How To Master These AI Skills To Earn a Six-Figure Salary
While some people may fear the ways artificial intelligence (AI) threatens certain jobs, savvy workers are learning to utilize AI to not only make them more productive at work, but potentially earn bigger paychecks.
In fact, IT workers skilled in AI can expect 44% more money than those without, according to a recent survey by Amazon Web Services.
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“But it’s not just tech workers who benefit from AI knowledge,” said Brian Prince, CEO of TopAITools.com, an AI resource and educational hub. “Workers in sales, marketing, or business operations can expect to earn 39% more if they bring AI experience to the company.”
In fact, according to Payscale, jobs with an emphasis on AI tend to pay well over $100,000. With that in mind, read on to find out how mastering generative AI skills can lead to bigger salaries.
AI Is Changing Work
Whether we like it or not, AI is changing the way we “live, play, and especially the ways we work,” Prince said. “We can use tailored AI-powered apps like Notion.AI or Canva, as well as programs like ChatGPT, to streamline daily office tasks, help us prioritize projects, and work smarter, not harder.”
Those who are on the leading edge of any technology are often the first to get pay raises or promotions, as well, he suggested.
“The first people to learn word processing surpassed their peers who still used typewriters. AI is the next evolution of computing technology-a tool that can help us complete many tasks faster and with greater accuracy,” Prince explained.
Experience with various AI platforms means you will be able to get up to speed faster on specific AI tools your company uses, he said. “That means you will be easier to train, making you more desirable to employers.
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Use AI To Save Your Company Money
If you’re one of the early adopters of AI in your company, find ways to streamline tasks and save the company time and money. Prince urged, “Don’t be afraid to experiment. Is there a repetitive task that you can finish faster and more easily with help from AI? Share what you’ve learned with supervisors and offer to train coworkers.”
This may lead to a pay raise as your company sees the value you’re adding.
Spotlight Your AI Skills
Prince said he can’t think of a single industry where workers wouldn’t benefit from learning specialized AI programs tailored to their field, whether that’s marketing, education, manufacturing and so on.
Thus, he suggested, “You should spotlight your skills and experience on your resume. If you can get certifications in AI, that’s an even better way to show potential employers your passion and aptitude.”
It Pays To Learn AI
If you have an interest in AI but not much experience yet, it pays to learn more.
Prince said, “There are various courses online that span from an introduction all the way to advanced prompt engineering. TopAITools.com offers a free AI crash course, which I think is perfect for beginners who want to learn how the technology works, explore the different AI tools, and learn the basics of creating effective prompts.”
He said the best way to get more comfortable with AI is to dig in and play around with popular apps like Gemini and ChatGPT.
Seek a Job in Tech
Workers are starting to pay attention to the demand for AI. According to Jacob Simon, cofounder of Exponent, which helps people prepare for jobs in tech, “The number of tech job seekers on our platform who are preparing for careers in machine learning (ML), or are currently interviewing for ML engineering positions, has grown 300% year over year between 2023 and 2024.”
Workers with these skills are going to be first in line for these well paying jobs.
Use AI To Do More With Less
AI can support workers in companies where they are cutting costs and reducing or maintaining headcount, instead of growing their teams. As employees are often forced to do more with less, “Generative AI allows these employees to do more by automating parts of their work,” Simon said.
In particular, software engineers who use generative AI to generate test cases, documentation, and identify bugs in the workplace will be able to get ahead, he said.
Use AI To Prepare for Job Interviews
Generative AI can also help job seekers prepare for interviews, Simon said, by helping them brainstorm and prepare for interview questions and tailor their application and prep process to specific jobs. “It’s something we’re actively working on at Exponent and see as an important tool in the future for job seekers.”
Additionally, generative AI is already being used by interviewers/recruiters to screen out candidates, and new companies are proposing to replace interviewers with AI agents.
Look for AI Enabled Jobs
AI may eliminate certain jobs, but it also brings a net increase in overall job opportunities, according to Jim Chappell, the global head of AI at AVEVA.
“For example, roles like ‘prompt engineers’ didn’t exist three years ago but are now gaining prominence and recognition in educational institutions,” he explained.
Improve Your Education With AI
In the past, traditional learning processes like attending school in-person and purchasing books were the norm. “Now, AI is a powerful tool for self-directed learning, enabling individuals to educate themselves from the comfort of their homes,” Chappell said.
Enhance Your Performance
Chappell believes AI can help enhance job performance across all functions and industries with “personalized recommendations, continuous learning opportunities, and real-time feedback.”
Additionally, “Interactive simulations like virtual training and adaptive learning platforms empower professionals to acquire new skills, refine existing ones, and stay up to date with the latest industry trends, fostering ongoing growth and development,” he said.
Rather than being a scary new technology, when used properly, AI can improve how you work and how much money you make.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Master These AI Skills To Earn a Six-Figure Salary
