Position Overview
The AI Security field offers a diverse range of positions at various career levels. Each role requires a specific set of skills and offers different responsibilities and growth opportunities. Below, we explore key positions across the entry, mid, advanced, and executive levels.
| Position | Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| AI Security Analyst | Entry | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| AI Data Security Specialist | Entry | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| AI Security Engineer | Mid | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| AI Penetration Tester | Mid | $115,000 - $145,000 |
| AI Security Architect | Advanced | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| AI Security Governance Manager | Advanced | $130,000 - $170,000 |
| Chief AI Security Officer | Executive | $180,000 - $250,000 |
Entry-Level Positions
AI Security Analyst
Responsibilities:
- Monitor AI systems for security anomalies
- Perform basic risk assessments
- Assist with implementing security controls
- Document security incidents and responses
- Support compliance and audit activities
Required Skills:
- Basic understanding of AI/ML concepts
- Foundational cybersecurity knowledge
- Basic programming skills (Python)
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and documentation skills
Education & Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Quick Facts
Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000
Career Level: Entry
Growth Potential: High
Remote Options: Available
AI Data Security Specialist
Responsibilities:
- Protect data used in AI/ML systems
- Implement data privacy controls
- Monitor for data leakage and poisoning
- Assist with data governance compliance
- Support secure data pipeline development
Required Skills:
- Understanding of data structures and databases
- Knowledge of data privacy regulations
- Familiarity with data encryption techniques
- Basic understanding of AI training processes
- Attention to detail and analytical skills
Education & Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
- IBM AI Security Professional Certificate
Quick Facts
Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000
Career Level: Entry
Growth Potential: High
Remote Options: Available
Mid-Level Positions
AI Security Engineer
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement AI security controls
- Secure the entire AI lifecycle
- Conduct security testing of AI systems
- Develop secure coding practices for AI
- Respond to and mitigate security incidents
Required Skills:
- Strong programming skills (Python, TensorFlow)
- In-depth knowledge of AI/ML vulnerabilities
- Experience with security frameworks
- Understanding of DevSecOps practices
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
Education & Certification:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, AI, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty
Quick Facts
Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000
Career Level: Mid
Growth Potential: High
Remote Options: Available
AI Penetration Tester
Responsibilities:
- Test AI systems for vulnerabilities
- Develop attack scenarios for AI models
- Attempt model poisoning and evasion
- Document findings and recommend fixes
- Research emerging AI attack vectors
Required Skills:
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Understanding of adversarial machine learning
- Experience with AI frameworks and libraries
- Creative problem-solving approach
- Strong technical writing and reporting
Education & Certification:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Quick Facts
Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000
Career Level: Mid
Growth Potential: High
Remote Options: Available
Advanced Positions
AI Security Architect
Responsibilities:
- Design comprehensive AI security architectures
- Develop security standards for AI systems
- Lead security reviews of AI implementations
- Advise on security for emerging AI technologies
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of AI security risks
- Experience with enterprise architecture
- Advanced knowledge of security frameworks
- Leadership and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and planning
Education & Certification:
- Master's degree in Computer Science, AI, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Certified AI Security Professional (AISP)
- SANS GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
Quick Facts
Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000
Career Level: Advanced
Growth Potential: High
Remote Options: Available
Executive Positions
Chief AI Security Officer (CAISO)
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement AI security strategy
- Oversee AI security operations and governance
- Manage AI security budget and resources
- Report on AI security to board and C-suite
- Ensure regulatory compliance for AI systems
Required Skills:
- Executive leadership experience
- Strategic vision for AI security
- Deep understanding of business impact
- Risk management expertise
- Strong communication and influence skills
Education & Certification:
- Master's or PhD in Computer Science, AI, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Quick Facts
Salary Range: $180,000 - $250,000+
Career Level: Executive
Growth Potential: Board positions
Remote Options: Hybrid
Ready to Start Your AI Security Career Journey?
Explore our resources and find your personalized path forward.
Position Categories
Find Your Path
Not sure which position is right for you? Explore our audience-specific guides:
Resources
Access helpful resources to support your career journey:
Certification Pathways Learning Resources Downloadable Materials