ai outside llm jobs salary in 2025

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, AI jobs outside of Large Language Models (LLMs) are in high demand. From autonomous systems to healthcare diagnostics, opportunities are expanding rapidly. In this guide, we’ll explore salary trends, job market conditions, and what it takes to thrive in AI careers beyond LLMs in 2025.

Average Salary Range for AI Jobs Outside LLMs

In 2025, AI roles not directly tied to LLMs (e.g., computer vision, robotics, edge AI, AI in healthcare, finance, logistics) offer competitive salaries:

Entry-level (0–2 years): $80,000 – $120,000
Mid-level (3–5 years): $120,000 – $160,000
Senior-level (6–9 years): $150,000 – $200,000
Lead/Principal AI Engineers: $180,000 – $250,000+
Specialized Roles (e.g., AI Researcher in Computer Vision): Up to $300,000 with bonuses

💡 Note: These ranges vary based on industry, location, and company size.

Key Roles and Their Typical Salaries

Here are common AI job titles outside LLMs and their average annual base salaries:

Job Title	Average Salary (2025)
Computer Vision Engineer	$140,000 – $190,000
Robotics AI Engineer	$135,000 – $185,000
AI/ML Engineer in Healthcare	$130,000 – $175,000
AI Engineer (Edge Devices)	$125,000 – $170,000
AI Systems Architect	$160,000 – $220,000
AI in Finance (Quant/ML Modeling)	$150,000 – $230,000+
Autonomous Systems Engineer	$140,000 – $200,000
AI Operations/Deployment Engineer	$110,000 – $150,000

Factors That Influence AI Salaries

Several elements determine how much AI professionals can earn:

1. Experience Level

More experience equates to higher pay and faster promotions.
Senior AI professionals often receive bonuses and equity.

2. Industry Sector

High-paying sectors: Finance, defense, healthcare, and autonomous vehicles.
Moderate-paying sectors: Retail, logistics, and edtech.

3. Location

Salaries are highest in the U.S. (especially San Francisco, Seattle, Boston), followed by parts of Europe and Asia.
Remote jobs can offer competitive global salaries with flexibility.

4. Educational Background

PhDs in AI, robotics, or neuroscience can command higher salaries.
A strong M.S. in AI/ML or computer science is often sufficient with the right portfolio.

5. Certifications and Skills

Skills in PyTorch, TensorFlow, C++, CUDA, ROS, and computer vision libraries (OpenCV, YOLO, etc.) are in high demand.
Certifications in AI/ML from Google, AWS, or NVIDIA boost earning potential.

Net Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary (Example)

While gross salary is important, understanding take-home pay is essential:

Gross Salary: $103,000/year
Estimated Deductions (USA example):
- Federal Tax: ~$15,000
- State Tax (varies): ~$2,000–$5,000
- Social Security & Medicare: ~$7,800
- Benefits (health, 401k): ~$6,000
Net Take-Home Pay: ~$75,000–$78,000/year

This varies by country and benefits package.

Job Market Trends for AI Roles Beyond LLMs

📈 High Demand: Robotics, healthcare diagnostics, and autonomous vehicles are hiring rapidly.
🧠 Rise of Edge AI: Devices running AI locally (phones, drones, cars) are opening new job markets.
🌍 Global Talent Pool: Hybrid and remote roles are more common, increasing competition but also access.
🏥 Healthcare & Biotech: AI in drug discovery and diagnostics is growing faster than in LLMs.

Certifications and Degrees That Improve Salary Prospects

Recommended Degrees

B.S./M.S. in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, etc.
Ph.D. in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or domain-specific AI applications

Certifications

NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute: Computer vision, edge AI
Google TensorFlow Developer: Recognized in industry
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
MIT AI & Robotics Professional Certificate (online)

Benefits of Working in AI Outside LLMs

✅ Diverse Applications: From autonomous drones to medical imaging
✅ Impactful Work: Real-world deployment and tangible outcomes
✅ Job Stability: Broader application means lower risk of hype cycles
✅ High Salaries + Equity: Especially in startups and tech leaders

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Non-LLM AI Careers

In 2025, AI jobs beyond LLMs are not only in demand but often offer better long-term prospects. With specialization in robotics, healthcare, or autonomous systems, professionals can earn high salaries, enjoy job stability, and work on world-changing technology. Upskilling with the right certifications and staying current with trends is key to maximizing both income and career potential.