PE Collective
Entry-level AI positions are competitive but growing. Companies increasingly hire junior engineers who can work with LLMs, build simple ML pipelines, and contribute to AI product development from day one.
Most entry-level roles expect a CS degree (or equivalent), Python fluency, and demonstrated interest in AI through projects, coursework, or open-source contributions. You won't need to have trained a foundation model, but you should be comfortable using LLM APIs, understanding basic ML concepts, and writing production-quality code.
The best path in: build something. A portfolio project that uses RAG, fine-tuning, or agent architectures will get you further than another certification. Companies want to see that you can ship working AI features, not just complete tutorials.
Salary Overview
Based on 1 open positions, Entry-Level AI roles pay an average of $90K - $130K. View detailed salary benchmarks →
Open Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an AI job with no experience?
Yes, but you need to demonstrate skills. Build projects using LLM APIs, contribute to open-source AI tools, or complete hands-on courses from DeepLearning.AI or fast.ai. A strong portfolio compensates for lack of professional experience.
What entry-level AI roles are available?
Common entry-level titles include Junior Prompt Engineer, AI Engineer I, ML Engineer (Associate), and AI/ML Intern. Some companies also hire "AI Support Engineers" or "LLM Specialists" at junior levels.
What do entry-level AI jobs pay?
Entry-level AI positions pay $90K-$140K depending on location and company. Remote entry-level roles average around $100K. Top AI companies (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google) pay toward the higher end even for junior positions.
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