How to Land an Entry-Level AI Engineer Job
By
Samantha Cox
•
Jun 4, 2025
Wondering how to kickstart your career as an entry level AI engineer? This guide breaks down what you need to know, from essential skills and education requirements, to salary expectations and where to find the best job opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Entry-level AI engineers are responsible for developing algorithms and collaborating with senior engineers to implement AI systems, necessitating familiarity with cloud-based services for deployment.
Essential skills for entry-level AI engineers include proficiency in programming languages like Python and Java, understanding machine learning models, and experience with big data analysis tools.
Competitive salaries for entry-level AI engineers in the U.S. range from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, with salary expectations shaped by education, company size, and geographic location.
Understanding the Role of an Entry-Level AI Engineer
An entry-level AI engineer’s journey begins with developing, programming, and training algorithms that enable machines to mimic human cognitive functions. These engineers are at the heart of creating AI systems that can analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions. From building basic machine learning models to deploying sophisticated neural networks, their work lays the groundwork for more complex AI applications.
Collaboration is a significant aspect of an entry-level AI engineer’s role. Working closely with senior engineers and other team members, they contribute to the development process by implementing algorithms, conducting data analysis, and performing rigorous testing and evaluation. This teamwork ensures that AI applications are seamlessly integrated into existing systems, enhancing functionality and performance, which can be associated with improved outcomes.
Familiarity with cloud-based AI services is crucial for entry-level AI engineers. Platforms like AWS and Azure facilitate the deployment and scaling of machine learning models, streamlining AI development.
Key Skills Needed for Entry-Level AI Engineering
Proficiency in programming languages like Python and Java is fundamental for entry-level AI engineers. These languages support the creation of robust algorithms and code models, with Python’s simplicity and extensive libraries making it especially popular in the AI community.
Another key skill is understanding machine learning models, including both supervised and unsupervised techniques. Knowledge of neural network architectures, such as convolutional and recurrent networks, is also important for tasks like image recognition and natural language processing.
Efficiently handling large datasets is a common challenge in AI engineering. Familiarity with big data analysis tools like Apache Spark and Google Cloud Platform is crucial for managing and analyzing vast amounts of data, streamlining workflows, and improving AI model performance through innovative solutions, including machine learning pipelines.
Education Requirements for AI Engineers
A strong educational background is typically required for securing an entry-level AI engineer position. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or statistics usually provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills.
Aspiring AI engineers can enhance their profiles with internships, online courses, and certifications in AI and machine learning. These additional credentials demonstrate commitment and provide practical experience, making candidates more attractive to employers.
In the ever-evolving field of AI, continuous learning is vital. Staying updated with the latest advancements and technologies helps AI engineers remain competitive and effective team contributors. Professional development through workshops, seminars, and self-study enhances expertise.
Gaining Experience: Internships and Projects
Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience in AI engineering, allowing work on real-world projects that enhance resumes and increase job placement rates. Many interns secure full-time positions post-internship, making this a critical career-launching step.
Internships also provide valuable networking opportunities, enabling interns to build connections with experienced professionals beneficial for future job searches. Exposure to various AI specializations, such as machine learning and natural language processing, helps interns identify their areas of interest.
Platforms like WayUp and DataAnalyst.com are excellent resources for finding internships and entry-level positions. These platforms focus on providing opportunities tailored to recent graduates, making it easier to find relevant positions in the AI field.
Salary Expectations for Entry-Level AI Engineers
In the U.S., entry-level AI engineers can expect competitive salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, with an average salary reflecting these figures. In the U.K., salaries typically range between £30,000 to £50,000, varying by location and tech hubs. These figures reflect the high demand and value of AI skills.
Salary expectations are influenced by factors such as educational background, company size, and industry. Companies like Google and Microsoft, with robust AI initiatives, often offer a competitive salary compared to smaller firms. Geographic location also plays a role, with North America generally offering the highest salaries for entry-level AI positions.
Understanding salary trends helps aspiring AI engineers set realistic expectations and make informed job search decisions. Continuous learning and skill enhancement are crucial for maximizing earning potential in this dynamic field.
How AI is Changing the Hiring Process
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the hiring process by enabling recruiters to analyze extensive data quickly and efficiently. This acceleration in the hiring timeline helps companies fill positions faster, benefiting both employers and job seekers.
One such AI tool making waves is Fonzi, which helps reduce bias and improve fairness in recruitment practices. By analyzing candidate data objectively, Fonzi ensures that hiring decisions are based on merit, promoting responsible diversity and inclusivity within organizations.
AI is designed to support recruiters, not replace them. By enhancing decision-making processes, AI allows recruiters to focus on strategic aspects of hiring, leading to better outcomes for both candidates and companies.
Practical Tips for Succeeding in an AI-Assisted Job Search
Customizing resumes and cover letters for each application is crucial in an AI assisting job search. Tailoring these documents to highlight relevant skills and experiences increases the chances of being noticed by hiring managers and AI tools.
Incorporating personal stories and distinctive qualifications can enhance the appeal and authenticity of innovative applications. Researching potential employers and aligning applications with their values and culture, with consideration for their expectations, can boost marketing engagement from hiring teams and provide access to new opportunities and benefits for users.
AI tools like mock interview platforms help candidates practice responses and receive feedback. Optimizing resumes and applications with relevant keywords and formatting for AI-assisted searches is essential for success in today’s job market.
Best Places to Find Entry-Level AI Jobs
Several specialized platforms can help you find entry-level AI jobs. AI Jobs focuses on roles in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, making it an excellent resource for job seekers. DataJobs.com offers a curated list of entry-level positions in data science and engineering.
Built In connects job seekers with local tech job listings, which is particularly beneficial for those looking for entry-level data science roles in specific areas. Other platforms like Dice and Stack Overflow Jobs provide comprehensive job searches for tech positions, with advanced filtering options to narrow down relevant opportunities.
For those interested in remote work, Outerjoin specializes in remote data science job opportunities in a related field. And if you want to enhance your chances, keeping an updated LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords can boost your visibility to potential employers.
For ambitious candidates looking to break into top AI companies, Fonzi stands out. Rather than relying on job boards, Fonzi runs recurring Match Day events where pre-vetted engineers are matched with companies actively hiring for high-impact roles. It’s a high-signal marketplace that connects you directly with hiring teams at leading startups and enterprise AI labs.
How to Land an Entry-Level AI Engineer Job
Landing an entry-level AI engineer job requires understanding how AI engineers differ from software engineering professionals. AI engineers develop systems leveraging machine learning and automation, while software engineers primarily design and maintain software applications.
AI engineers and software engineers require different knowledge and skills:
AI engineers need knowledge in data science and AI frameworks like TensorFlow.
Software engineers focus on programming languages and development methodologies.
Both fields require strong analytical skills.
AI engineering often involves more mathematical intensity.
Aspiring AI model engineers can stand out by developing a solid project portfolio, gaining relevant internship experience, and continuously updating their skills and knowledge to create a competitive edge.
Summary
In summary, embarking on a career as an entry-level AI engineer requires a combination of education, skills, and practical experience. Proficiency in programming languages, understanding machine learning models, and familiarity with big data tools are essential skills. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically the minimum requirement, supplemented by internships and certifications.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships and projects is crucial for building a strong resume and securing a job. Salary expectations for entry-level AI positions are competitive, with factors such as education, company size, and location influencing earnings. AI is also transforming the hiring process, making it more efficient and fair.
By following practical tips for succeeding in an AI-assisted job search and leveraging specialized job boards, aspiring AI engineers can enhance their chances of landing their dream job. The future of AI engineering is bright, and with the right preparation, you can be part of this exciting field.
