Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning build systems that learn from data, recognize patterns and make predictions. There is no separate 'AI engineer' occupation in U.S. government statistics, so this page shows the occupations where AI work is counted: computer and information research scientists, data scientists and software developers.
Where Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and information research scientists | $140,300 | +22% Much faster than average |
2,900 | Master's degree |
| Data scientists | $120,230 | +35% Much faster than average |
24,800 | Bachelor's degree |
| Software developers Outlook and openings for BLS group: software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers |
$135,980 | +10% Much faster than average |
106,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Neither BLS nor O*NET has an 'AI engineer' occupation. AI work is counted mainly under computer and information research scientists, data scientists and software developers.
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What computer and information research scientists earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government | 31% | $124,870 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 16% | $162,760 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 14% | $141,830 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools (state) | 7% | $85,460 |
| Software publishers | 3% | $211,270 |
Source: BLS, computer and information research scientists (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for computer and information research scientists in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 8,440 | $159,100 | $168,580 |
| Virginia | 3,590 | $157,390 | $164,260 |
| Maryland | 2,870 | $145,310 | $148,630 |
| Washington | 2,050 | $202,400 | $194,360 |
| Texas | 1,960 | $121,210 | $130,400 |
BLS publishes estimates for 36 of the 51 areas (50 states and DC) for this occupation; the others are withheld for confidentiality or reliability. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time.
Common tasks
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Use email every day | |
| Have constant contact with others | |
| Face deadlines at least weekly (not daily) | |
| Work a typical 40-hour week |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Investigative, Conventional. Source: O*NET OnLine, 15-1221.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Math first
Calculus, statistics and programming matter most.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Computer science, math or data science with ML electives.
- Step 3
Master's or Ph.D.
Research scientist roles typically need a master's; some prefer a Ph.D.
- Step 4
Applied or research role
Software developer, data scientist or research scientist working on AI.
- Goal
Build or advance AI
Lead AI products or research.
High school preparation
- Calculus and statistics (AP Calculus and AP Statistics where offered)
- AP Computer Science A
- Physics
- Any research, science fair or data project
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
Typically a master's degree in computer science or a related field (computer engineering, information systems). Some employers prefer a Ph.D.; some federal jobs accept a bachelor's degree. Specialized fields may need domain knowledge, such as biology for biomedical work.
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for computer and information research scientists: analytical skills, communication skills, detail oriented, interpersonal skills, logical thinking, math skills, problem-solving skills.
Why demand is changing
BLS cites demand for new and better technology, expertise needed to create new artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, data mining as businesses collect more data, and research into preventing cyberattacks.
Much faster than average
Computer and information research scientists
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Get strong at linear algebra and statistics — they are the foundation of machine learning.
- Do a research project with a professor; research experience matters for graduate school.
- Expect competition for research roles; there were 38,600 computer and information research scientist jobs in 2025, far fewer than software developer jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and information research scientists checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data scientists checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software developers checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 15-1221.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07