Emerging Jobs in Artificial Intelligence

Summary:

Artificial intelligence is changing the scope of how we approach many aspects of our world. Here, you’ll discover new jobs emerging that center on AI and how you can get started by studying computer science in high school.

Key Points:

• Computer science and AI are visions of the future that are happening now. 
• In today’s job market, AI skills are in high demand across various industries. 
• Futuristic jobs we’re seeing now include health tech implementation specialist, AI ethics specialist, and AI literacy trainer.
• If studying this innovative field intrigues you as a high school student, the time to start is now.
• Most high schools offer a variety of introductory courses in AI and computer science.
• Motivated high school students should look into pre-college online courses to add to their college application. 

The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is viewed by many as an innovation of the future, but not without its drawbacks. Some are worried their job will become irrelevant, while others fear that AI will lead to a reduction in emotional intelligence. Regardless, AI is here to stay. While we have seen some reduction in relevant jobs (such as warehouse workers and paralegals), we’re also witnessing the emergence of jobs that no one has even heard of. Here, you’ll discover new jobs emerging that center on AI and how you can get started by studying computer science in high school.

Essential AI Skills Employers Seek

In today’s job market, AI skills are in high demand across various industries. Businesses require employees with the skills to effectively develop, implement, and manage AI systems and applications. 

While some jobs are AI-proof, the new technology is also creating several new opportunities, especially for early adopters and individuals with tech skills. Below are a few emerging jobs in artificial intelligence. 

Emerging Jobs in AI

Prompt Engineer

Prompt engineering is one of the most talked-about AI-created jobs. People in this role optimize text or code-based inputs to achieve their desired output on chatbot platforms. The process involves developing questions and utilizing prompt techniques to accomplish a specific generative AI output. Their end goal is to feed proprietary models with valuable data and context to improve their generation process.   

AI Ethics Specialist

AI ethicists ensure that companies and their systems are fair and aligned with human values and rights. These individuals work throughout the development lifecycle, creating policies for safe AI use and collaborating with data scientists, developers, and product managers to ensure data transparency and mitigate potential risks arising from an AI platform.  

Health Tech Implementation Specialist

As AI continues to expand in the healthcare industry, many large organizations are turning to health tech implementation specialists to adapt. Implementation specialists, similar to product managers in healthcare, help organizations implement new medical AI products or develop proprietary platforms. 

AI Literacy Trainer

AI literacy trainers are knowledgeable educators who teach the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and help individuals understand functional and practical uses in the workforce. They provide curricula through in-person or virtual workshops and guide participants through hands-on training. 

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers are at the forefront of AI innovation. They are responsible for researching, designing, and developing AI models and systems that can analyze large datasets, make predictions, and continuously learn and adapt autonomously.

Natural Language Processing Engineer

NLP engineers help computer systems understand and interpret human language. They do this by developing models and techniques to convert unstructured speech and text into a format that machines can process and respond to.  

AI Research Scientist

AI research scientists conduct research, run experiments, and recommend solutions to various issues with AI systems. The primary aim of this role is to help advance the field of AI by developing innovative solutions that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers use automation and AI to design, develop, and test robotic systems and prototypes. They use automation and AI to ensure that robotic systems operate efficiently and effectively.

These new positions are not only exciting, they’re also lucrative, with an average median salary of $164,000. If any of the above positions intrigue you, and you think you might pursue a potential career in AI, getting started while in high school with pre-college courses for teens interested in AI, in particular courses in computer science, is a wise decision.

Introductory Courses with AI Relevance

Most high schools offer a variety of computer science courses, which may include introductory programming, AP computer science, and specialized areas such as game development, web design, and AI. But beyond these offerings, committing time to pre-college online courses provides a boost for motivated high school students as they begin looking to college and beyond.

Pre-College Online Courses in Computer Science

Pre-college online programs offer courses designed for those with an interest in AI and computer science. Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, partners with top universities to offer high school students the chance to experience college-level work in a variety of fields. Specific to AI, the following courses provide relevant computer science experience to get you ahead.

Does cybersecurity intrigue you? Then Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program is for you. Cybersecurity: Protecting Our Digital Future explores how cyberspace evolved and how the world of the dark web came to be. Learn from experts from the FBI and CISA. Review the web’s many vulnerabilities and how they’re being addressed. Learn how AI is impacting cybersecurity. Best of all, Georgetown offers a college credit version of this course.

Prelum partner Rice University is a member of the New Ivy League. Their Precollege Online Program offers a course in engineering that provides a comprehensive introduction to electrical and computer engineering. Learn about the many career opportunities available and the current advances in computer science.

If you have an interest in the intersection of computer science and medicine, then the University of Rochester’s Pre-College Online Program is a good fit. Biomedical Engineering: Solving the Body’s Challenges with Technology is an exciting mix of computer science and tech advances in medicine. Learn how to measure, collect, and display data and discover the important areas of medical innovation. If you want to understand the relationship between computer science, engineering, and medicine, this course is for you.

Lastly, the Rochester Pre-College Online Program provides Intro to Video Game Design, where you’ll discover how digital games are built and the skills game designers and developers use. Learn the art of storytelling and the techniques used to embed puzzles, action-adventure, and drama.

Remember, all pre-college online courses offer a flexible format, allowing you to study at your own pace. Plus, successfully completing a course provides you with a Certificate of Completion that will look great on your college application.

Computer science and AI are visions of the future that are happening now. If studying this innovative field intrigues you as a high school student, the time to start is now. 

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 07/18/2025.