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Recent quiet layoffs among large corporations--including Amazon’s cuts of 14,000 white-collar roles--have triggered fears of a growing AI job apocalypse. Technology is altering how we work, causing workers and employers to re-think what this shift means for the future of work. While AI is often cited as a threat, it is also creating numerous premium opportunities where specialized expertise is highly rewarded. A recent analysis unveils the states where the highest-paying AI jobs are hot, all of them offering six-figure salaries. 10 U.S. States With The Highest-Paying AI Jobs Recently I reported on the five most in-demand AI-adjacent jobs with entry points for educators, editors, legal professionals and medical personnel seeking to pivot into an AI role. AI skills are offering a pathway for the jobless to transition into resilient, high-income careers across the U.S. But you have to know where to find them. As AI reduces the need for certain jobs, it’s creating new ones and boosting productivity. Susan Gonzales, founder of AIandYou, told me that, given the rapid growth of agentic AI and emerging technologies, we’re entering a new era of hybrid work where humans and AI will collaborate across every sector. “Both white-collar and blue-collar workers will need to embrace AI literacy and understand the basic concepts to effectively integrate new tools into their daily routines,” Gonzales explains. “Providing AI literacy to workers in silos is proving to be ineffective based on the increasing failure rates of AI tool integration.” In October of this year, Resume.ai analyzed over 45,000 AI job postings from LinkedIn across all 50 states. Their findings reveal the highest salaries are, which states are hiring the most and how experience and remote work are influencing the AI job market. MORE FOR YOU Their results showcase a fast-expanding field of AI careers in which you can earn top dollar. The study uncovers the states where pay is on the rise in unexpected locations and a strong market for skilled AI talent. Here are the top 10 U.S. states with the highest-paying, most in-demand AI jobs in America. Montana ($223,000 annually) Alaska ($148,000) New York ($141,000) Massachusetts ($141,483) Nevada ($132,934) Oregon ($129,257) North Carolina ($126,595) California ($125,404) Maryland ($122,860) Florida ($121,860) As you can see from the breakdown, Montana leads the way at $223,000 per year, followed by Alaska at 148,000, New York at $141,000 and Massachusetts close behind. Even entry-level roles in premium states can exceed six figures. According to the analysis, all 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. The top-paying AI roles where specialists dominate salaries are Machine learning engineers, AI research scientists and NLP specialists. The analysis shows that the latest tools are critical: TensorFlow, PyTorch, LLMs and generative AI platforms like Claude and Cursor are increasingly required. AI skills like machine learning, LLMs, and generative tools are highly valued and can help job seekers future-proof their careers. A notable 22% of roles are welcoming juniors, while mid-level leads at 35% in demand. A total of 65% of jobs are on-site, 25% hybrid and 10% remote. According to the findings, these are the five most 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 Amanda Augustine, CPCC, CPRW and resident career expert for Resume.ai, told me that we’ve officially reached the point where AI has gone mainstream, and Resume.ai’s latest analysis shows that job opportunities in this field are far more widespread than many may realize. “While traditional tech hubs like those in New York and Massachusetts’ metro areas still offer attractive paychecks, we’re seeing new ‘premium markets’ emerge in unexpected states like Montana, Alaska and Nevada, where a smaller pool of employers is fueling higher salaries to attract experienced talent,” Augustine points out. A Final Takeaway On The Highest-Paying AI Jobs The analysts at Resume.ai conclude that their findings show 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. Augustine says it’s a reminder for job seekers to look beyond Silicon Valley. “Some of these high-paying regions can offer both a strong salary and a lower cost of living, but it’s important to take all the factors into account before making a move,” she advises. “If there are only a few local employers hiring AI professionals, consider what would happen if one of them downsized or moved and whether you’d be willing to relocate again.” Augustine suggests that, before you pack your bags, be sure to consider the full opportunity and look beyond the salary and benefits package to the company culture, cost of living and long-term job prospects in the area. She adds that the good news is that AI roles are no longer confined to only a handful of tech cities. Whether you’re entering the field or looking to pivot, she recommends that you develop hands-on experience with tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and generative-AI platforms such as Claude and Cursor to position yourself for success in this rapidly expanding market.” "By developing in-demand AI skills now, you can future-proof your career, positioning yourself for the highest-paying AI jobs that are not only well compensated but also increasingly essential across industries," she concludes.
