How to Become an Artificial Intelligence Programmer: Job Description & Salary
This article seeks to introduce you to the world of artificial intelligence programmers. Check it out to gain knowledge of the education requirements and employment outlook for this career to figure out if this is the right choice for you.
Career Overview
Artificial intelligence programmers deal with algorithms and codes that can train a machine to behave like a human. One of their primary responsibilities is to be well-versed in the applied math, probability, statistics, and similar topics so they can successfully and efficiently program machines. Take a look at the following chart for an overview of some significant aspects of this profession.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Typical Degree </b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Computer Science</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Skills</b> </td><td> Logical Reasoning, Problem Solving</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b> </td><td> 22% (for software developers)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Annual Salary (2020)*</b> </td><td> $110,140 (for software developers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKeySkillsAreRequiredForAnArtificialIntelligenceProgrammer">What Key Skills Are Required For an Artificial Intelligence Programmer?</h3><p>An ideal candidate for the AI domain must be an expert in a broad set of algorithms and applied math. Being well-versed in mathematics and programming languages, with good analytical skills and problem-solving skills is very beneficial for artificial intelligence programmers. You should have a good hold on at least one of the programming languages such a C++, Python, R, and Java. A solid comprehension of probability and statistics is also important.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedADegree">Do I Need a Degree?</h3><p>Having a degree is a necessity to become an artificial intelligence programmer. Earning a bachelor's degree in computer science engineering or a degree in computer science can open the path of this profession for you. Other areas of computer science can include fields like robotics. Courses in data science, robotics and machine intelligence can benefit your growth in this profession. Particularly in machine learning, courses on topics like data mining, speech recognition matrix factorization and sequential models can increase your chances in securing a job in comparison to your less informed competitors.
</p><h3 id="section---IsContinuingEducationNecessary">Is Continuing Education Necessary?</h3><p>To have a strong hold over the domain of artificial intelligence, it is your duty to research well in order to be up-to-date with up-and-coming technologies. Although it may not necessarily be required, taking various courses on artificial intelligence even after you've begun your career could add an extra edge to your profile and help you be a more impressive and successful employee. Due to ever-changing technologies, it is important to be well-informed of the new developments in the field.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCouldIWork">Where Could I Work?</h3><p>As an AI programmer, you can look for jobs in a variety of areas including private companies, public organizations, healthcare facilities, and other fields. Examples of specific jobs held by AI professionals include software analysts and developers, computer scientists and computer engineers, research scientists and engineering consultants, medical health professionals working with artificial limbs, prosthetics, hearing aids and vision restoration devices, post-secondary professors at technical and trade schools, vocational centers, and universities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIEarnAsAArtificialIntelligenceProgrammer">What Can I Earn as a Artificial Intelligence Programmer?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't collect statistics specifically for artificial intelligence programmers. However, the median salary for software developers in 2020, according to the BLS, was $110,140. However, due to being more widely known and in demand, the salary might see an increase in the future.</p>