AI Software Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average AI Software Engineer salary lies between USD 116,000 and USD 235,294 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for AI Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with AI Software Engineer job listings are Python, Engineering and Computer Science. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Python | 140 jobs Engineering | 122 jobs Computer Science | 112 jobs Machine Learning | 105 jobs LLMs | 96 jobs Architecture | 87 jobs Research | 72 jobs Generative AI | 70 jobs AWS | 60 jobs Azure | 58 jobs PyTorch | 56 jobs APIs | 53 jobs Testing | 50 jobs Java | 50 jobs TensorFlow | 48 jobs Agile | 46 jobs Kubernetes | 45 jobs Pipelines | 44 jobs Security | 43 jobs GCP | 42 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for AI Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with AI Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 120 jobs Health care | 55 jobs Startup environment | 46 jobs Flex hours | 44 jobs Competitive pay | 37 jobs Equity / stock options | 33 jobs Salary bonus | 33 jobs Team events | 30 jobs Medical leave | 30 jobs Flex vacation | 29 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Parental leave | 16 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Relocation support | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 7 jobs Fertility benefits | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an AI Software Engineer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the compensation package is composed of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. In regions like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living, while bonuses and stock options can form a substantial part of the total compensation. In contrast, companies in smaller markets might offer a lower base salary but compensate with other benefits. Industries such as finance or healthcare might offer higher bonuses compared to startups, which might focus more on equity.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior AI Engineer, AI Architect, or transitioning into management positions like AI Team Lead or Director of AI. Specializing in high-demand areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can also make you more valuable. Additionally, gaining experience in leading projects, contributing to open-source AI projects, or publishing research can enhance your profile. Networking within the industry and seeking opportunities in high-paying sectors like finance or tech giants can also lead to salary growth.

Educational Requirements

Most AI Software Engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles involving complex algorithm development or research. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of machine learning theories and practices, which are crucial for developing innovative AI solutions.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise. Some valuable certifications include:

• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate

These certifications can help you stand out in the job market by showcasing your proficiency in specific AI tools and platforms.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on AI and machine learning projects. Experience in developing and deploying machine learning models, working with large datasets, and using AI frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch is often required. Experience in a specific industry, such as healthcare or finance, can also be beneficial if the role is industry-specific.

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