AI Careers Are Thriving in the United States, with Outstanding Pay and Desirable Skills
- Jonathan H. Westover, PhD
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
All of us wondered at least once what those AI jobs are, what they do, and how much they pay exactly. Experts at Resume.ai were seeking answers, so they analyzed over 45,000 AI job postings nationwide to reveal where professionals can earn top salaries and what skills are most valued. The study uncovers pay on the rise in unexpected locations and a strong market for skilled AI talent.
Key Findings:
AI careers do pay off, as Montana leads the way at $223k per year, followed by Alaska at 148k, New York at 141k, and Massachusetts close behind.
Louisiana has the highest job demand, with Wyoming and Illinois following after in total AI job openings.
AI skills like machine learning, LLMs, and generative tools are highly valued and can help job seekers future-proof their careers.
The highest salaries are appearing in least expected U.S. states
Looking at the map below, it is shown that smaller states offer higher pay, often with fewer total openings. This situation creates a market where experienced AI professionals can negotiate high salaries and secure excellent future career opportunities for themselves easily.
Montana, surprisingly, tops the list, with an average annual salary of $223,288, more than double the national average.
Alaska, New York, and Massachusetts follow closely behind, with both entry-level and senior positions paying six figures. Even entry-level positions in Alaska and Nevada start above $130,000, demonstrating that high-paying AI opportunities are expanding beyond traditional tech hubs.
Louisiana, Wyoming, and Illinois are the states with the highest demand for AI roles
These ten U.S. states are in high demand, offering a wide variety of roles and access to both entry-level and mid-senior positions for AI professionals. Besides, no matter the location, many of these opportunities include remote options, allowing talent to thrive from anywhere.
Louisiana, Wyoming, and Illinois are currently leading the way in demand for AI roles, offering professionals a wealth of opportunities to enter and grow within the field. Other states, including Maryland, Washington, Virginia, Indiana, West Virginia, and Rhode Island, also provide strong markets for AI talent, with competitive salaries and diverse openings.
These in-demand AI skills can help job seekers future-proof their careers
With recent reports of large corporate layoffs, including Amazon’s recent cuts of 14,000 white-collar roles, AI skills offer a pathway for professionals to transition into resilient, high-value careers. While AI is often cited as a threat, it is also creating an increasing number of premium opportunities where specialized expertise is highly rewarded.
By developing in-demand AI skills now, professionals can future-proof their careers, positioning themselves for roles that are not only well compensated but also increasingly essential across industries.
According to research, these are the key in-demand AI skills:
Machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch
Large language models (LLMs) expertise
Generative AI tools proficiency
Platforms like Claude and Cursor
Adaptability and continuous learning mindset
Data demonstrates that AI is an opportunity, not a threat. By developing key skills, professionals can secure resilient, high-value careers where human expertise is more in demand than ever.
Methodology: Resume.ai’s October 2025 report analyzed 45,530 AI job postings from LinkedIn, examining salary, location, experience, industry, and work setup to provide insights on where AI professionals are most in demand and best compensated.
About Resume.ai: Resume.ai is an AI-powered resume and cover letter platform built to give job seekers a competitive edge. Leveraging advanced machine learning, Resume.ai offers intelligent resume scoring, real-time feedback, and keyword optimization to ensure every document is tailored for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiter preferences. Users can instantly generate resumes aligned with specific job descriptions, explore expertly written examples, and fine-tune their applications with personalized guidance. With sleek, professional templates and support for multiple download formats, Resume.ai makes it easy to craft job-winning applications in minutes. Trusted by professionals worldwide, Resume.ai goes beyond building resumes, empowering users with smart tools to accelerate every step of their job search journey. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
