Machine learning entails creating and using computer systems that can adapt and learn from statistical models and algorithms, even without being provided with explicit directions. In Philadelphia, machine learning is rapidly growing in popularity and importance across different city sectors, including government, urban planning, crime prevention, and education. Policymakers in the city are actively working on implementing machine learning and AI solutions to help tackle the unique challenges facing the city.
With the help of machine learning, energy consumption patterns in the city can be analyzed. This sheds insights into how these patterns may shift as neighborhoods evolve and also helps the city take important steps toward meeting its goals for greenhouse gas emissions. The Office of Innovation and Technology is implementing AI technology to address important issues facing the city such as air quality management and communication lines with citizens. Researchers in Philadelphia are employing machine learning techniques for crime data analysis, which helps them predict which locations will be hotspots for future crime and allocate police resources accordingly. A recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia showed that machine learning also has applications for analyzing credit data and helping to spot more equitable lending practices, which is beneficial for lower-income communities in the region.
Industries in Philadelphia That Use Machine Learning
Many Philadelphia industries benefit from machine learning techniques. The following list will take a closer look at the integral role machine learning plays in several city industries:
- Philadelphia has been known as a global hub for healthcare since the 1700s, from the time of Colonial America until today. Some of the country’s top medical schools and teaching hospitals are in the city. In healthcare, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia works with AI and machine learning techniques to scour medical records. This technology also has applications for uncovering information in clinical notes to help healthcare providers match patient symptoms with particular genetic epilepsies.
- In urban planning, machine learning has helped Philadelphia take important steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also sheds insights into the role zoning plays in managing energy use in buildings.
- Philadelphia’s financial sector is another key player in the local economy. The Business and Financial Services Sector, which includes real estate, insurance, and finance, employs 17% of the city’s workforce (112,000 jobs). Machine learning helps financial professionals work with probability statistics and historical data to identify risk and create appropriate strategies to manage this risk.
- Philadelphia is also home to a robust manufacturing industry that employs a significant portion of its workforce. The city is known for advanced manufacturing capabilities in fields like food processing, aerospace, and biopharmaceuticals. Those who work in advanced manufacturing in Philadelphia rely on machine learning to perform predictive maintenance, optimize supply chains, forecast demand, and automate processes.
Machine Learning Career Paths & Salary Ranges in Philadelphia
According to recent data from Motion Recruitment, the machine learning and AI scene in Philadelphia is booming. The region is currently ranked 18th in the U.S. for tech jobs (235,000).
Career paths in machine learning in Philadelphia are plentiful and provide competitive salaries.
According to Glassdoor, Machine Learning Engineers in the city make about $146,000-$156,000 a year. Software Engineers earn $112,000-$122,000 annually. Data Scientists in the city make $133,000-$143,000. Natural Language Processing Research Scientists earn an average pay rate of $143,000-$153,000 yearly, and their total pay with benefits can reach $205,000 or more a year.
Machine Learning Employers in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has many diverse professional opportunities for machine learning professionals, ranging from new startups to established multinational corporations. The following are several employers in this region interested in acquiring machine learning talent:
- Financial institutions like Capital One and The PNC Financial Services Group have large data analytics and data science teams.
- Machine learning professionals are in-demand with Comcast, a key player in the media and entertainment industry.
- In pharmaceuticals and healthcare, health tech companies like Pfizer rely on machine learning to improve patient diagnostics and care and discover new drugs.
- Accenture, PwC, and other consulting firms in Philadelphia are interested in acquiring machine learning specialists to help supply clients with data-driven solutions.
- Philadelphia companies that focus on data analytics and data science, including NovaData Solutions LLC and ZoomInfo, are interested in hiring machine learning professionals to provide analytics solutions and data-driven insights.
Regional Machine Learning & Technology Trends in Philadelphia
The tech and AI sectors in Philadelphia are currently undergoing rapid growth. This includes initiatives like Penn’s PASS educator training, the AI-driven SEPTA bus late enforcement efforts, and St. Joseph’s AI robots for autism. Additionally, the government in Pennsylvania has recently incorporated an AI pilot that has saved staff members an estimated 95 minutes per day. The city of Philadelphia has a $92 billion startup ecosystem and is currently expanding its arts-tech education programs, which also reflect the city’s commitment to technological advancement.
The tech and AI sectors in Philadelphia are embarking on a new phase, as city initiatives, policies, and educational partnerships drive innovation. Pennsylvania lawmakers are partnering with industry leaders to help the state transform into an “AI powerhouse” and ensure that the technologies being created and adopted have pragmatic applications. For example, trolley and bus lanes in Philadelphia will soon be monitored by AI-enabled cameras to alleviate congestion and prevent illegal parking. Several months ago, schools in Philadelphia partnered with Penn’s Graduate School of Education to provide training in AI for local educators so they can design creative and responsible classrooms.
Philadelphia is also experiencing rapid growth in fields like cloud computing and cybersecurity. By 2028, the city is expected to see a 30% growth in the cybersecurity market. There’s currently a high demand for cybersecurity professionals in the city to safeguard cloud data and tackle ever-evolving cyber threats. Cloud computing is also experiencing significant growth in Philadelphia, as companies continue to invest in cloud infrastructure and solutions. The need for cloud specialists and engineers is expected to continue to increase in the foreseeable future.
More companies than ever are placing value on job applicants’ skills rather than the degree they hold, which has opened a range of career paths for those who acquire tech training by attending online courses or bootcamps. Additionally, hybrid employment options are becoming more common in Philadelphia, which has helped the city acquire machine learning talent.