Artificial Intelligence Engineers on Upwork Cost $35–$60/hr.

Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers program software using machine learning algorithms and deep learning neural networks to think like humans and improve business decision-making, among other tasks. AI engineers use these techniques for data optimization that can offer predictions to help businesses boost profits, streamline processes, and reduce costs. 

AI engineers take machine learning models created by data scientists and map out an AI development strategy. They build, test, and implement usable infrastructures that help identify patterns in data sets. 

It’s used in industries such as finance, security, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. It’s applied in a vast range of real-world products such as robotics, personal digital assistants, autonomous vehicles, and video games, and in business processes such as hiring and fraud detection. AI experts use neural networks for tasks such as medical diagnosis, financial prediction, and targeted marketing. 

Social media sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn use AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to aid in security, marketing, and the user experience. Natural Language Processing (NLP), a subcategory of AI, allows machines to understand written and spoken language for products such as voice recognition software and smartphones.

It’s important to have a clear plan of what you’re trying to accomplish, the structure of your data, and the technologies used in your existing stack, along with an estimated budget. With that information, your prospective AI engineer can better assess their ability to execute your project and whether your ambitions fit within your budget. If you don’t know where to start, a more experienced artificial intelligence engineer may be better able to help you form a strategy.

Experience and expertise

AI engineers are computer programmers and typically have bachelor’s or master’s degrees in specialties such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, and/or cognitive science. They understand probabilities and statistics, and machine learning algorithms such as Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machines. AI engineers use programming languages such as Python, R, Java, and SQL. They work with big data frameworks like Apache Spark, AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and Theano, and cloud computing services such as Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

With a strong need for AI engineers, estimates for a median AI engineer salary range from $130,000 ($65 per hour) to $170,000 ($85 per hour). AI engineers on Upwork charge anywhere from $25 to well over $100 per hour.

An entry-level artificial intelligence engineer who is still developing a client base will likely price their services more competitively, roughly $30 to $50 per hour. 

Intermediate-level artificial intelligence engineers will likely have at least several years of experience, a greater breadth of skills, and strong problem-solving abilities. Intermediate-level AI engineers charge roughly $50 to $75 per hour. 

An expert-level artificial intelligence engineer likely has a mastery of many skills and the experience to solve complex problems and build advanced AI systems. The best AI engineers will command anywhere from $75 to well over $100 per hour. 

Scope of work

The complexity of your AI project and the experience of your professional will drive the expense. An entry-level AI engineer may be fine for some basic systems. If you need more guidance or are developing a more sophisticated system, a higher-level artificial intelligence engineer is likely a better choice. 

Timeline 

While more experienced artificial intelligence engineers cost more, often their ability to work more efficiently, avoid potential pitfalls, and offer guidance for superior results is worth the higher rate. Consider your budget and the complexity of your project, and strike a balance between cost and experience as necessary.

Geography 

Location will have a significant effect on the rate your artificial intelligence engineer will charge. Independent professionals are most expensive in North American and western European countries, especially in large cities with a high cost of living such as New York or San Francisco, while those in other countries might charge less. Consider the possible effects of communicating with offshore professionals, both in terms of time lag and language skills. 

Popular artificial intelligence projects and costs

Systems based on existing service platforms such as AWS will be the most cost-effective, but custom development and implementation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to hundreds of thousands depending on the business size, data volume, and complexity of the process.

Develop chatbot for business’s website

The cost to develop a basic chatbot system utilizing third-party software for a small business or e-commerce site could be implemented for as little as $500 to $1,000. There will be ongoing fees from the servicer for the maintenance of the system.

Augment a marketing campaign 

Developing a more basic custom machine learning algorithm to dissect your marketing data and better target consumers with advertising and product recommendations could cost from $8,000 to $20,000.

Automate business systems 

The cost of hiring an AI engineer to find a custom business solution for accounting automation or supply chain efficiency will start at around $6,000. 

Find AI engineers at the world’s work marketplace 

The profiles of artificial intelligence engineers on Upwork list their skills and contain customer reviews to assist you in finding a qualified professional. 

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.