How to become an AI engineer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integral to businesses across industries, and AI engineers oversee its successful development, application, and management. Discover more about this in-demand career and learn how you can enter the field with an online education.
Browse online AI engineering programs and courses
What is an AI engineer?
AI engineers are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing systems for data analysis, application development, machine learning, and more.
Other responsibilities may include:
- Algorithm design
- Data processing management
- Machine learning development and administration
- Systems and network setup and supervision
However, there's more to being a successful AI engineer than just programming, app design, and data management. You must also be a problem solver and a critical thinker. Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with others are essential.
Steps to become an AI engineer
With enough training and hands-on experience, it's possible to land a career in artificial intelligence without a degree. However, some employers may only consider candidates with relevant formal education.
Step 1: Earn an undergraduate degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, data science, or software engineering can help you build the technical skills needed to become an AI engineer.
AI engineering courses in four-year bachelor's programs may cover topics such as:
- Cloud computing
- Data structures
- Data analysis
- Deep learning
- Machine learning
- Programming languages (including Python, C++, Java, and R)
- Project planning
Step 2: Consider earning a graduate degree in computer science, machine learning, or a related field
A bachelor's degree can help you get your foot in the door of an AI career. However, pursuing an advanced degree can equip you with additional skills and open up leadership opportunities. An advanced degree can also benefit your career by:
- Allowing you to specialize in a specific field
- Increasing your earning potential
- Helping you stand out from the competition
When researching master's programs in artificial intelligence, consider options that include coursework in machine learning, deep learning, programming languages, and algorithm development.
Step 3: Gain practical AI experience
AI engineers may benefit from hands-on experience with concepts such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Employers often seek candidates with 1-3 years of relevant AI experience.
You can gain experience by participating in internships, engaging in research, developing AI-powered applications, working on personal projects, or contributing to open-source projects.
Step 4: Consider pursuing a professional certificate in AI
Many schools and organizations, such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Nvidia, offer online AI certificates. A certificate can complement your graduate education by demonstrating your knowledge of a particular specialty.
Get started on edX
Ready to take the next step toward a career in AI engineering? Explore AI courses, bachelor's degrees in computer science, and master's programs on edX today.
AI engineer vs. AI developer
There is some overlap between AI engineers and developers, but these careers are not identical.
Both roles require strong communication and problem-solving skills as well as knowledge of programming languages and application programming interfaces (APIs). However, they differ in the following ways:
| Criteria | AI engineer | AI developer |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Establishes AI system frameworks, considers scalability, and manages the implementation of AI solutions. | Codes, tests, and optimizes AI models and algorithms. |
| Skills | Extensive knowledge of cloud computing, AI architecture, and infrastructure tools (e.g., TensorFlow). | Extensive knowledge of programming languages, such as Python and C++. |
| Responsibilities | Projects may include designing AI systems for large-scale use, such as self-driving cars, task-performing robots, and analytics tools for healthcare. | Projects may include creating customer service chatbots, recommendation systems, and voice assistants. |
How much can you make as an AI engineer?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't offer specific salary data for AI engineers, but it does provide information on computer and information research scientists, which may include relevant salary information.
The median salary in 2024 for computer and information research scientists was $140,910. The highest 10% of workers in this field earned more than $232,120, while the lowest 10% earned $80,670 or less.
Note that salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, and industry. Among the most common industries, workers in software publishing earned the highest median annual wage ($237,990), while computer systems design and related services earned the second-highest ($166,620). The lowest-earning industry was colleges, universities, and professional schools ($85,290).
The Bureau projects that employment for computer and information research scientists will grow by 17% from 2023-33, which is much faster than the projected 4% average for all occupations.