AI Developer: Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an expansive field encompassing various technologies, such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and deep learning, which allow machines to "learn," act, and interact with others in human-like ways. The professionals tasked with creating these intelligent systems are known as artificial intelligence developers—and despite their focus on machine intelligence, they're decidedly human themselves.

If you enjoy working with programming languages and the challenge of creating systems capable of mimicking human intelligence, you might consider a career as an AI developer. Read on to learn about the role, including everyday tasks, how it differs from similar positions, and the average salary you can anticipate earning. Afterward, if you'd like to start building job-relevant skills, consider enrolling in the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate today.  

What is an AI developer?

AI developers are software engineers who use programming languages like Python and R to deploy and develop AI systems and applications.

In this role, you'll write code, test, and deploy advanced AI applications, in addition to building machine learning models, creating programming interfaces, and making them accessible to existing software. As a result, you'll often work with machine learning algorithms and neural networking to build models narrowly focused on completing a single task or general-purpose foundation models capable of more advanced work.

What does an AI developer do? 

Before deciding if this is a suitable career path for you, it's helpful to have a general idea of the job's day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Although what you’ll do as an AI developer will depend on your employer's area of focus, you can anticipate general duties such as:

• Working in an IT team: Collaboration with other parts of the team is a significant part of the job. You'll likely participate in strategy and design meetings, collaborate on planning, and post-project reviews.

• Code: You'll spend time coding AI programs and working with AI models and algorithms. As an AI developer, you'll build algorithms, test and deploy them, and develop AI-based systems. Ultimately, you aim to create AI solutions to solve specific business or consumer needs.

• Help others understand and use AI: You'll likely lead others to use the solutions you create, explaining AI software, applications, and programs to other team members, application users, and company leaders. You may also train other employees on AI system implementation.

Continue to learn how this job differs from similar positions. Below, we explore the differences between AI developers, AI engineers, and software developers. 

Read more: 6 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Jobs to Consider

AI developer vs. AI engineer vs. software developer

AI developers need strong programming skills to create algorithms and AI applications. They frequently collaborate with others, including data scientists, to build solutions to specific business concerns.

AI engineers, on the other hand, focus on engineering and deployment, which requires a robust foundation in system infrastructure and architecture. AI engineers also should be familiar with scaling models to support their endeavors in deploying and optimizing models, ensuring they provide optimal performance.

Although there is some overlap, the differences between AI and software developers can be summed up in one word: focus. Software developers may work with AI technologies, but they work on a broader range of applications and systems. AI developers work specifically on AI solutions, including models, algorithms, and applications. 

What are essential skills for an AI developer?

You’ll need to develop a robust skill set to become an AI developer. Although requirements vary by employers, the primary skills to focus on include the following mix of workplace and technical skills.

Workplace skills

Workplace skills like leadership and critical thinking complement technical skills and help you succeed. These skills are called transferable skills, which can go with you across various jobs, employers, and sectors. Examples of workplace skills helpful for a career in AI development include:

• Problem-solving

• Creativity

• Critical thinking

• Verbal and written communication

• Effective collaboration

Technical skills

AI developers need familiarity and proficiency with various programming languages. Python offers an excellent starting point because of its powerful data analysis capabilities, ease of learning, and substantial community support. Familiarity with other AI languages like Julia, Java, R, and Javascript can help you advance your career. 

Additional technical skills include: 

• Proficiency in working with deep learning, neural networks, and machine learning

• Knowledge of data structures and algorithms

• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data to guide decisions

• Knowledge of cloud platforms like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Robust understanding of mathematics and working knowledge of data cleaning

AI developer salary and job outlook

Market growth for AI is strong and continues to rise. According to data from Statista, the market will reach more than $826 billion by 2030 [1]. This growth suggests a promising job outlook in the field, which is good news for anyone considering a career as an AI developer.

Although the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t offer data specifically for AI developers, it projects job growth in all computer and information technology careers to grow at an above-average pace in the decade leading up to 2033. BLS projects 18 percent growth between 2023 and 2033 for similar jobs, like software developers [2].

In addition to solid job growth, AI developers enjoy higher earning potential. According to Glassdoor, an AI developer in the US earns an annual base salary of $112,266 [3]. Factors like your experience level and the industry you work in may impact your specific salary. 

Typical AI developer career path

Becoming an AI developer can offer an exciting entry into the technology sector. Although you’ll find more than one path available, the typical roadmap includes earning a bachelor’s degree, getting some experience, and considering relevant certifications. 

Let’s look closer at the three major steps along this career path.

1. Consider getting a degree. 

Although it’s possible to become an AI developer without a degree, employers often look for candidates with a bachelor’s at a minimum. Data from online recruitment company Zippia shows that more than 63 percent of people have a bachelor's degree, another 17 percent have a master's, and 10% have a high school diploma [4]. Popular majors include computer science, statistics, AI, or another related field. 

2. Gain experience in AI and related fields.

Working with AI to build your skills is crucial to learning more about this field. Professional experience is invaluable for broadening your skill set. It can also help develop your professional network, which will help you along your career path and add details to your resume and portfolio.  

If you want to move up from entry-level AI jobs, it's essential to continue building your coding skills and stay updated on industry trends and news.

Read more: 5 Benefits of AI to Know (+ 3 Risks to Watch Out For)

AI developer vs. data scientist

Data scientists and architects play roles both within AI and outside the field. While data scientists can help develop algorithms, their larger task is collecting data, identifying patterns, and gaining insight from it. Data analysts focus primarily on gaining insights from data and presenting them to those who need them to understand issues or make decisions. 

3. Consider certifications.

Becoming certified shows employers tangible evidence of your skills and position as an AI subject matter expert. A few to consider include the following:

• Certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist (CAIS): This credential from the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute is a self-paced program that can help you learn more about strategy, workflow, and implementation of AI.

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AiE): This qualification from the Artificial Intelligence Board of America requires comprehensive knowledge of AI applications and systems.

• Microsoft Certified Azure AI Engineer Associate: This technology-specific certification demonstrates your proficiency in working with Azure AI, developing AI solutions, and building AI applications.

Read more: 5 Popular Machine Learning Certifications: Your Guide

Build your AI developer skills on Coursera

In addition to getting a degree, experience, and certifications, you can also take courses and complete Professional Certificates to add to your resume and sharpen your AI development skills. Consider taking these courses to build your AI developer skills today:

To launch your career in artificial intelligence, enroll in the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate. Explore fundamental concepts and key terms, learn how to build generative AI-powered apps, and use Python and Flask to deploy AI applications on the web.

To prepare for a career in AI & ML Engineering, try the Microsoft AI & ML Engineering Professional Certificate. Master AI and machine learning techniques, design and implement AI and ML infrastructure, and create AI-powered agents.

For a deep dive into deep learning, explore DeepLearning.AI's Deep Learning Specialization. Build and train deep neural networks, CNNs, and RNNs in this intermediate-level program.