Ranking the Hottest AI Jobs of 2025 and What They Pay

A recent study byTRG Datacenters ranked AI-related job positions based on their demand and attractiveness, using search interest, job openings, and average salaries as key metrics.

The study analyzed 17 diverse AI roles, ranging from technical positions like machine learning engineers to non-technical ones such as AI product managers. For each role, a composite score was calculated. Jobs were then ranked by these scores to identify roles that are in high demand, financially rewarding, and popular among job seekers.

Machine learning engineering leads with a score of 72, commanding the highest average salary of $161K among all AI roles. With 16K job openings and drawing 43K monthly searches – the second-highest search volume on the list – this position demonstrates strong market interest.

With a composite score of 63, Computer Vision Engineer takes second place, leading all roles with 36K job openings. Its dominance reflects the growing use of visual AI in everything from self-driving cars to healthcare diagnostics. Add an average salary of $127.5K, and it’s clear why this role is such a sought-after choice.

Robotics engineering (AI Focus) comes in third with a composite score of 55. The job has incredible popularity, with 54.6K monthly searches—more than any other AI role. With an average salary of $119.1K, this position is vital in building automated systems that power industries like manufacturing and logistics.

Fourth on the list is the deep learning profession, earning a score of 50. With 19K job openings and an average salary of $153K, this role stands as one of the highest-paying AI positions.

Natural language processing (NLP) engineering ranks fifth with a score of 36. With 6K job openings and a competitive average salary of $156K, this position shows strong market demand.

In sixth place, AI research engineering scores 35, offering an average salary of $122K and 2K job openings. While smaller in scale, this role is critical for driving the future of AI, focusing on cutting-edge advancements that shape the industry.

Data Scientist (AI Applications) ranks seventh with a composite score of 32. With 5K openings and a $123.1K average salary, this versatile role continues to play a crucial part in helping companies make data-driven decisions across a variety of sectors.

With a score of 31, generative AI engineering takes eighth place as a rapidly emerging field. Despite its niche focus, this role commands a strong average salary of $150K and has three thousand openings, making it ideal for creative innovators at the forefront of AI.

Ranking ninth with a score of 30, AI product management has both technical knowledge and strategic vision to bring AI tools to market. While it has only 1K job openings, its average salary of $141K reflects the importance of this role in aligning AI solutions with business goals.

Finally, cloud AI engineering rounds out the top ten with a composite score of 28. With 5K openings and an average salary of $128K, this role is essential for organizations scaling their AI solutions securely and efficiently, making it a critical position in the modern tech landscape.

A spokesperson from TRG Datacenters commented on the study, saying, “Understanding where demand is growing can reveal opportunities you might not have considered before. For example, high-demand fields often create ripple effects, generating a need for supporting roles and adjacent expertise. By staying informed about these trends, individuals can position themselves strategically in the job market, whether by upskilling, pivoting to new areas, or exploring roles that align with these emerging needs. Ultimately, creativity and adaptability are key to thriving in this evolving landscape.”