Many business leaders are asking the same question: What is an AI specialist, and do we really need one on our team? Because artificial intelligence, from companies such as OpenAI to Google, is transforming industries from law and healthcare to marketing and logistics, AI specialists are becoming some of the most sought-after professionals in technology.
Moreover, AI is changing the nature of work, with workers having to adapt rapidly to the changes. However, for employers, before hiring one, it’s worth understanding exactly what they do, how they differ from other AI experts, and whether your company will benefit from having one.
What Is an AI Specialist and Why Are They in Demand?
At the core, an AI specialist is a professional who develops, implements, and manages systems powered by artificial intelligence. These systems can learn from data, identify patterns, and make intelligent decisions without constant human input.
But what is an AI specialist beyond the textbook definition? They are problem-solvers who blend technology, strategy, and human insight. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Emerging Jobs Report, demand for AI-related roles has surged by over 70% year over year, reflecting how integral AI has become to modern business.
AI specialists often collaborate with AI engineers and AI data specialists to create systems that enhance productivity, predict customer behavior, and automate decision-making. As Fei-Fei Li, co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, puts it: “AI is not just about algorithms; it’s about improving human life through intelligent design.” From healthcare diagnostics to financial fraud detection, AI specialists turn vast data sets into meaningful, measurable outcomes.
What Is an AI Specialist vs. an AI Engineer?
The terms AI specialist and AI engineer are often used interchangeably; nevertheless, their functions differ. An AI engineer focuses primarily on the technical side, coding algorithms, building machine-learning frameworks, and deploying models into production environments.
They’re the hands-on builders of the AI world. An AI specialist, on the other hand, often bridges the gap between technology and business strategy. They understand both data science and decision-making, translating complex AI concepts into actions that drive growth.
A 2023 Deloitte report revealed that 42% of business leaders struggle to understand how AI fits into their strategy. This is precisely where an AI specialist adds value: by aligning AI solutions with fundamental business objectives, they ensure that what’s being built isn’t just innovative, it’s impactful.
Therefore, while an AI engineer might develop the tool, an AI specialist ensures that the tool serves a clear purpose within your organization. Having the knowledge and skills to deal with advanced systems is somewhat less important if the person can’t effectively communicate with the rest of the team or their peers. After all, having good communication skills is key to building relationships, primarily when people work on the same project, so that the goals of the company can be reached.
Communication skills are essential because they are fundamental for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving goals in both personal and professional life. These skills enhance teamwork, productivity, and employee morale in the workplace, while also fostering trust, deeper connections, and better problem-solving in personal relationships.
Communication Skills and the AI Specialist
When people imagine an AI specialist, they often think of a technical genius writing code or analyzing algorithms. Yet one of the most overlooked traits of successful AI specialists is communication skills. Good communication skills can enhance teamwork, increase staff morale, and improve the team’s productivity. Barriers to communications, on the flip side, do the opposite. These can lead to distrust and poor personal relationships. As a manager and business owner, the goal is to hire talent that will be able to communicate effectively, to avoid the negative aspects of poor communication.
The fact is that AI projects often fail not because of poor technology, but because of poor communication between technical and non-technical teams—according to the World Economic Forum. The 2025 Future Job Report lists communication and analytical thinking among the top future skills for AI professionals.
An effective AI specialist must clearly explain complex ideas to executives, marketers, or clients who may not have technical backgrounds. As Harvard’s Amy Edmondson notes, “Technical knowledge alone doesn’t create progress, collaboration does.” Strong communication enables trust, and trust drives the adoption of AI within organizations. Without it, even the most advanced system can sit unused.
What Is an AI Specialist’s Role in Strategic Decision-Making?
To truly understand what an AI specialist is, you must see them as more than a data expert; they’re strategic advisors. AI specialists identify where artificial intelligence can make the most significant impact, whether in improving customer experience, reducing operational costs, or forecasting market trends.
For instance, in retail, AI specialists use predictive analytics to optimize inventory and prevent overstock. In healthcare, they design models that detect early-stage diseases with up to 90% accuracy, according to MIT research. In finance, AI-driven fraud-detection systems now save firms billions each year by flagging suspicious transactions in real time.
However, not every business needs a full-time AI specialist. Smaller companies can leverage no-code AI platforms or hire consultants to explore opportunities before committing to large-scale adoption. The critical factor is readiness. Do you have enough data and a clear goal for AI implementation?
The Value and ROI of Hiring an AI Specialist
When evaluating the cost of hiring an AI specialist, location and work structure matter more than most companies realize. Traditionally, organizations have hired full-time, on-site AI professionals who often command premium salaries, office space, relocation support, and additional benefits. The global average compensation for an on-site AI specialist can reach $140,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on skill level and location.
However, as the global workforce shifts toward hybrid and digital models, a growing number of companies are discovering the advantages of hiring a remote-based AI specialist. These professionals deliver the same technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and strategic insight, but at a significantly lower cost, typically 30–50% less than on-site hires.
The reason isn’t quality; it’s geography. By hiring remotely, businesses can access highly skilled AI specialists from talent-rich markets such as South Africa or Asian regions where living costs are lower but education and technical standards remain world-class.
Taking South Africa as an example: although the number of degree-holding individuals is remarkably lower than their UK or USA counterparts, at around 7% compared to around 37% and 40% respectively, the educational institutions are tightly regulated by governmental ministries. Some, such as the University of Cape Town and the University of the Witwatersrand, are the strongest in Africa, ranking highly internationally, with the University of Cape Town ranking 77th internationally. Although there are fewer degree holders, the degree level is on a par with that of their international peers.
A remote AI specialist can work across time zones, offering around-the-clock data management and AI model development. According to a 2024 Global Talent Trends report, companies using remote AI professionals report up to 25% faster project completion and greater flexibility in scaling AI initiatives.
Moreover, businesses save on overhead, with no need for office space, equipment, or expensive relocation packages. These cost savings can be reinvested in AI tools, data infrastructure, or staff training, compounding the long-term return on investment.
Moreover, business office rental costs can impede the company’s cash flow; for startups, these costs can slow down growth. Some companies have opted to sub-rent. However, shared spaces are not always permitted under the lease agreement, and space itself can become a problem. Deferring the costs by means of outsourcing can reduce these costs, resulting in up to 70% savings for companies, annually.
Crucially, quality doesn’t have to suffer. Many remote AI specialists hold advanced degrees in computer science, data engineering, or machine learning, often working with global clients. With strong communication skills and the use of digital collaboration tools, such specialists can integrate seamlessly with internal teams.
In short, a remote-based AI specialist offers the same innovation and insight as their on-site counterpart, but with higher efficiency, greater scalability, and significantly reduced costs, making them a wise choice for businesses looking to embrace artificial intelligence without overextending their budgets.
What Is an AI Specialist’s Future in the Workplace?
Looking ahead, the role of the AI specialist will only grow in importance. As AI becomes embedded across industries, specialists will move from being optional hires to strategic necessities. Their responsibilities will evolve beyond technical execution toward AI ethics, regulation compliance, and human-AI collaboration.
According to Gartner, by 2027, 80% of enterprises will have AI governance policies in place, and AI specialists will play a key role in shaping them. They’ll ensure that AI tools remain transparent, unbiased, and aligned with human values.
In short, the future of work isn’t just about automation, it’s about augmentation. The best AI specialists will help businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence while maintaining trust and accountability.
Final Thoughts: Does Your Company Really Need an AI Specialist?
Now then, do you know whether your company needs an AI specialist? So that you know, the answer depends on your goals. If your business is data-driven, aims to scale through automation, or wants to stay ahead of technological disruption, then investing in an AI specialist could be transformative.
However, if your data infrastructure is weak or your leadership isn’t yet committed to AI adoption, it may be smarter to start with education, pilot projects, or part-time consulting.
Ultimately, the question of what an AI specialist can offer isn’t just about defining a job. It’s about defining a vision, one in which technology serves humanity, not replaces it. AI specialists are not just coders; they are strategists, communicators, and bridge builders between people and machines.
Because in the new economy, it’s not AI that changes the world, it’s the humans who know how to use it.
