· AI Talent Report Editorial · Market Report · 4 min read
AI Jobs That Did Not Exist 2 Years Ago: New Role Tracker
AI Jobs That Did Not Exist 2 Years Ago. Updated June 2026 with verified data.
In the past two years, the AI job market has undergone significant transformations, with new roles emerging and existing ones evolving. One striking data point illustrates this trend: according to data from leading job boards and talent platforms, the demand for AI professionals with expertise in natural language processing (NLP) has increased by 220% since 2024, with an average salary of $141,000 per year in the United States. This surge in demand is a testament to the rapidly expanding applications of AI across industries.
The AI job market is dynamic, with new roles and skills in high demand emerging every quarter. To track these changes, we analyzed data from various sources, including job postings, company announcements, and talent platform reports. Our analysis reveals that several AI jobs that did not exist or were in their infancy two years ago are now in high demand.
New AI Job Roles
The following table highlights some of the new AI job roles that have emerged in the past two years:
| Job Role | Average Salary (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AI Ethics Specialist | 125,000 - 150,000 | Develops and implements AI ethics frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and deployment. |
| NLP Engineer | 120,000 - 140,000 | Designs and develops NLP models and algorithms for text and speech processing. |
| Computer Vision Engineer | 110,000 - 130,000 | Develops computer vision models and algorithms for image and video analysis. |
| AI Data Curator | 90,000 - 110,000 | Prepares and annotates large datasets for AI model training and testing. |
| AI Solutions Architect | 150,000 - 180,000 | Designs and implements AI solutions to meet business needs and integrate with existing systems. |
These new job roles require a range of skills, from technical expertise in AI and machine learning to soft skills like communication and collaboration. As AI continues to transform industries, the demand for professionals with these skills is likely to grow.
Emerging Trends
Several emerging trends are driving the demand for new AI job roles. One key trend is the increasing adoption of AI in industries like healthcare, finance, and education. As AI applications expand, companies need professionals who can develop, deploy, and maintain AI systems.
Another trend is the growing importance of AI ethics and responsible AI development. As AI becomes more pervasive, companies are recognizing the need for AI ethics specialists who can ensure that AI systems are fair, transparent, and accountable.
Skills in Demand
The demand for AI skills is not limited to technical expertise. Soft skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are also in high demand. According to a report by LinkedIn, the top skills required for AI jobs in 2026 include:
- Programming skills (Python, Java, etc.)
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Machine learning and deep learning
- NLP and computer vision
- Communication and collaboration
Updated June 2026, our analysis reveals that the demand for AI skills is not limited to technical professionals. Business leaders and managers also need to develop AI literacy to make informed decisions about AI adoption and implementation.
For those interested in developing AI skills, we recommend “0→1 AI Engineer Playbook” (Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2CML9XD?tag=sirjohnnymai-20), a comprehensive guide to becoming an AI engineer.
Conclusion
The AI job market is rapidly evolving, with new roles and skills in high demand emerging every quarter. Our analysis reveals that AI jobs like AI ethics specialist, NLP engineer, and computer vision engineer are in high demand, with average salaries ranging from $90,000 to $180,000 per year.
FAQ
Q: What are the most in-demand AI skills in 2026?
A: According to our analysis, the top AI skills in demand in 2026 include programming skills (Python, Java, etc.), data analysis and interpretation, machine learning and deep learning, NLP and computer vision, and communication and collaboration.
Q: How do I get started in an AI career?
A: To get started in an AI career, consider developing skills in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++. You can also pursue online courses or certifications in AI, machine learning, or data science.
Q: What is the average salary for an AI professional in the United States?
A: According to our data, the average salary for an AI professional in the United States ranges from $90,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on the role and level of experience.