Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it has become an indispensable part of modern life, influencing industries and individuals alike. From revolutionizing business operations to shaping personal experiences, AI is transforming how we work, interact, and innovate. However, as AI becomes more pervasive, the importance of regulation and standardization also grows, ensuring that this powerful technology is used ethically and responsibly. In this article, we explore AI's professional impact, the key roles in the AI domain, and the role of frameworks like the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001 in fostering accountability and excellence.

Key Roles in AI and Salary Ranges

As organizations integrate AI into their workflows, new roles are emerging to meet the demand for AI expertise. While there are considerable competence requirements for these jobs, one does not necessarily need to be a high-level technical expert to find employment opportunities in the field of AI. Many of the AI related jobs are related to ethics and governance, where education in social sciences and professional certifications can be of great relevance. Some notable AI related jobs include:

1. Machine Learning Engineer: Develops machine learning models for applications like natural language processing or computer vision.
   *Salary range*: $50,000 - $200,000+ per year.[3]
2. Data Scientist: Collects, analyzes, and interprets complex data to support decision-making and business strategies.
   Salary range: $30,000 - $180,000+ per year.
3. AI Research Scientist: Conducts research to advance the state of AI technology, focusing on algorithm development and innovation.
   Salary range: $60,000 - $250,000+ per year.
4. AI Product Manager: Oversees the development, marketing, and lifecycle of AI-driven products.
   Salary range: $40,000 - $180,000+ per year.
5. AI Compliance Specialist: Ensures AI systems comply with legal and ethical standards, such as the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001.
   Salary range: $80,000 - $150,000+ per year.
6. AI Management System Implementer/Auditor: These are often consultation roles that are contract-based auditing or implementation needs of organizations.
   Commission range: $200- $2,000+ per day.

*Please note due to varying levels of economic development across nations, salary ranges for AI-related jobs can be quite broad. However, it's important to note that these positions consistently rank among the highest-paying jobs in any region worldwide.

The Role of the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001 in AI Governance

The rapid advancement of AI technologies has prompted the need for clear regulatory frameworks and standards to ensure ethical development and use. Two major developments addressing this need are the EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001:

1. The EU AI Act: This groundbreaking regulation classifies AI systems based on their risk level—unacceptable, high, limited, or minimal—and provides guidelines for their development and deployment. High-risk AI applications, such as those used in healthcare and transportation, are required to undergo strict assessments for transparency, accountability, and compliance. The Act ensures that AI technologies respect fundamental rights like privacy, non-discrimination, and safety.[4]
2. ISO/IEC 42001: This international standard specifies the requirements for an AI Management System, offering organizations a structured framework to ensure responsible AI governance. By focusing on ethical principles such as fairness, accountability, and transparency, ISO 42001 helps organizations manage risks, conduct AI impact assessments, and align their practices with global best standards.[5]

Both the EU AI Act and ISO 42001 highlight the growing importance of AI compliance specialists, risk assessment experts, and AI auditors—roles critical for organizations aiming to align with these frameworks.

Conclusion

AI is a transformative force, reshaping industries and personal lives alike. However, its rapid growth necessitates robust governance frameworks and ethical guidelines. Professionals can seize opportunities in this evolving landscape by acquiring specialized skills and certifications, ensuring their relevance in the AI-driven world. By adopting standards like ISO/IEC 42001 and adhering to regulations like the EU AI Act, organizations can position themselves as leaders in responsible AI development and use.

Similarly, professionals can greatly benefit by enhancing their career prospects with relevant certifications in the field of AI. TRECCERT provides ISO/IEC 42001 AI Management System training and certification programs that are suitable for all levels, including the Practitioner level, most suitable for beginners and provides an overview of the standard, to Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor programs that are suitable for those that want to make a career in this field. Together, these efforts pave the way for a future where AI drives innovation while upholding human values and rights.

[1] McKinsey Global Institute Report (2021), "The State of AI in Business."

[2] Pew Research Center (2023), "AI in Everyday Life."

[3] LinkedIn Jobs Insights (2023), "The Rise of AI Careers."

[4] European Commission (2021), "Proposal for the AI Act."

[5] ISO (2023), "ISO/IEC 42001: AI Management System Standard."