AI Engineer vs Software Engineer:
Who Earns More?
AI engineers earn 20-40% more at comparable experience levels.
The premium exists because demand outpaces supply. Here's the honest comparison.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
You're Earning Good Money as a SWE.
Is AI Actually Worth the Switch?
You see AI engineer salaries thrown around, but you're not sure if the premium is real or just hype.
You've invested years building your SWE career. Will switching reset your compensation progress?
You need concrete numbers to justify the time investment of learning AI skills.
Here's the Real Salary Difference
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on market data and hundreds of conversations with engineers who've made the switch, here's what you can actually expect.
Entry Level
SWE: $70K-$100K vs AI: $90K-$120K (15-20% premium)
Mid-Level
SWE: $100K-$150K vs AI: $120K-$180K (20-30% premium)
Senior
SWE: $150K-$220K vs AI: $180K-$280K (20-40% premium)
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Every Month as a SWE Is Money Left on the Table
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do AI engineers earn more than software engineers?
Supply and demand. Every company wants AI capabilities, but few engineers can build production AI systems. Most ML candidates only know Jupyter notebooks. They can't ship real products. Engineers who combine traditional software skills with AI implementation expertise are rare, so they command premium compensation.
How long does it take a software engineer to start earning AI salaries?
3-6 months to learn the skills, then you can start interviewing for AI roles. Many SWEs see salary increases within 6-9 months of starting their transition. You're not starting from scratch. You already have 60-70% of the skills. The AI-specific knowledge gap is smaller than you think.
Will I have to take a pay cut to switch from SWE to AI?
Usually no. Your software engineering experience is valuable in AI roles. You might start at similar compensation and grow faster, or negotiate a premium based on your combined SWE + AI skills. Some career changers actually get immediate raises because they fill a critical need: someone who can build production systems, not just ML experiments.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
What's the best path for a software engineer to maximize AI salary?
Focus on production AI skills that complement your SWE background: MLOps, AI infrastructure, and deployment. These specializations command the highest premiums because they require exactly the production mindset SWEs already have. Build 2-3 AI projects that demonstrate end-to-end skills, not just model training.
How do FAANG AI engineer salaries compare to SWE salaries?
At FAANG companies, AI/ML engineers often earn 10-20% more than general SWEs at the same level. The difference is more pronounced in total compensation (equity) because AI teams are often considered strategic priorities. A senior AI engineer at a top tech company can expect $400K-$600K+ in total compensation.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available