$150K+ Entry-Level AI Jobs: The Secret Companies Don’t Want You to Know
Are you dreaming of breaking into a high-paying tech career? Entry-level AI jobs are your golden ticket. In 2025, employers are quietly offering six-figure salaries—even to beginners in artificial intelligence. Discover which roles are hottest, where to apply, and actionable steps to land that $150K job offer—no PhD required.
What Are Entry-Level AI Jobs?
Entry-level AI jobs describe technology positions at companies investing in artificial intelligence, offered to candidates with limited or no prior AI work experience. These jobs include roles such as Junior AI Engineer, AI Data Analyst, Machine Learning Intern, and more. Many of these roles pay over $100,000 per year, with some exceeding $150,000 in top regions or at leading companies.
- Typical entry-level AI job titles:
- Junior AI Engineer
- AI/Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Intern
- AI Research Assistant
- Junior Software Engineer (AI)
- Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Salary expectations range from $70,000 to $150,000 for true entry-level roles, with higher earning potential at elite firms or in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York.
Where Are the Secret $150K+ Entry-Level AI Jobs?
| Company | Typical Entry-Level Salary | Role Examples | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAI | $144,000 – $250,000 | Research, Engineering | San Francisco, CA |
| Scale AI | $144,000 – $172,800 | ML Research, Data Training | San Francisco, CA |
| Meta (Facebook) | $150,000 – $201,000 | AI Engineer, ML Developer | Menlo Park, CA |
| Instacart | $150,000 – $200,000 | ML Trainer, Data Science | San Francisco, CA |
| Snap | $120,000 – $200,000 | AI Product, Engineering | Santa Monica, CA |
| Amazon | $120,000 – $180,000 | AI Engineer, BI Analyst | Seattle, WA |
Why Do These Jobs Pay So Much?
- Talent Shortage: Companies face fierce competition for skilled AI talent due to explosive field growth.
- Revenue Impact: AI technology drives significant business value, justifying premium pay.
- Specialized Skills: Even entry-level candidates need proficiency in Python, machine learning libraries, and data science fundamentals.
Skills and Degrees Needed for $150K+ AI Jobs
Most companies do not require a PhD. Top entry-level candidates typically have:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or related field
- Project portfolio showing AI/ML work on GitHub or similar
- Experience with Python, TensorFlow, or PyTorch
- Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills
- Optional: AI bootcamp or nanodegree certifications
Step-By-Step Guide to Landing Your First $150K AI Job
- Choose a role focus such as AI Engineer or Data Analyst.
- Build key skills: master Python and ML frameworks; complete projects.
- Earn certifications from bootcamps or online courses.
- Polish your resume and LinkedIn profiles to highlight AI skills.
- Apply strategically to companies known for high entry-level pay.
- Practice coding interviews, technical questions, and case studies.
- Negotiate salary offers including benefits, equity, and remote work options.
FAQ
Can you really earn $150K+ right out of college in AI? Yes, with focused skills, project-based portfolios, and targeting high-paying employers.
Which cities pay the most? San Francisco, Seattle, and New York lead, but remote options are expanding.
Are bootcamp graduates competitive? Yes, top AI bootcamps have strong hiring pipelines competing with traditional CS graduates.