In this guide, I will show you why jobs in artificial general intelligence are the future of your career.
AI is everywhere these days, from your phone to what you watch on TV. But, the situation has changed; we are no longer only discussing narrow AI. As the job market moves towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), it’s a good time to edit your career.
I’ll be frank about the current employment situation. AI talent is in super high demand right now. According to the Lightcast report [1], job ads wanting AI skills exploded from only 55 in early 2021 to 10,000+ by 2025.
But, the most surprising part is that the 56.1% rise in AI job postings isn’t decreasing; it’s, in fact, speeding up. The AI job market is booming right now.
You can find these jobs at all sorts of artificial general intelligence companies, like Meta, Google, xAI, OpenAI and more. Even consulting companies are becoming AI experts, so knowledge of AGI is everywhere.
So, why should you care? Well, AI engineers make about $171,715 on average, and the top earners get over $200,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 26% increase in technology jobs between 2023 and 2033.
The problem is, there’s a tremendous need, but not enough skilled people for the jobs. Because there’s a lack of skilled workers, businesses are paying a lot more to hire people. If you put in the effort to learn the right skills, you’ll be in high demand.
It’s not a trend; it’s a big change in the AGI job market. If you’re starting out, switching careers, or already an expert, AI careers have a lot to offer.
Table of Contents
- 1) Chief AI Officer (0K–0K+)
- 2) AI Research Scientist (0K–0K+)
- 3) Machine Learning Engineer (AGI Focus)
- 4) AGI Systems Architect
- 5) AI Product Manager (0K–0K)
- Essential Qualifications and Education
- Highest-Paying AGI Companies and Labs
- 7 Major FAQs on Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
- Do I need a PhD to work in artificial general intelligence jobs?
- How do I start a career in AGI as a new graduate?
- RECOMMENDED READING:
- What are the core skills I need?
- How much can I earn starting out in artificial general intelligence jobs?
- Which companies offer the highest salaries in artificial general intelligence jobs?
- How long does it take to reach a six-figure salary in AGI jobs?
- Are there artificial general intelligence jobs outside of tech companies?
- Conclusion on Highest-Paying AGI Jobs
1) Chief AI Officer ($300K–$600K+)
How Chief AI Officer Roles Fit Into Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
At the top of the AGI career path, you’ll find the Chief AI Officer. An executive who works with the CEO on all aspects of artificial intelligence. This job is super interesting because it’s a big deal now, and the salaries prove it.
Since this is a fresh role, the salary expectations are quite diverse. Yet I’ll offer you the current data. According to information from several sources :
- On average, annual pay is between $259,000 and $376,000. [2]
- Established companies pay their mid-level employees between $180,000 and $250,000.
- At top tech companies (Meta, Google, Amazon, OpenAI), the best employees can make from $263,824 to over $643,731 each year.
- You can make close to $1.6 million at the best companies.
Why is there so much difference? A CAIO at a big bank handling billions has a lot more on the line than one at a small startup testing AI.
Chief AI Officer: Their Actual Job Description
The CAIO functions as a translator, a strategist, and also a gatekeeper. While many have technical experience, their work doesn’t involve coding models. Rather, they:
1) Define the AI vision for the entire organization. They answer the big questions: Should we build our own foundation models or use OpenAI’s API? What’s the AI trick to cut costs by 30% and keep our team intact? What AI investments will actually make money, not just get us headlines?
2) Connect tech and business, even though it’s hard. Engineers talk about learning rates and parameter counts. The CAIO is like a translator; explain the budget to the CEO and then tell the engineers what the company needs.
3) Step in as the company’s AI risk manager. The CAIO is responsible when AI exhibits bias and wrong use of customer data. They keep things in line with the law, and stop the company from imminent AI disasters.
4) Create and run the AI team. They decide whether to hire 50 machine learning engineers or partner with AI vendors. They build the team, set the vibe, and decide what projects live.
Requirements for this Job
Professionals in the CAIO role most times have 15-20 years of experience. They often begin as ML engineers or researchers before stepping into AI leadership. Most of them have advanced degrees, and a history of successful AI products. Also, must have managed AI teams of at least 50 people.
The interesting thing is that since the role is new, there isn’t one set structure. I’ve seen CAIOs come from research, product, and consulting. The common factor is that they know technology and business, and how to combine the two.
2) AI Research Scientist ($150K–$900K+)
Why AI Research Scientists Drive Progress in Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
All jobs in artificial general intelligence rely on the work of Research Scientists. The Chief officer handles strategy; Research Scientists handles AI advancement. They are the ones who create the algorithms that shape the products.
AI Research Scientists are the heart of AGI companies like OpenAI, Meta, and DeepMind. Consider them the masterminds; they’re the ones changing everything.
The True Salary Overview
How much you make depends on the company and your research. Here’s what the data actually shows [3]:
- Meta’s AI research scientists can earn as much as $489,000.
- Research engineers at OpenAI can make up to $530,000, and some roles pay even more, like $1.25M.
- Senior roles at Google DeepMind can pay up to $893,000.
- The market average is about $214,000 a year.
What They Actually Do
AI researchers are always working on new algorithms. They are trying things out, and asking, “How can we solve this problem in a new way?” They’re not building products for users. They’re building the fundamental technologies that other engineers will turn into products.
Their job is to build innovative algorithms, write about what they discover. You need to be smart and good at solving problems for this job.
Who Gets These Jobs
You need a PhD, or something similar, in computer science, math, or something related. Most research scientists worked in school or labs for a while before going to industry.
But the truth is that your past work is more important than your degree. Have you done research that gets results? Have you published papers that influence the field? Can you think about problems in ways nobody else has?
If you want your direct influence on the development of artificial general intelligence, this is where you belong.
3) Machine Learning Engineer (AGI Focus)
Why Machine Learning Engineers Are Building the Future of Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
AI researchers create new algorithms while machine learning engineers build the AGI systems. ML engineers are the link between AI theory and practice.
You’re the person building the key systems. training those massive AI models, making them run fast, and keeping them reliable as they grow.
Machine Learning Engineers earn $294,000, with top performers, $944,000 per year. This is the actual data [4]:
- The average total earnings are $294,000.
- For those with 0 to 3 years of experience: $175K–$250K
- $300,000 to $500,000 for those with 3 to 8 years of experience.
- Senior/Principal positions: $500K to $944K+
- Companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google often surpass these figures.
The starting salary for recent ML graduates is $175,000 exceeding that of many other professions.
What You’re Actually Doing
ML engineers focused on AGI develop the infrastructure that supports large language models. You are responsible for:
- Creating and refining training processes for large-scale models.
- Optimizing at the kernel level using GPUs and TPUs.
- Distributing machine learning systems on a larger infrastructure.
- Collaborating with research scientists to install new techniques.
Think of it this way: a research scientist discovers a new training technique. You’re the one who makes it work on 10,000 GPUs processing petabytes of data.
Who Gets These Jobs
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science (master’s preferred), and 3+ years of ML experience. Also, you will need deep expertise in frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow.
Though what counts is your experience building systems that can handle a lot of users. If you can optimize GPU, manage big data pipelines, and deploy LLMs well, you’re golden right now. Companies are going all out to get these skills.
4) AGI Systems Architect
How AGI Systems Architects Shape Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
The AGI Systems Architect is the key designer. The one who creates the plan for the entire functionality of complex AI systems. Researchers create new theories, engineers make it work, but the architect fits all in.
This role is in high demand among AGI jobs. Companies need people to build foundation models that work with their current setup.
These artificial general intelligence jobs aren’t only technical, they’re strategic. You’re in charge of how all the data moves, how we train everything, and how the models work with what we already have.
Salary Structure
They pay you big time as an AGI Systems Architect, since it needs a great design sense.
- On average, the salary is about $249,000.
- AI Architects can earn from $196,000 to over $320,000.
- The salary range for Solutions Architects is between $140,000 and $210,000. [5]
- Amazon, Microsoft and other top companies pay $280,000–$320,000+
The difference depends on the company’s size and complexity.
Responsibilities
AGI Systems Architects build how data flows, and put models to work. You’ll be in charge of:
- Building AI systems that can see, hear, and read.
- Building data pipelines for huge models.
- Choosing the right tech (cloud, frameworks, tools).
- Making sure AI is secure, follows the rules, and is fair.
- Managing everything from start to finish.
You’re designing the system, not actually writing the code.
Who Gets This Role
To get this job, you’ll need 8-12 years in software architecture, 5+ in AI/ML, and a master’s.
You should know how to ship large systems, and understand cloud infrastructure workflows. If you can build systems that handle petabytes of data, you’re valuable right now.
5) AI Product Manager ($150K–$200K)
Why AI Product Managers Are Essential to Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
There’s a special career path for AI product managers in AGI, and you don’t need a PhD to get paid well. As a product manager, you bridge the gap between tech and customer needs.
AGI jobs aren’t only for engineers and researchers. Companies are looking for AI Product Managers, who figure out what AI can do and how it helps people.
There’s a tremendous demand for people who understand AI and how to make money from it.
The Salary Breakdown
The average salary for AI product managers is $233,000 a year. [6]
- Salary for a Senior AI PM: $150,000–$200,000+.
- Pay for Principal/Director: $280,000–$492,000+
- For AI startups, pay falls between $144,000 and $208,000, dependent on the stage of the company.
- Those in the top 10% earn more than $362,000 a year.
What You Actually Own
From creating new features, and seeing how those features perform. Your day goes thus:
- Figuring out real-world problems AGI could solve.
- Deciding what to create in the product, and when.
- Working together with engineers, designers, and business teams.
- Figuring out if AI products are performing well.
- Keeping AGI products safe, unbiased, and ethical.
You’re not building; you’re deciding what to build and how it’ll make money.
Who Gets These Jobs
You’ll generally need 5-8 years of experience in product management or a similar area. You don’t need to be techy; people skills and business smarts are way more important. But you need to know the basics of AI/ML.
If you can spot AGI market chances and turn them into a product plan, you’re super in-demand.
Essential Qualifications and Education
Why Your Credentials Matter in Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
Your degree is the initial need. While your skills and professional history determine how far you go. While entry is challenging, it’s become less strict.
In 2024, about 628,000 job postings looking for AI talent stated the need to have a bachelor’s degree. [7]
Here’s the breakdown:
- A bachelor’s can get you started in machine learning, data science, or as a junior AI person.
- A master’s can help you become a tech lead or manager.
- You’ll need a PhD or other advanced degree for a research scientist role.
The Non-Negotiable Technical Skills
School gets you in the door, but these skills get you the job. If you want to work in artificial general intelligence jobs, you need:
Programming Languages
- Python is a must. It’s the primary language of AI and ML. All job ads for artificial general intelligence expect you to know Python..
- R is helpful for statistical analysis, although it’s not as important as Python.
- C++ is crucial for optimizing systems where performance is key.
Frameworks and Libraries
- Google’s TensorFlow framework is a key tool in many AGI projects.
- Meta’s PyTorch framework is popular in both research and production.
- JAX is on the rise for super-fast computing.
Foundational Knowledge
- You need to understand math, like linear algebra and calculus.
- Stats and probability are super important for understanding the model.
- Deep learning models: CNNs, RNNs, and Transformers.
- SQL, with Spark and Hadoop.
The Career Path Forward
My advice is to study computer science, math, or engineering for your bachelor’s. Also, try building actual projects with Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch while you study. Your GitHub portfolio with 2-5 projects will beat a degree any day.
If you’re aiming for a senior role, a master’s or PhD is nice.
Highest-Paying AGI Companies and Labs
Where Artificial General Intelligence Jobs Pay the Most
Where you live doesn’t matter, but where you work does if you want to make the most money in AGI jobs. The important thing is whom you work for. I’ll show you where the best-paying AGI jobs are.
Companies leading in artificial general intelligence will determine the future of tech. It’s not about the product anymore; it’s all about whom they hire. If you’re a foundation model expert with a PhD, you’ve got a serious advantage now.
The AGI Compensation Breakdown by Company
OpenAI is ahead, setting the standard for both innovation and competitive salaries. At OpenAI, the average employee salary is around $1.37M, and software engineers pull in about $860K. [8]
Anthropic is giving OpenAI a run for its money, with salaries averaging $2.14 million. You can make anywhere from $1.04M to $5.7M in AGI, depending on your experience. [9]
Meta is on the lookout for top talent in AGI. The yearly income for research scientists ranges from $305,000 to $581,000; the average is roughly $400,000. Meta is making a tremendous investment in its “Superintelligence team”. [10]
Google DeepMind pays machine learning engineers a lot. From $200,000 to over $503,000, with room to negotiate a higher salary if you’re good. DeepMind employees make at least £478,000 a year, which is over $600K. [11]
If you’re a senior engineer or researcher, you can expect to earn around $280,000 –$320,000+ at Amazon AGI Foundations. Though it could be more or less depending on your role. [12]
7 Major FAQs on Artificial General Intelligence Jobs
Do I need a PhD to work in artificial general intelligence jobs?
Depends on the job you want. If you want to work on innovative AI, you need a PhD. But if you’re an engineer, manager, or architect, you can get a job with a good bachelor’s. It’s all about showing what you can do, no matter how you learned it.
How do I start a career in AGI as a new graduate?
It’s getting harder to find a beginner job in AGI. The real deal is, most jobs want you to have experience, like an internship or a certificate, not only a degree. Contribute to open-source AI projects, and apply for internships at AI startups. Having a GitHub portfolio is a huge advantage.
What are the core skills I need?
You should know Python well. Then, I know machine learning. And be good with the clouds like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. Besides being tech-savvy, you also need soft skills like critical thinking, and teamwork.
How much can I earn starting out in artificial general intelligence jobs?
You can expect to make about $115k to $175k a year in an entry-level AGI job, depending on the company and what you’re doing. With the right skills, a fresh grad could make $200k-$250k+ (including stock options).
Which companies offer the highest salaries in artificial general intelligence jobs?
When it comes to pay, OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google DeepMind are at the top. They’re all trying to build AGI and need experts, so they’ll pay a lot.
How long does it take to reach a six-figure salary in AGI jobs?
You could make six figures in 3-5 years if you have the right job. Some people get there fast using stocks, while others take the long road through research.
Are there artificial general intelligence jobs outside of tech companies?
For sure, this is a great opportunity that many don’t see. Companies in finance, healthcare, government, cars, and software are all working on AGI. The pay isn’t as high as at big tech companies, but you get a better life, work on unique stuff, and learn fast. Also, knowing about AI is a must-have skill now, so your AGI stuff is super valuable.
Conclusion on Highest-Paying AGI Jobs
The job market for AI is not only growing; it’s changing how we define success. No matter the roles, the jobs are definitely out there.
I want you to remind you; you don’t need to be a genius or have a perfect resume to get into this field. To succeed, you’ll need to be persistent, build things, and understand the tech and the problems it solves. These skills are teachable, and there are way more jobs than people, which is why the salaries are so good.
In five years, we’ll see which companies dominate artificial general intelligence. This is the moment to invest in yourself if you want a high-paying job in this field.
These jobs are legitimate. The money is real. Now’s the time!
Have contributions? Share your thoughts here.
Citations
[1] Lightcast report
[2] https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for-chief-ai-officer
[3] https://6figr.com/us/salary/ai-research-scientist–t
[4] https://6figr.com/us/salary/machine-learning-engineer–t
[5] https://blog.theinterviewguys.com/top-10-highest-paying-ai-jobs/
[6] Launchnotes report on product manager salary.
[7] Atlantafed report on job posting
[8] https://www.nahc.io/blog/openai-salaries-what-employees-really-earn-in-2025-9ecfb
[9] https://www.teamblind.com/company/Anthropic/salaries/united-states
[10] https://www.aicerts.ai/news/meta-ai-researcher-salaries-no-100m-bonus/
[11] https://word-spinner.com/blog/what-is-the-salary-of-google-deepmind/
[12] https://www.finalroundai.com/blog/highest-paying-ai-jobs-in-2025
Oluboba is a results-driven digital entrepreneur with a proven track record of crafting impactful business, marketing, and technology solutions.
