In their twenties, individuals amass million-dollar annual income through AI: Unveiling the beginnings of budding talents due to artificial intelligence

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, a new wave of opportunities is sweeping across the industry, particularly for young professionals with a knack for artificial intelligence (AI). Companies like Databricks, Scale AI, and Google-backed startup CTGT are actively seeking "AI-native" specialists, many of whom are just starting their careers.

At Scale AI, the HR director, Ashli Shiftan, expressed a clear intention to hire "AI-native" specialists, with a significant portion of their workforce under the age of 25. This trend is not unique to Scale AI; the average employee age at CTGT is just 21 years old.

Cyril Gorlla, the 23-year-old co-founder of CTGT, is a testament to the youthful energy driving these AI startups. The demand for specialists in machine learning is so high that fresh graduates from schools and colleges can expect starting salaries of around $200,000 per year at leading AI companies, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The recruitment firm Burtch Works reported that the AI field saw the highest salary increases among all levels of experience between 2024 and 2025. Entry-level salaries in leading AI companies exceed $200,000, and some young employees with just two years of professional experience, including stock packages, are already earning over $1 million per year.

This career boom for young AI talents is not limited to a few companies. Startups like Aleph Alpha, Merantix, n8n, Zeit AI, and OpenAI, founded by professionals active in AI research, are also targeting "AI-native" professionals. These startups, including CTGT, were founded as recently as 2019 and 2010, yet they are making a significant impact in the AI industry.

Moreover, people with AI experience are promoted to leadership positions about twice as fast as their colleagues in other tech areas. This rapid progression is not only attracting young professionals to the field but also retaining them.

The demand for AI specialists is not slowing down anytime soon. As AI applications continue to permeate various sectors, the need for young, talented professionals with a deep understanding of AI will only grow. The future looks bright for those who are "AI-native."