AI salaries: engineer vs developer breakdown
If you’re exploring careers in artificial intelligence (AI), two roles that likely stand out are AI engineer and AI developer. Both are exciting, high-paying jobs that contribute to the future of technology – but what’s the difference between them, and how much could you earn?
Let’s break it down so you know what to expect, whether you’re considering an artificial intelligence degree to kick off your career or you’re looking to upskill for a better salary.
What does an AI engineer do?
AI engineers are the problem-solvers of the tech world. They’re the ones building the brains behind AI technologies – developing machine learning models, creating smarter systems, and ensuring that AI can actually be useful in real-world industries.
With a median AI engineer salary of £77,500 and rising job demand – up 51% since 2022 – it’s no wonder these roles are some of the most sought-after in the tech industry (ITJobsWatch.co.uk). Whether it’s making healthcare diagnostics more accurate or streamlining operations in finance, an AI engineer's role is at the heart of innovation.
What does an AI developer do?
AI developers focus more on creating and improving applications powered by AI. While their capabilities overlap with the AI engineer role, developers are more likely to spend their time coding and bringing these technologies to life. They are the hands-on builders who turn machine learning models into tools and apps people can actually use.
Entry-level salaries for AI developers jumped to £52,500 in 2024 and job postings for these roles have doubled over the past year (ITJobsWatch.co.uk), reflecting their growing importance in the AI industry and sectors that are embracing AI.
Find out how to become an AI developerAI engineer vs AI developer salaries in the UK
UK salary ranges for AI engineers and developers reflect the importance of these roles in shaping the future of technology. Whether you’re considering a career as an AI engineer or an AI developer, it’s worth understanding the current job market and salary trends. Let’s break it down, with information from ITJobsWatch.co.uk.
AI engineer salary in the UK: key insights
On average, the AI engineer salary is about £77,500 per year, which puts the job among the best-paying in the AI industry.
Median salary: £77,500: This means half earn less and half earn more, highlighting excellent earning potential for skilled professionals.
Entry-level pay: £49,250 or less: For those starting out, the entry-level salary is up from £42,500 in 2023.
Senior-level salaries: £101,000+: This is what the top 10% of AI engineers earn in the UK.
Regional trends: AI engineer salaries outside London are particularly strong, with a median annual salary of £92,500.
AI developer salary in the UK: what to know
The number of permanent job postings for AI developers has doubled from 2023. This shows a growing need for professionals who can deliver AI and machine-learning powered solutions across various industries.
Median salary: £70,000: This is well above the £60,000 median in 2022.
Entry-level pay: £52,500 or less: This is a big jump from £30,750 in 2023, showing rapid growth in entry-level compensation.
Senior-level salaries: £77,500: This is what the top 10% of AI developers earn in the UK.
Regional opportunities: Salaries for AI developers outside London match the overall median of £70,000.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of AI engineer and AI developer salaries in the UK
Role | Median annual salary | Entry-level salary | Senior-level salary |
|---|---|---|---|
AI Engineer | £77,500 | £49,250 or less | £101,000+ |
AI Developer | £70,000 | £52,500 or less | £77,500+ |
Difference between median and mean annual salary
The median annual salary is the central point in a list of salaries, meaning half the people earn less than this amount and half earn more.
The mean annual salary, on the other hand, is the average. You add up all the salaries and divide by the number of people. It can be pulled up or down by very high or very low salaries, so it’s less about the middle and more about the overall spread.
Factors affecting AI salaries
Several factors come into play when figuring out how much you could earn in these roles. Here are the main ones:
Location
Where you work plays a big role in both your salary and your job outlook. In UK cities like London or global tech hubs like San Francisco, salary ranges tend to be higher because of the demand for talent and the cost of living.
Experience
Once you have a few years of building AI systems under your belt, you're more likely to earn more than a new graduate. If you’ve worked on big projects or have led a team, companies will pay more for that expertise.
Company size
Larger companies, especially in tech, often offer higher salaries. However, smaller companies and startups might offer other benefits like flexible work arrangements or compensation with bonuses.
Industry
Certain industries, like finance and healthcare, are willing to pay more for artificial intelligence professionals. Why? Because AI is transforming how they work, and skilled engineers or developers with AI or machine learning skills can help them keep their services ahead of the curve.
Specialisation
You might have a better shot at the top salaries if you have more work experience or expertise in high-demand areas like machine learning, deep learning, or generative AI.
Do AI engineer and developer salaries increase with a degree?
A bachelor’s or master’s degree can significantly boost your salary as an AI engineer or developer.
Bachelor’s degree: Most entry-level roles require a bachelor’s degree, providing the foundational skills needed for the job. AI engineers with a bachelor’s degree typically start around £49,250 (World Economic Forum, 2023).
Master’s degree: A master’s degree can lead to senior roles and higher salaries, often exceeding £100,000 for experienced professionals. Specialising in areas like deep learning can set you apart (Statista).
Why pursue an AI degree?
If you’re aiming to become an AI engineer or developer, a degree in artificial intelligence is one of the best ways to build the skills and knowledge you’ll need. You’ll learn about everything from machine learning to data science, while gaining practical experience that employers value.
Here’s why an AI degree makes sense:
Build expertise
Learn the skills to develop and implement AI systems that solve real-world problems, from scratch.
Gain work experience
Many programmes include practical projects, allowing you to showcase your abilities to future employers.
High salary potential
AI professionals with degrees often land jobs offering a higher salary, especially in competitive markets.
Career flexibility
If you want to work on health apps, financial models, or AI chatbots, a degree could get you there.
Study an AI degree online at Walbrook
Whether you decide to become an AI engineer or developer, there are plenty of opportunities open to you. With the UK and the global economy increasingly reliant on AI technology, these roles are in high demand and offer great earning potential.
Ready to break into this exciting field? Explore our degrees in artificial intelligence and take your first step today.
BSc Artificial IntelligenceBSc AI with Foundation Year
MSc Artificial Intelligence
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