Quick Comparison
Data Engineer
$106,667
avg. annual salary
Data Engineer
pays more on average
Ai/ml Engineer
$101,333
avg. annual salary
As technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals in data engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rise. Understanding the salary landscape for these two roles is critical for those considering a career change or starting anew. Data Engineers are primarily responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining data pipelines, ensuring that organizations can effectively utilize their data. In contrast, AI/ML Engineers focus on creating algorithms, developing models, and enhancing machine learning processes to provide actionable insights from data. This article compares the salaries, benefits, and career paths for Data Engineers and AI/ML Engineers, providing you with a clearer understanding of which path might be right for you in 2025.
Salary by Experience Level
Data Engineer Entry
$80,000
starting salary
Ai/ml Engineer Entry
$76,000
starting salary
Salary Difference
$5,333
avg. difference (5%)
Salary Overview
In 2025, the average salary for Data Engineers is projected to be around $120,000 per year, while AI/ML Engineers can expect an average salary of approximately $135,000. This difference highlights the specialized skill sets required in machine learning and AI technologies.
Salary by Experience Level
Data Engineers typically start with an entry-level salary of around $80,000, progressing to $115,000 at mid-level positions and reaching about $150,000 at senior levels. AI/ML Engineers, starting at around $90,000, can earn $125,000 as mid-level professionals, with senior roles paying upwards of $170,000.
Benefits Comparison
Both roles offer attractive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and remote work options. However, AI/ML Engineers often receive additional perks like access to modern technology and opportunities for continuous education in advanced AI frameworks.
Career Path and Job Growth
The career path for Data Engineers is strong, with opportunities in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and tech. The job growth rate for this role is roughly 14% annually.
Conversely, AI/ML Engineers are leading of technological innovation, with a staggering growth rate of 22% as industries adopt AI solutions.
Skills Required for Each Role
Data Engineers need strong programming skills in languages like Python and Java, along with knowledge of databases and ETL processes. AI/ML Engineers require a solid foundation in machine learning algorithms, statistics, and data analysis, alongside proficiency in languages like R and TensorFlow.