AI Engineer
ONLINE AI Engineer CERTIFICATION

How to become an

AI Engineer

CAREER TRACK

Ready to launch your career in one of today's fastest-growing roles? Follow our structured AI Engineer Career Track to master the skills to build and deploy AI solutions—from foundations to advanced AI tools.

Enroll now

4.9

808 reviews on
10 AI & data science courses
100% online
Content: 32 hours
Skill level: basic
CPE credits available
CPE stands for Continuing Professional Education and represents the mandatory credits a wide range of professionals must earn to maintain their licenses and stay current with regulations and best practices. One CPE credit typically equals 50 minutes of learning. For more details, visit NASBA's official website: www.nasbaregistry.org
Accredited certificate
Your AI engineering career begins
Becoming an AI engineer involves designing, developing, and deploying artificial intelligence systems at scale. It blends computer science, data engineering, and machine learning to build tools that can reason, learn, and act—just like humans.

The need for skilled professionals is growing fast. Choosing an AI engineer career path is more than just knowing theory; it's about creating real-world solutions using today's most in-demand AI tools.

A high-paying AI engineer job is closer than you think. Our AI training helps you get there—guided by experts who've done it themselves.

Because the best way to become an AI engineer is to learn from one.

Begin now
AI engineer job
Entry-level salary (USD, per year) $119,000
Projected job growth (next 10 years)
Based on a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projection for the AI engineering field. Source: Grand View Research, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market Analysis Report
37.3%
Key responsibilities
Design, build, and deploy AI systems
Core skills
Python, LangChain, Git, ChatGPT, pandas, Streamlit, OpenAI, Pinecone
Top companies for AI Engineer
National Registry of CPE SponsorsInstitute of AnalyticsThe Association of Data ScientistsE-Learning Quality NetworkEuropean Agency for Higher Education and AccreditationGlobal Association of Online Trainers and Examiners
We’re an accredited institution

Earn your AI Engineer certification through an accredited program proven to deliver results. 100% online.

9 in 10
of our graduates landed a new AI and data science job after enrollment
94%
of AI and data science graduates successfully change or advance their careers
$29,000
average salary increase after moving to an AI and data science career
Student outcomes report
Curriculum Projects Certificates Student outcomes Careers More career paths
Overview

Becoming an AI engineer requires the right minds to support you along the way. We've created the AI engineer career path that takes you from complete beginner to your dream role—with support, structure, and proven results.

As you move through the AI engineer career path, you’ll follow a curated roadmap:

  • Python
  • Data preprocessing
  • Natural language processing (NLP)
  • Vector databases
  • LLM application design

Our AI engineer training combines foundational concepts with real-world AI tools, such as LangChain, Pinecone, and Streamlit, so you don’t just learn AI—you build it. Industry professionals lead each course in this AI engineer certification path and focus on helping you develop job-ready skills more quickly.

Every stage of the AI engineer bootcamp is designed to feel like progress you can measure.

Early AI engineer courses focus on giving you confidence with code, while later ones challenge you to build chatbots, recommendation systems, and interactive applications that mirror real industry use cases.

You’ll also work on portfolio-ready projects—essential for standing out in a competitive job market. Along the way, our mentorship and peer community give you space to ask questions, share code, and learn from others on the same AI engineer roadmap.

But we know that an AI engineer’s growth is not just about learning—it’s about proving you’re ready.

And once you pass the exam, you earn an AI engineer certification, which is always yours to share.

Ultimately, our team of experts prioritizes getting you to the finish line with a future-proof career to match.

Curriculum CPE credits
ONLINE COURSE

Intro to AI

Begin your AI engineer career path with this fundamentals course. Learn AI concepts and gain a clear understanding of how modern AI models power real-world applications.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Introduction to Python

Build your coding foundation with Python—a must-have skill for any AI engineer certification. Start programming and prep for hands-on machine learning training.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Data Cleaning and Preprocessing with pandas

Clean and transform data like a certified AI engineer. Learn the essential preprocessing steps to ensure your AI tools deliver accurate and reliable results.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Intro to NLP for AI

Understand natural language processing and learn AI techniques that enable machines to understand human language—a key step in your AI engineer training.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Intro to LLMs

Learn transformer models and large language models (LLMs). This is a crucial step in an AI engineer’s roadmap that incorporates cutting-edge generative AI.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Build Chat Applications with OpenAI and LangChain

Gain cutting-edge AI skills: Master the LangChain framework to build and deploy real-world AI applications

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Introduction to Vector Databases with Pinecone

Work with vector databases to optimize AI solutions. Understand key tools for your AI engineer career path and master semantic search.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

LLM Engineering in Practice with Streamlit and OpenAI

Apply AI tools to build an interview simulator. Strengthen your AI engineer job readiness with hands-on practice in real-world development.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Speech Recognition with Python

Please select an elective course to finish your career track and unlock the final exam to receive your certificate of achievement.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

ChatGPT for Data Science

Please select an elective course to finish your career track and unlock the final exam to receive your certificate of achievement.

See details
Your instructors
Elitsa Kaloyanova
Senior Data Scientist at 365 Data Science | Computational Biologist | Data Visualization Expert

Worked with:

Martin Ganchev
Content Creator & Content Manager at 365 Data Science | Data Science Instructor

Worked with:

Ned Krastev
Founder & CEO, 365 Careers | Co-founder, 365 Data Science

Worked with:

Ivan Manov
AI & Data Science Course Creator | Sound Engineer

Worked with:

Hristina Hristova
Head of Data Content at 365 Data Science | Theoretical Physicist | Educator in Physics, Mathematics, and Programming

Worked with:

Lauren Newbould
Senior Data Scientist | Professional Development Expert

Worked with:

Petar Petrov
Software Developer at 365 Data Science | Programmer | AI Engineer

Worked with:

Sign up now
Curriculum CPE credits
ONLINE COURSE

Intro to AI

Begin your AI engineer career path with this fundamentals course. Learn AI concepts and gain a clear understanding of how modern AI models power real-world applications.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Introduction to Python

Build your coding foundation with Python—a must-have skill for any AI engineer certification. Start programming and prep for hands-on machine learning training.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Data Cleaning and Preprocessing with pandas

Clean and transform data like a certified AI engineer. Learn the essential preprocessing steps to ensure your AI tools deliver accurate and reliable results.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Intro to NLP for AI

Understand natural language processing and learn AI techniques that enable machines to understand human language—a key step in your AI engineer training.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Intro to LLMs

Learn transformer models and large language models (LLMs). This is a crucial step in an AI engineer’s roadmap that incorporates cutting-edge generative AI.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Build Chat Applications with OpenAI and LangChain

Gain cutting-edge AI skills: Master the LangChain framework to build and deploy real-world AI applications

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Introduction to Vector Databases with Pinecone

Work with vector databases to optimize AI solutions. Understand key tools for your AI engineer career path and master semantic search.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

LLM Engineering in Practice with Streamlit and OpenAI

Apply AI tools to build an interview simulator. Strengthen your AI engineer job readiness with hands-on practice in real-world development.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

Speech Recognition with Python

Please select an elective course to finish your career track and unlock the final exam to receive your certificate of achievement.

See details
ONLINE COURSE

ChatGPT for Data Science

Please select an elective course to finish your career track and unlock the final exam to receive your certificate of achievement.

See details

An AI engineer career track with REAL AI
projects

We award accredited
AI Engineer certification

You pass a final exam to earn an accredited AI engineer certification—recognized by respected industry bodies as proof that your skills meet high professional standards.

  • Accredited by the Association of Data Scientists (ADaSci)
  • Accredited as an eLearning Quality Network provider (ELQN)
  • Quality accreditation granted from the European Agency for Higher Education & Accreditation (EAHEA)
  • Approved CPE* provider under NASBA—our AI bootcamp qualifies for continuing education credit
  • Reviewed by the Institute of Analytics (IoA)
  • Member of the Global Association of Online Trainers and Examiners (GAOTE)
*Note: CPE credits are reflected per course in your official transcript, in line with accreditation requirements

Learn more

A LinkedIn profile mockup on a mobile screen showing Parker Maxwell, a Certified Data Analyst, with credentials from 365 Data Science listed under Licenses & Certification. A 365 Data Science Certificate of Achievement awarded to Parker Maxwell for completing the Data Analyst career track, featuring accreditation badges and a gold “Verified Certificate” seal.
  • Institute of Analytics
  • The Association of Data Scientists
  • E-Learning Quality Network
  • European Agency for Higher Education and Accreditation
  • Global Association of Online Trainers and Examiners

Where our AI engineer
career path takes you

Start learning this path

How to become an AI engineer—roadmap

Step 1
Education

A background in computer science, engineering, or related technical fields is the most common starting point for becoming an AI engineer. Our research shows that AI engineer job postings list engineering degrees (69%), computer science (61%), and machine learning (42%) as the most frequently listed educational backgrounds.

But there’s a way to break into AI with no technical background.

We noticed that 25% of job listings don’t mention a degree level at all. Companies care about what you can do more than where you learned it. This means that with the right mix of theory, practical projects, and AI engineer certification, anyone can pursue a career in AI engineering without a specialized AI engineer degree. 365’s AI engineer bootcamp does just that—it’s online, beginner-friendly, and has no enrollment prerequisites. Enroll to take the first step today.

Step 2
Skills

AI engineers need deep technical skills—and a way to prove them. Python is the most requested programming language (71%) followed by Java (22%) and SQL (17%). Core competencies include machine learning, NLP, model fine-tuning, and frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow. Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS (33%) and Azure (26%) is now just as essential as understanding LLMs or neural networks.

Though they may sound complex, these skills are learnable online. Fast.

Portfolios matter more than resumes. Focus on building real-world AI projects that show your ability to create chat systems, implement RAG pipelines, or work with tools like LangChain, Whisper, and Hugging Face. Companies are hiring domain experts—people who can solve targeted, high-impact problems. That’s why hands-on projects are at the heart of our AI Engineer Career Track. Change careers with the right first step now

Step 3
Branding

Your branding signals your readiness to employers before you even say a word to them. Certifications from trusted platforms give you credibility. A professional resume and cover letter tailored to AI engineering roles are essential—as are GitHub links and a clear project portfolio.

CPE credits add a layer of trust that hiring managers need.

Use our resume builder and cover letter template to showcase your certificates, skills, and achievements. LinkedIn profiles that include verified and accredited AI certification (like our AI engineer career track) often appear higher in recruiter searches. With our CPE-accredited courses—which we’ve included in the AI engineer roadmap—you can add a layer of trust that hiring managers need. Enroll now

AI engineer salary CALCULATOR

Bootcamp completion date *If you enroll today
Feb 2027
Expected annual salary increase (USD)
$141,000
You can start getting a higher salary in
15 months
Watch
Your AI engineerSALARY OUTLOOK
Year 1
Junior AI engineer
$119,000
Year 2
AI engineer
$141,000
Year 3
AI engineer
$148,050
Year 4
AI engineer
$170,258
Year 5
Senior AI engineer
$175,262
Year 6
Senior AI engineer
$184,025
Year 7
Senior AI engineer
$211,629
Year 8
Lead AI engineer
$260,000
Year 9
Lead AI engineer
$273,000
Year 10
AI architect
$322,000

Are you a good match for an AI ENGINEER ROLE?

You’re excited by intelligent systems and how they can solve real problems at scale. That’s the mindset of an AI engineer. Entry-level AI engineers earn around $119,000, and it’s one of the fastest-growing roles in the world of tech today.

But is this AI engineer career path a good fit for someone with your background? You’re not the only one asking that.

Our free career quiz helps you discover where you’re most likely to thrive. It takes less than 5 minutes and might change how you see your future.

Take career quiz
AI Engineer Profile Card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you're looking for? Visit the 365 Data Science Help Center or Contact us

What is the path to becoming an AI engineer?

The AI engineer career path typically involves: 

  • Completing fundamental programming and mathematics training 
  • Pursuing specialized AI engineering courses and certification 
  • Building practical experience through hands-on AI projects 
  • Developing expertise in machine learning and neural network applications  

365 Data Science offers an AI engineer career path that covers all these steps—offering structured learning paths, hands-on projects, and expert guidance to help you master each component of the AI engineering journey. 

Is AI engineering a good career path?

An AI engineer career path is a gratifying career, featuring: 

  • High demand, with 97 million new AI-related jobs expected by 2025 
  • An average annual AI engineer salary of over $200,000 in the US 
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technologies like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and GPT models 
  • Frequent interaction with emerging AI tools 
  • Ongoing advancement through specializations in machine learning, deep learning, and neural network  

To future-proof your career, start by preparing for the right job. 365 Data Science has a custom AI engineer career path that could be your first step toward becoming a certified AI engineer. 

What AI role pays up to $900,000 a year? Netflix has recently offered up to $900,000 for an AI-focused product manager. This is a strong indication of where the job market is headed—upskilling or reskilling is becoming a must. In practice, some senior-level AI roles (e.g., Director of AI, Principal AI Scientist, or Chief AI Officer) can command salaries close to or above $900,000 annually. These positions typically require a deep understanding of AI systems, strong leadership skills, and experience building enterprise-grade solutions. Following 365 Data Science’s AI engineer career path and earning an AI engineer certification can help you progress toward these elite roles. 

What?s the typical career path in AI?

The career path in artificial intelligence often begins with foundational roles, such as data analyst or ML engineer, followed by an AI engineer job. It can lead to specialized positions such as AI researcher or AI architect. Choosing the right AI engineer training program can help accelerate your path. 365 Data Science has built an excellent AI engineer career track that includes real-world projects and expert instruction designed to help you grow into these roles confidently. 

Which certification is best for AI engineers?

The best AI engineer certification depends on your goals, but a program that combines theory, hands-on learning, and recognized credentials stands out. The AI engineer career track by 365 Data Science offers a certification that focuses on deep learning, neural networks, and machine learning. It provides everything you need to start and grow your AI engineer career path confidently. 

How do I become an AI engineer?

Many people are curious about how to become an AI engineer. In essence, the path involves: 

  • Building a foundation in programming and statistics 
  • Learning AI concepts, tools, and machine learning frameworks 
  • Completing an AI engineer certification with project-based training 
  • Gaining hands-on experience through real-world AI projects  

365 Data Science has curated a beginner-friendly AI engineer career path, offering a clear, practical roadmap for how to become an AI engineer—even if you're starting from scratch. 

Is a certificate in AI worth it?

Yes, an AI engineer certification can significantly boost your career by validating your skills and helping you stand out in a competitive market. It proves your ability to work with machine learning models, neural networks, and AI systems. 365 Data Science’s AI engineer career track offers a rigorous certificate that can fast-track your entry into the AI engineering job market. 

How much do certified AI engineers make?

An AI engineer certification might lead to highly competitive salaries, with averages ranging from $120,000 to over $200,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Certifications enhance credibility, often leading to more desirable roles and higher compensation. The AI engineer certification offered by 365 Data Science prepares you for these high-paying opportunities by giving you in-demand skills and hands-on experience. 

How do I land an AI engineer job?

To land an AI engineer job, you need to: 

  • Build a strong portfolio of machine learning and AI projects. 
  • Get certified with a recognized AI engineer training program. 
  • Gain expertise in AI tools, frameworks, and deployment techniques. 
  • Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding and problem-solving.  

365 Data Science offers an excellent AI engineer career track that guides you through each of these steps, providing you with the practical tools and credentials to succeed. 

How do I become an AI engineer without a degree?

Many ask how to become an AI engineer without a degree. It’s possible with the proper guidance and mentorship. Key steps include: 

  • Earning a hands-on AI engineer certification focused on practical skills 
  • Developing strong proficiency in Python, statistics, and machine learning frameworks 
  • Building a portfolio by working on real-world AI projects 
  • Committing to continuous learning through online AI courses, tutorials, and specialized AI training  

365 Data Science knows how to enable beginners to break into the field with a comprehensive AI engineer career path program. No AI engineering degree is required to enroll in their AI training. It is designed for learners without prior experience, offering everything you need to grow professionally. 

What does an AI engineer do?

An AI engineer’s job involves building, testing, and deploying artificial intelligence models and systems. Their work includes developing machine learning algorithms, integrating AI into applications, and optimizing neural networks. 365 Data Science is the top choice for an AI engineer certification program that helps you gain these skills and guides your AI engineer career path from foundational knowledge to real-world execution. 

What do I need to start as an AI engineer?

To begin your AI engineer career path, you'll need: 

  • Basic programming knowledge 
  • Understanding of mathematics and statistics 
  • Commitment to learning AI tools and frameworks 
  • Willingness to complete hands-on AI projects  

There’s a way to break into the field without prior experience. 365 Data Science offers a beginner-friendly AI engineer career path program that covers machine learning and neural network certification programs—providing you with the credentials you need to excel in AI. 

How long does it take to become an AI engineer?

The journey to becoming an AI engineer varies depending on your background and dedication. It includes: 

  • Core AI training and machine learning certification (3–6 months) 
  • Practical project work with AI tools and frameworks (3–6 months) 
  • Advanced specialization in neural networks and deep learning (3–6 months) 

365 Data Science’s AI engineer training program can take you from beginner to AI engineer in one to two years. Contact the enrollment team to schedule a free career consultation and explore your potential in AI, including an assessment to determine if you're a good fit for 365's AI engineer career path. 

What is the growth path for an AI engineer?

Wondering how to become an AI engineer and where the role can take you? An AI engineer’s job can advance through several career stages: 

  • Junior AI Engineer: Focus on implementing AI solutions. 
  • Senior AI Engineer: Lead complex AI projects and mentor others. 
  • AI Architect: Design large-scale AI systems. 
  • AI Research Scientist: Drive innovation in artificial intelligence.  

There’s a way to make this career move easy for you. 365 Data Science offers a beginner-friendly AI engineer career path training that equips you with advanced skills and practical experience to accelerate your AI engineer job growth. 

Are AI engineer jobs in demand?

The demand for an AI engineer job is exceptionally high. With an estimated 97 million new AI-related jobs projected by 2025, the field presents unprecedented opportunities for skilled professionals. Companies across sectors actively recruit professionals with AI engineer certification and machine learning expertise. This trend is expected to continue as AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent in business operations. Now is the perfect time to learn AI from scratch.  

365 Data Science helps busy professionals prepare to launch their career in under one year with a tailored AI engineer career path program. 

How difficult is it to become an AI engineer?

Becoming an AI engineer requires strong technical skills, dedication to continuous learning, and experience with machine learning frameworks. The difficulty level varies depending on your background; those with experience in programming and mathematics may find it easier to adapt. But with consistent effort and a well-defined AI engineer roadmap, it's an achievable goal for those committed to the field. 365 Data Science’s structured AI engineer courses and AI engineer certification make this journey more manageable by providing a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on projects, and expert guidance throughout the learning process.