidates with strong foundational knowledge in statistics, Python, and ML—even without a graduate degree. Bootcamp and online certificate graduates often qualify for analyst, junior engineer, and AI support roles if they have good project portfolios.
2. Can I apply for an entry-level AI job without a CS degree?
Yes. Candidates with backgrounds in math, economics, or engineering can transition into AI through:
Online courses + certifications
Completing 2–3 hands-on projects using real data
Participating in open competitions like Kaggle
Employers care about practical skill over pedigree in many entry-level positions.
3. How do AI salaries compare to other entry-level tech jobs?
AI jobs consistently offer 15–35% higher starting pay than roles like QA tester, IT support, or general software intern positions. This is due to:
High demand for AI/ML skills
Value of automation to business operations
Short supply of qualified talent
4. What are the most valuable skills for landing an AI job in 2025?
For beginner roles:
Python programming (NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn)
SQL for data extraction
Basic ML models (linear regression, decision trees, clustering)
Git/GitHub for version control
Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS/GCP
Bonus: writing technical blog posts or documentation to showcase communication skills
5. How long does it take to break into AI from scratch?
With no prior coding or math background:
~6–12 months, depending on intensity
2–3 months learning Python and math
3–4 months learning ML theory + building projects
1–2 months preparing a portfolio and practicing interviews