Backend Developer
$114,528
avg. annual salary
Ai/ml Engineer
pays more on average
Ai/ml Engineer
$120,082
avg. annual salary
In today's tech-driven world, the roles of backend developers and AI/ML engineers are crucial for driving innovation and efficiency. Both positions offer diverse career paths and significant earning potential, but they differ greatly in terms of salary, skills required, and job responsibilities. This comparison will help you understand how these two roles stack up against each other, focusing on salary data, benefits, and the overall career outlook. Whether you're considering a career shift or just trying to gauge industry standards, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in tech.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (5%)
Salary Overview
As of 2025, the average salary for backend developers is approximately $95,000, with a range between $80,000 and $120,000. In contrast, AI/ML engineers command a higher average salary of around $120,000, typically ranging from $100,000 to $150,000.
These figures reflect the higher demand and specialized skill sets needed in AI and machine learning domains.
Benefits and Perks
Both backend developers and AI/ML engineers enjoy attractive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. However, AI/ML engineers may also receive additional perks such as research funding, access to advanced technology, and opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and conferences, reflecting the innovative nature of the field.
Career Paths
Backend developers typically focus on server-side logic, database management, and API integrations, with opportunities to advance into technical lead or software architecture roles. On the other hand, AI/ML engineers often begin their careers in data science or software development before specializing further in machine learning model creation or artificial intelligence applications.
Both fields offer significant growth potential, but AI/ML engineering is rapidly evolving and may present more unique advancement opportunities.
Job Demand and Market Trends
The job market for both backend developers and AI/ML engineers is robust, with increasing demand driven by the ongoing digital transformation across industries. The AI and machine learning sector is experiencing exponential growth, prompting businesses to invest heavily in talent.
In comparison, backend development remains essential for the functioning of applications, ensuring continued job security. However, job seekers may find more competitive salaries and innovative projects in the AI/ML arena.
Skills and Education
Both roles require a strong technical background, but the skill sets differ. Backend developers often need expertise in programming languages like Java, Python, and SQL, along with a solid grasp of web frameworks.
In contrast, AI/ML engineers must be proficient in machine learning algorithms, data preprocessing, statistical analysis, and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. The educational requirements may also vary, with many AI/ML positions demanding advanced degrees in computer science, data science, or related fields.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Backend Developer vs AI/ML Engineer
### Salary ranges and typical premiums
- •Entry-level: Backend Developer $75k–$95k; AI/ML Engineer $95k–$130k. AI/ML often pays 20–40% more at the start.
- •Mid-career (3–6 years): Backend $95k–$130k; AI/ML $130k–$170k.
- •Senior (7+ years): Backend $130k–$180k; AI/ML $170k–$250k+.
### Location and industry effects
- •Bay Area and NYC add ~20–40% to base pay. Finance and autonomous-vehicle companies can add another 10–30%.
- •Equity and bonuses: AI/ML roles commonly include 10–30% of total comp in stock/options; backend roles often include 5–20%.
Actionable takeaway: Target AI/ML for higher upside if you can demonstrate ML project results; choose backend for steadier, predictable growth.
Key Factors That Affect Pay and Career Choice
### Skills and credential impact
- •Education: A master’s or relevant research experience can increase AI/ML pay by 10–25% versus a bachelor’s.
- •Tools: Backend salaries rise with expertise in distributed systems, databases, and Docker/Kubernetes; AI/ML salaries rise with ML frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow) and MLOps skills.
### Market demand and time to competency
- •Upskilling time: Backend job-ready in 3–6 months with focused study; productive AI/ML roles typically require 6–12 months plus portfolio projects.
- •Company size: Startups may offer more equity but 10–20% lower base; large tech firms pay higher base and larger bonuses.
Actionable takeaway: Map a 6–12 month learning plan with measurable projects to maximize salary growth for either path.