Artificial intelligence is no longer exclusive to Silicon Valley and the other high-tech cyberpunk-vibe megalopolises: it has become a career engine fueling every corner of the United States.
We at Resume.ai were curious to see what AI-related roles are hot in the job market and how much you can earn as an AI professional.
What we did
We analyzed over 45,000 AI job postings from LinkedIn across all 50 states, seeking answers about where the highest salaries are, which states are hiring the most, and how experience and remote work are influencing the AI job market.
Key findings from the AI job market
The results exposed a field that’s expanding fast but unevenly. What we found is:
- AI career pays off: Montana leads at $223k a year, with Alaska, New York, and Massachusetts close behind.
- The top three states with AI positions open are Louisiana, Wyoming, and Illinois
- 22% of roles are welcoming juniors, while mid-level leads at 35% in demand
- 65% of jobs are on-site, 25% hybrid and 10% remote
- Top-paying AI roles: Machine learning engineers, AI research scientists, and NLP specialists dominate salaries.
- The latest tools are critical: TensorFlow, PyTorch, LLMs, and generative AI platforms like Claude and Cursor are increasingly required.
- Even entry-level roles in premium states can exceed six figures.
The highest pay is where you least expect it
The results amazed us: unexpected states and unexpectedly high salaries. Besides, high-paying locations tend to have fewer total jobs, creating a “premium market” where experienced professionals can negotiate top dollar for their expertise.
Montana is on the top of the list, with an average yearly salary of $223,288, more than double the national average. Other premium states include Alaska, New York, and Massachusetts, where both entry-level and senior professionals can earn six figures. In fact, even some beginner roles in Alaska and Nevada start above $130,000 a year.
What are the best-paying AI jobs in America?
If you’re wondering, “What exactly are those jobs, and what do they do?” here are the top ten.
These positions reward the rare mix of technical mastery and strategic impact, putting talented individuals at the forefront of innovation. For those ready to jump on a tech ride, the opportunity isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to shape the future of AI.
Where exactly is the highest AI-role demand in the United States?
These states are hotspots for professionals seeking more opportunities, particularly in entry-level and mid-senior positions.
Louisiana leads in total AI job numbers, offering 1,622 positions, followed by Wyoming and Illinois. High-volume states may mean more competition, but also more roles and career growth potential.
Which experience levels are most desired in the AI market?
Work opportunities in AI vary by seniority, with higher-level and executive roles far more likely to offer flexibility than entry-level positions. This reflects companies’ trust in experienced professionals to manage projects independently while contributing strategically from any location.
AI job demand is highest for mid-career professionals with 3–5 years of experience, reflecting companies’ need for talent that can scale AI projects effectively. Entry-level roles account for just over 20% of openings, offering opportunities for newcomers. Senior and managerial positions make up nearly 40% of demand, emphasizing leadership and strategic oversight, while executive roles, though only 5% of jobs, play a key role in guiding AI strategy across industries.
Hybrid or remote? Where will you be able to work?
While most AI positions remain on-site (65%), hybrid roles are growing up to 25%, particularly in software-focused jobs. Senior roles are more likely to include remote options, allowing professionals to tap into opportunities across state lines without relocation.
Choosing the tech major? Those fields lead to six-figure salary
Juniors don’t need to worry; even entry-level AI roles pay well. Data science, AI software development, data analytics, and prompt engineering are all excellent majors to pursue, given their high demand. In premium states like Alaska, Nevada, and New York, younger workers earn salaries exceeding six figures.
Data shows that needs for AI tool expertise are growing
The demand for knowledge of generative AI platforms such as Claude, Cursor, and Anthropic is increasing, particularly among innovative companies and startups. Candidates of all experience levels are increasingly relying on familiarity with these tools to express themselves.
Machine learning systems like TensorFlow and PyTorch dominate requirements, while familiarity with LLMs and generative AI tools is rapidly growing. Platforms such as Claude and Cursor indicate that adaptability and continuous learning are becoming must-haves for AI professionals. There’s no wonder AI talents are in such high demand, as every industry is racing to utilize its power for innovation and growth.
Methodology
Resume.ai’s report from October 2025 analyzes 45,530 U.S. AI job postings from LinkedIn. Jobs were filtered using AI-related keywords and categorized by experience level, location, industry, work setup, and salary. Salaries were normalized for comparison, and entry-level roles were identified via posting language. Data was aggregated to reveal trends in demand, pay, and opportunities. Limitations include incomplete salary info, potential duplicate postings, and variability in remote work classification.
