Machine learning is behind the content in your social media feed and the movies that are recommended to you on streaming services like Netflix. Beyond everyday applications, machine learning is also used to improve health and science by analyzing large biological datasets to create new medicines.
The machine learning field is growing, and there is a need for innovative individuals to lead the discoveries of the future. Have you ever wondered where a master’s degree in Computational Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CoBB) will take you? Read on to learn more about careers in machine learning.
What is machine learning?
Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence. It uses computers to detect patterns in large datasets and then makes predictions from those patterns. This pattern recognition enables machine learning models to make predictions without explicit coding instructions. In this way, it mimics how humans learn and make decisions.
What jobs are available in this field?
Machine learning careers are available in a variety of different fields. Many roles are related to engineering, data science, computer science or medical research. Experts in machine learning are needed to research, build and design machine learning systems for AI.
Possible job titles include:
- Machine learning engineer
- AI engineer
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Deep learning engineer
What is the salary and career outlook?
LinkedIn ranked AI and machine learning engineers as the fastest growing profession in the United States for their 2026 Jobs on the Rise list. There has been a 23% rise in machine learning job postings over the last five years. This surge in jobs reflects the growing adoption of machine learning across sectors, from healthcare to technology.
The average salary for machine learning engineers in the United States is $187,529 per year, and the highest paid machine learning engineers can make $315,000 per year.
What skills are needed to succeed?
The following skills are important for machine learning engineers to perform their duties effectively:
- Programming (proficiency in languages like Python, R or Java for coding)
- Math skills (solid understanding of algebra and calculus to create algorithms)
- Data management (capacity to process, clean and transform datasets)
- Algorithmic understanding (awareness of machine learning approaches)
- Effective communication (ability to clearly articulate complex concepts)
How do I become a machine learning engineer?
Machine learning engineers need to develop strong foundations in programming, math and software engineering. With courses like Machine Learning for Biomedical Applications and AI for Biomedical Informatics, the CoBB program offers students the opportunity to build this foundation.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career?
The Computational Biomedicine and Biotechnology master’s degree program at Pitt equips students with the skillset needed to land a career in machine learning. With hands-on courses that teach students how to code and think critically, the program helps candidates stand out in their job search. Apply today.