What Does an AI Ethicist Do?

Key takeaways

Artificial intelligence (AI) ethicists consider the implications of AI, exploring its potential misuse, environmental impact, and value alignment.

• Jobs in AI ethics, such as roles as a data privacy lead or ethicist, can earn a median total pay ranging from $98,000 to $186,000, according to Glassdoor [1, 2].

• Ethical concerns related to AI include potential discrimination, plagiarism, intellectual property rights infringement, misinformation, and privacy and surveillance concerns. 

• You can prepare for a career as an AI ethicist by earning a degree in a field like computer science and building skills in AI technology, public speaking, and framework development.

Learn more about artificial intelligence ethicists, what experience and background you need to qualify for the role, and the median annual total salary. If you’re ready to develop your AI skills, consider enrolling in DeepLearning.AI’s AI for Good Specialization. In as little as four weeks, you’ll have the chance to learn how to analyze data and build AI models. Upon completion, you’ll have developed in-depth knowledge that can benefit you in an AI ethicist role.

What is an AI ethicist?

An AI ethicist helps address the ethical questions and implications of using artificial intelligence within an organization. In this role, you typically work in a corporate responsibility department. AI ethicists consider the legal, social, and moral implications of AI and other information technologies and then prepare presentations or reports addressing those implications. As an AI ethicist, you consider the potential consequences of AI, including environmental impact, technology misuse, value alignment, and transparency. 

Why do ethics matter in AI?

Ethics matter in AI because the far-reaching implications of the technology have yet to be regulated and may raise ethical concerns like reinforcing structural biases, especially when it comes to subjects like health care, creditworthiness, or employment. Because AI is yet to be federally managed, private companies are typically responsible for creating and deploying AI systems. This means that if those companies have particular structural biases, the AI system might reinforce those biases to the detriment of users. Any ethical concerns not addressed by the creators tend to become ethical flaws in the AI system, and when these systems are making decisions about sensitive subjects such as health care, creditworthiness, or employment, then it’s vital to ensure the people making these decisions do so ethically.

Read more: AI Ethics: What It Is, Why It Matters, and More

What are some of the ethical concerns about AI?

AI ethicists help monitor the ethical concerns about AI, including inaccurate replies, fabricated answers, and inherent biases, which can have negative consequences on society as a whole. Some of these concerns include:

• Discriminatory biases

• Plagiarism

• Infringement of intellectual property rights

• Dispersion of misinformation

• Privacy and surveillance issues

What does an AI ethicist do?

Artificial intelligence ethicists are the leading experts on potential ethical issues and concerns associated with AI implementation. In this role, you help to lead businesses with robust regulatory frameworks that address the social and ethical concerns that may occur within AI technology. You inform leadership about potential issues, the risks those issues might involve, and how to best avoid any ethical problems throughout the artificial intelligence lifecycle.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specific tasks and responsibilities of an AI ethicist depend on your specific industry, field, and employer, but some typical expectations of the role include:

• Conducting reviews of AI systems for ethical issues before deployment

• Creating compliance processes and internal guidance to mitigate harm

• Collaborating with other professionals to include moral boundaries in AI design

• Establishing standards for ethical AI development

• Participating in continuing education for current AI trends

• Educating and training others on ethical AI practices

AI ethicist jobs: Required skills

As an AI ethicist, you must have a well-rounded background to address the many factors of AI ethics. Some of these skills may include the following technical and workplace skills.

Technical skills

Some of the technical skills of an AI ethicist role include:

• AI technology skills

• Computer science skills

• Public speaking skills

• Framework development skills

Workplace skills

Some of the workplace skills of an AI ethicist role include:

• Strong communication skills

• Strong collaborative skills

• Analytical and critical thinking skills

AI ethicist salary: How much do AI ethicists earn?

AI ethics is a growing career area, meaning the job outlook is exciting and full of potential. Because AI ethicist roles are newer, they often fall under other job titles that still encapsulate the same tasks and responsibilities. For example, some AI ethicists are called data privacy leads, also called compliance analysts. According to Glassdoor, data privacy leads earn a median total pay of $98,000 [1]. Additionally, the median total pay for ethicists in the US is $186,000 per year [2]. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Is AI a high-paid job?

Yes, many jobs in AI command six-figure salaries. High-paying roles in AI include machine learning engineer with a median total pay of $159,000 [3], AI engineer with a median total pay of $140,000 [4], and data scientist with a median total pay of $154,000 [5]. Other well-paid jobs in AI include computer vision engineer, software engineer, research scientist, and natural language processing engineer.

How to become an AI ethicist: AI ethicist career path

The AI ethicist career path is an eclectic one. This role is new and evolving, as are the standards and expectations. It’s typically expected that you have a well-rounded educational background that may include advanced degrees to successfully meet the various demands of the profession. A diverse perspective, work experience across several disciplines, public speaking and training experience, and a strong background in policy development all contribute to an ideal candidate.

Once you’ve developed a varied background, joining AI forums, attending network events, and going to conferences and workshops to seek out opportunities and build relationships are helpful. AI ethics, and AI in general, are constantly changing, so pursuing an AI ethicist career role now is an exciting opportunity to be part of this emerging field and help shape its future.

Education and training

Typically, you need a robust educational background to be an AI ethicist. A four-year degree in a subject such as philosophy, computer science, or ethics can be a solid foundational choice. Many AI ethicists also pursue advanced degrees, often in AI ethics or another specialized topic. Hands-on experience is also helpful for success in this role. Consider seeking internships or participating in ethics research projects to continue your education. 

Discover free AI resources for your career

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• Build your knowledge: Artificial Intelligence Glossary: Learn AI Vocabulary 

• Access career advice: 3 Tips from a Google AI Research Director 

• Watch on YouTube: What Is Generative AI?

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