Also called: AI Policy Researcher, AI Safety Researcher
Works out how AI systems should behave fairly and safely, and helps companies and governments set rules.
AI ethicists test models for bias, write policies on how AI can be used, advise engineers on risks, and work with lawmakers. Some do technical safety research; others focus on law and philosophy.
New field; figures are estimates from job postings.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's plus often a master's or PhD in computer science, philosophy, law, or public policy.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Computer Science, Philosophy, Public Policy, Law.
Growing much faster than average. Growing with AI adoption.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI drafts policies and runs bias tests, so fewer junior analyst seats; judgment on risk, regulation and accountability stays human.
Classes: Philosophy or ethics, Computer Science, Civics/government, AP Statistics.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.