How to become an AI engineer
AI engineers oversee the development, application, and management of AI for organizations and businesses. Discover more about this in-demand career, and learn how you can enter the field with an online education.
What is an AI engineer?
AI engineers are responsible for developing, implementing, and managing systems for data analysis, application development, machine learning, and other related tasks.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Algorithm design
- Data processing management
- Machine learning development and administration
- Systems and network setup and supervision
However, being a successful AI engineer requires more than programming, designing algorithms, 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. If you lead an AI implementation team, you can also benefit from project management and leadership skills.
How much do AI engineers earn?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not offer specific salary data for AI engineers, but it does provide information on computer and information research scientists.
In 2024, the median salary for computer and information research scientists was $140,910. The highest 10% earned over $232,120, while the lowest 10% earned $80,670 or less. Salaries vary by experience, education, location, and industry.
The Bureau projects employment for computer and information research scientists will grow by 20% from 2024 to 2034, significantly faster than the 3% average for all occupations.
How to become an AI engineer
With training and hands-on experience, it's possible to forge a career in artificial intelligence even if you don't have a degree. However, some employers may only consider candidates with relevant formal education.
Step 1: Explore the field of AI and computer engineering through an online course
In our spring 2025 survey, more than 50% of respondents said AI skills were important for remaining competitive in their careers. If you're among those who want to explore AI but aren't sure where to start, edX AI courses may be the answer.
If you want to deepen your knowledge, you can stack multiple related AI courses into a professional certificate in the fundamentals of AI. An edX program can help you build AI skills and determine if this career path is a good fit for you without the time and financial commitment of a traditional degree program.
Step 1: Explore the field of AI and computer engineering through an online course
In our spring 2025 survey, more than 50% of respondents said AI skills were important for remaining competitive in their careers. If you're among those who want to explore AI but aren't sure where to start, edX AI courses may be the answer.
If you want to deepen your knowledge, you can stack multiple related AI courses into a professional certificate in the fundamentals of AI. An edX program can help you build AI skills and determine if this career path is a good fit for you without the time and financial commitment of a traditional degree program.
Programs that can prepare you for an AI engineering role
What do you need to work as an AI engineer?
Technical skills
- Computer programming
- Data analysis
- Data management
- Machine learning
- Full-stack development
Soft skills
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
Required education
AI engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field.
"Being a computer scientist, it is very important to stay up to date with new technologies in that field. With edX, I have full control of my own training program. I have tried other ways to stay current with technology, including other online courses, but have found my edX courses to be most effective. The level is quite high, so you don't get bored, and the homework makes sure you get the hands-on experience."
— Sandy Van den Borne | Antwerp, Belgium | BerkeleyX, Descriptive Statistics and Software as a Service
Software engineering industry insights
AI engineering and other AI-related careers are rapidly emerging fields that were nearly unheard of a few years ago. Now, the field of AI is growing much faster than other occupations. Jobs across occupations are projected to grow by 3% between 2024 and 2034.
Yet, the BLS projects jobs for computer and information research scientists to grow by 20% and positions for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers to grow by 15% during this period. This growth is at least partially due to the increased demand for AI tools and automation software.
AI engineer salaries, by industry
| Industry | Annual median wage (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Software publishers | $237,990 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $166,620 |
| Research development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | $153,430 |
| Federal government | $123,340 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools | $85,290 |
Explore top AI engineer salaries by state
Find out how much AI engineers make in your state.
AI engineer career track
AI engineering is a relatively new field, emerging just within the last few years. As a result, many AI engineers have generalist computer engineering skills and specialize in artificial intelligence through courses, certificate programs, and hands-on experience. Like other software engineers, AI engineers build, test, and evaluate software, focusing on AI and automation systems.
Even entry-level AI engineering roles often require prior experience in general computer programming, data analysis, and software engineering. Some employers require or prefer a master's degree in computer science or a related subject for these roles.
After you get more experience building and evaluating AI software programs, you can advance to management positions, guide AI strategy, and lead teams of junior engineers.
Early career roles
1-4 years
- Junior software engineer
- Junior engineer
- Junior machine learning engineer
Mid-career roles
5-10 years
- Machine learning engineer
- AI evaluations engineer
- AI applications engineer
Late career roles
11-15 years
- AI engineer manager
- Principal AI engineer
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. |
Launch your career in AI engineering