Deep Learning - Career Paths (2026)

Colleagues, implementing a well-defined, forward-thinking career development plan can boost your career and income growth over a 30-year life cycle. According to Straits Research “The global deep learning market size was valued at USD 82.27 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach from USD 110.25 billion in 2025 to USD 1146.06 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 34% during the forecast period (2025-2033)” making DL one of the fastest growing segments in AI. Base salary for a junior DL Engineer is $115,864 according to ZipRecruiter with plenty of upside potential based upon experience and certification/training. Making modest investments in your professional training and certification will reward you with greatly enhanced income potential.

Junior Level (5 years of experience)

• Title(s): Junior Deep Learning Engineer, AI/ML Intern (Deep Learning Focus), Deep Learning Research Assistant

• Sample Training & Certs: Introduction to Deep Learning, Deep Learning - Nanodegree Program

Intermediate (10 years of experience)

• Title(s): Deep Learning Engineer, Computer Vision Engineer, Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer, MLOps Engineer

• Sample Training & Certs: Deep Learning with TensorFlow, Deep Learning with TensorFlow & PyTorch, Deep Learning with Tensorflow, Keras and PyTorch 

Advanced (15 years of experience)

• Title(s): AI/DL Practice Manager, AI/ML/DL Vice President, AI/ML/DL Development Director, Senior Deep Learning Engineer, Deep Learning Solutions Architect, Applied Scientist (Deep Learning), Deep Learning Researcher

• Sample Training & Certs: TensorFlow Developer Professional Certificate, Machine Learning A-Z: AI, Python & R 

Expert (Executive-Refresher) (20 years of experience)

• Title(s): AI/DL Consultant, Director of AI/Deep Learning, Principal Engineer/AI Fellow, Chief AI Scientist

• Sample Training & Certs: TensorFlow for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, 

Note: For a more comprehensive roster of Deep Learning certifications visit Coursera, DeepLearningAI, edX, InformIT, Udacity, Udemy, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Meta.

Deep Learning Specializations, Master Classes and Certifications

• Apply Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)

• Data Structures, Algorithms, and Deep Learning Optimization

• Deep Learning A-Z 2025: Neural Networks, AI & ChatGPT

• Deep Learning - Nanodegree Program

• Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning

• Deep Learning with PyTorch

• Deep Learning Specialization

• Deep Learning with TensorFlow

• Deep Learning with TensorFlow & PyTorch

• Deep Learning with Tensorflow, Keras and PyTorch

• Generative Deep Learning with TensorFlow

• Introduction to Deep Learning

• Machine Vision, GANs, and Deep Reinforcement Learning

• Machine Learning with Python: from Linear Models to Deep Learning

• Machine Learning A-Z: AI, Python & R

• Neural Networks and Deep Learning

• Structuring Deep Learning Projects

• TensorFlow for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning

• TensorFlow Developer Professional Certificate

Get started today (teams & execs are welcome).

Recommended Reading: See the “Transformative Innovation” book series

 

1 - AI Software Engineer: ChatGPT, Bard & Beyond (Audible) (Kindle) 

2 - ChatGPT, Gemini and Llama - The Journey from AI to AGI, ASI and Singularity (Audible) (Kindle)

3 - ChatGPT - The Era of Generative Conversational AI Has Begun (Audible) (Kindle) 

4 - The Race for Quantum Computing (Audible) (Kindle) 

5 - The Upskill Gambit - Discover the 5 Keys to Your Career and Income Security in the Digital Age  (Audible) (Kindle)

Much success in your Deep Learning career journey, (AI Academy) (share with colleagues & friends)