How to become an AI engineer: Steps & skills | edX 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. Create an account Key takeaways To become an AI engineer, you need a degree in computer science or a related field, plus skills in programming, data analysis, and machine learning. edX offers AI courses and professional certificates that build skills in machine learning, data processing, and AI systems through flexible online learning. AI engineering roles draw on high-demand skills in automation and machine learning, with strong growth tied to a 20% increase in computer and information research roles from 2024–2034, according to the BLS. 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. Job growth (2024-34) +20% Total openings per year 3,200 Job growth (2024-34) Total openings per year Source: BLS 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 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5 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 Stand out in your field Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career. Learn at your own pace On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life. Earn a valuable credential Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge. Cloud Machine Learning Engineering and MLOpsPragmatic AI Labs Course Mastering Generative AI: Fine-Tuning TransformersIBM Course Mastering Generative AI Project: RAG and LangChain AppIBM Course Mastering Generative AI: Advanced Fine-Tuning for LLMsIBM Course RAG: Vector Databases and RetrieversIBM Course AI Prompt Engineering FundamentalsInstitute of Product Leadership (IPL) Course Mastering Generative AI for Data ScienceIBM Course Accessibility Testing Essentials for Web & WindowsMicrosoft Course 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 Software publishers Annual median wage (May 2024) $237,990 Computer systems design and related services Annual median wage (May 2024) $166,620 Research development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences Annual median wage (May 2024) $153,430 Federal government Annual median wage (May 2024) $123,340 Colleges, universities, and professional schools Annual median wage (May 2024) $85,290 Source: BLS Explore top AI engineer salaries by state Find out how much AI engineers make in your state. Read the map data State Annual median wage Alabama $108,180 Arizona $128,520 California $156,290 Colorado $111,930 Connecticut $128,180 District of Columbia $153,630 Florida $117,250 Georgia $89,270 Hawaii $140,150 Idaho $161,130 Illinois $135,120 Indiana $83,590 Kentucky $82,860 Louisiana $111,880 Maryland $141,540 Massachusetts $166,910 Michigan $105,960 Minnesota $131,770 Mississippi $108,560 Missouri $109,910 Nebraska $116,600 New Hampshire $117,730 New Jersey $146,290 New Mexico $178,120 New York $197,390 North Carolina $124,490 Ohio $135,640 Oklahoma $92,580 Oregon $180,010 Pennsylvania $128,960 Rhode Island $118,870 South Carolina $120,970 Tennessee $105,680 Texas $101,990 Utah $94,830 Virginia $153,340 Washington $221,990 West Virginia $170,750 Wisconsin $166,690 Alabama Annual median wage $108,180 Arizona Annual median wage $128,520 California Annual median wage $156,290 Colorado Annual median wage $111,930 Connecticut Annual median wage $128,180 District of Columbia Annual median wage $153,630 Florida Annual median wage $117,250 Georgia Annual median wage $89,270 Hawaii Annual median wage $140,150 Idaho Annual median wage $161,130 Illinois Annual median wage $135,120 Indiana Annual median wage $83,590 Kentucky Annual median wage $82,860 Louisiana Annual median wage $111,880 Maryland Annual median wage $141,540 Massachusetts Annual median wage $166,910 Michigan Annual median wage $105,960 Minnesota Annual median wage $131,770 Mississippi Annual median wage $108,560 Missouri Annual median wage $109,910 Nebraska Annual median wage $116,600 New Hampshire Annual median wage $117,730 New Jersey Annual median wage $146,290 New Mexico Annual median wage $178,120 New York Annual median wage $197,390 North Carolina Annual median wage $124,490 Ohio Annual median wage $135,640 Oklahoma Annual median wage $92,580 Oregon Annual median wage $180,010 Pennsylvania Annual median wage $128,960 Rhode Island Annual median wage $118,870 South Carolina Annual median wage $120,970 Tennessee Annual median wage $105,680 Texas Annual median wage $101,990 Utah Annual median wage $94,830 Virginia Annual median wage $153,340 Washington Annual median wage $221,990 West Virginia Annual median wage $170,750 Wisconsin Annual median wage $166,690 Source: BLS 2024 Note: Wage data from multiple states was excluded due to non-reporting by the BLS. 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. Focus AI engineer Establishes AI system frameworks, considers scalability, and manages the implementation of AI solutions AI developer Codes, tests, and optimizes AI models and algorithms Skills AI engineer Extensive knowledge of cloud computing, AI architecture, and infrastructure tools (e.g., TensorFlow) AI developer Extensive knowledge of programming languages, such as Python and C++ Responsibilities AI engineer Projects may include designing AI systems for large-scale use, such as self-driving cars, task-performing ro…