Qualified Applicants Opportunities Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level AI/ML roles usually pay between $90,000 and $120,000 annually. Mid‑level positions range from $120,000 to $160,000, while senior roles can command $160,000 to $200,000. Lead or manager positions often exceed $200,000, reaching up to $250,000 in high‑cost‑of‑living markets or for highly specialized expertise.

Core technical skills include Python, R, SQL, and statistical libraries. Proficiency with TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn, and cloud‑native AI services (AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, GCP AI Platform) is essential. Certifications such as TensorFlow Developer, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, GCP Professional Data Engineer, and Kaggle Distinction demonstrate mastery and are highly valued.

Yes, approximately 80% of listings list remote or hybrid arrangements. Remote teams rely on tools like Slack, GitHub, MLflow, and cloud notebooks (Colab, SageMaker Studio) to collaborate across time zones while maintaining code quality and version control.

Typical progression starts with a Data Analyst or Junior Data Scientist, advancing to Senior Data Scientist or ML Engineer. From there, professionals can move into Lead ML Engineer, AI Architect, or Director of AI/ML, often taking on strategic product direction and cross‑functional leadership responsibilities.

Key trends include the rise of edge AI for IoT devices, federated learning for privacy‑preserving models, increased focus on AI ethics and explainability, and the rapid deployment of AI in healthcare diagnostics and drug discovery. Companies are also investing in automated ML pipelines and no‑code AI platforms to democratize model development.