Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the technology that allows computers to simulate human intelligence. It is rapidly gaining interest across all sectors globally. AI has helped automate processes, freeing up time to focus on important things. The surge in AI jobs has led to an increase in the number of AI courses offered by universities.
In this blog, we will discuss how to become an AI Engineer, the certifications and skills required to succeed in this industry, salary insights into the Canadian AI market, and different upGrad programs that will provide you with a certification to work as an Artificial Intelligence Engineer.
Take your skills to the next level — Explore AI/ML Courses
What it Takes to Become an AI Engineer in Canada
To work as an Artificial Intelligence Engineer in Canada, you must hold relevant certifications recognized by Canadian employers. Let’s have a look at some of the skills required for this and how they impact your career.
| Skill/Tool | Importance | Purpose |
| Python, Java | Basic language for AI and ML | Data modeling and automation |
| SQL and NoSQL databases | Data processing and storage | Data engineering |
| NLP | AI domains specialization | Chatbots |
| TensorFlow/PyTorch | AI Frameworks | Neural network |
| Cloud platforms | Model deployment | AI apps |
What Does an AI Engineer Do?
An Artificial Intelligence Engineer works with different technologies to train and create AI models. Job responsibilities include:
- Creating AI algorithms.
- Data processing and management.
- AI models for maintenance and troubleshooting issues.
Education and Certifications Required
If you are interested in getting admission in AI programs, you would require a Bachelor’s degree in Maths or Statistics, and some universities might prefer work experience.
To work as an AI Engineer, you require any of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or AI.
- Practical experiences from internships.
- Certifications like ChatGPT for Developers or Artificial Intelligence for the Real World.
Essential Technical and Soft Skills
If you are interested in advancing in your career as an Artificial Intelligence Engineer, you need to have technical skills related to AI along with soft skills that will help you deal with issues at the workplace. Some of the skills required are:
- A good understanding of programming languages such as Python, Java, R, or C++.
- Experience with Cloud computing platforms like Azure, AWS, or GCP.
- Excellent communication skills to explain complex concepts to Tech and Non-tech people.
- Critical thinking skills to solve complex AI issues.
Salary Expectations and Job Market in Canada
The salary expectations and job market in Canada are showing positive growth. Here are some of the salary ranges:
- An entry-level role, such as an AI Specialist, earns approximately CAD 57,000 to CAD 96,000 annually.
- An entry-level role, such as an AI Engineer, earns around CAD 84,000 to CAD 130,000 annually.
- A senior-level role, such as an AI Lead, earns approximately CAD 100,000 to CAD 161,000 annually.
Industries in Canada Hiring AI Engineers
There are several industries hiring AI Engineers in Canada apart from the AI market. Some of these industries are:
- Healthcare or Pharma for medical research or patient analytics.
- Retail and E-commerce for recommendations or customer targeting.
- Finance and Banking for Predictive analysis or fraud detection.
Also Read: Best Online Machine Learning courses in Canada for 2025
A Roadmap to Becoming an AI Engineer in Canada
Let’s discuss the roadmap if you want to become an AI Engineer in Canada. The steps are:
- Build a foundation: The first step is to strengthen your foundation in Mathematics, Statistics, or programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++).
- Basics of AI: You should focus on learning the basics of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. It would be advantageous to learn about supervised/unsupervised learning, as well as neural networks.
- AI Tools: There are several AI tools, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn, that can help in understanding AI models and testing.
- Certifications: Consider enrolling in AI/ML programs and certifications from reputable organizations that are recognized by Canadian employers.
- Experience: Consider securing internships, working on real-world projects, and creating a portfolio to showcase your work experience.
Also Read: AWS Machine Learning Certification: Your Pathway to Success in AI
Build Your AI Career with upGrad’s Online Programs in Canada
If you want to become an Artificial Intelligence Engineer, upGrad offers online AI and ML programs with flexibility to build your career. Here are our courses from well-reputed universities.
- Master of Science in Machine Learning and AI from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU): This Master’s degree can be completed in 18 months under the guidance of expert faculty. Highlights of this course are:
- Dual-accredited Master’s in Data Science from LJMU (UK) and IIIT Bangalore (India)
- Generative AI integrated modules, tools, and projects
- Personalized 1:1 coaching to maximize your potential
- Daily doubt resolution support to keep you on track
- 60+ Real-World Case Studies
- 80+ Programming & GenAI Tools
- Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI from the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B): This Diploma program can be completed in just 12 months from one of the leading institutes of India. Highlights of this course are:
- 3-Month Free Programming Bootcamp for Beginners
- Specialise in MLOps or Generative AI
- Capstone Project Tailored to Your Chosen Domain
- Boost Your Github and Kaggle Portfolios Faster
- Master the hottest ML AI Tools and Frameworks
- 60+ Real-World Case Studies
- 80+ Programming & GenAI Tools
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FAQs on Becoming an AI Engineer in Canada
Q: What is the best way to become an AI engineer in Canada?
Ans: If you want to become an AI Engineer in Canada, you need to have relevant:
~ Certifications.
~ Skills.
~ Practical experience.
Q: What skills are required to become an AI engineer?
Ans: Apart from certifications, you need technical and soft skills to become an AI Engineer. Some of these skills are:
~ Proficiency in programming.
~ Understanding of Natural Language Processing (NLP).
~ Problem-solving ability.
Q: Is AI engineering in demand in Canada in 2025?
Ans: Yes, AI Engineering is in high demand in Canada in 2025, as businesses across all sectors are engaging with AI technologies to stay abreast of the latest developments.
Q: What is the average salary of an AI engineer in Canada?
Ans: The average annual salary of an AI Engineer in Canada is around CAD 84,000 to CAD 130,000. It can depend on different factors such as:
~ Experience.
~ University status.
~ Job role.
Q: Do I need a degree to become an AI engineer in Canada?
Ans: Most of the job opportunities will require you to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in AI/ML to be eligible for the role. But if you have a strong interest in this field, you can opt for certifications that can teach you the required skills.
