Owing to the Smart Nation initiative by the Singapore government, AI engineers in the country are drawing competitive salaries ranging from SGD 90,000 to SGD 170,000 per annum. These figures are likely to vary from one professional to another; however, salaries increase proportionately to their experience and other factors.
The career outlook for AI engineers is rapidly expanding, particularly amid the rapid growth of Generative AI. Expertise in this domain is creating increasing demand for professionals in Singapore, to the extent that the country is now positioning itself as an international leader in AI.
This blog details current and future trends in career growth in the AI sector in Singapore, highlighting the top skills required of engineers in the field and the average AI Engineer salary.
Source: Morgan McKinley
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AI Engineer Salary in Singapore: Role-Wise Breakdown
The average salary of an AI Engineer is likely to vary based on years of experience, role, and the organisation they work in. Entry-level roles generally start at lower packages, but as professionals gain skills and experience, their pay tends to increase.
The table below shares the role-wise breakdown of an AI Engineer in Singapore for better understanding:
The following table shows the salaries that Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineers in Singapore can earn at various stages of their careers:
| Years of Experience | Annual Salary Range | Annual Average Salary |
| 1-3 years | SGD 60,000 – SGD 72,000 | SGD 60,000 |
| 4-6 years | SGD 72,000 – SGD 96,000 | SGD 84,000 |
| 7-9 years | SGD 96,000 – SGD 108,000 | SGD 108,000 |
| 10-14 years | SGD 120,000 – SGD 132,000 | SGD 120,000 |
When considering all years of experience, their annual salary ranges between SGD 60,000 and SGD 84,000, with an average of SGD 72,000.
Sources: Glassdoor, as of July 22, 2025, September 11, 2025, October 28, 2025, and October 29, 2025
1. Junior AI Engineer
A Junior AI Engineer assists their seniors in the team for deploying, developing, and maintaining AI and ML models. It is generally an entry-level role that offers practical experience across the entire lifecycle of an AI project.
Top responsibilities:
- Assisting in the development of ML models for classification, regression, and NLP.
- Writing code in Python, and optimising and debugging models for more accuracy and efficient performance.
Key skills:
- Proficiency in Python programming.
- Basic experience in cloud platforms like Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure.
Also read: Generative AI Jobs in Singapore
2. Mid-Level AI Engineer
A mid-level AI Engineer is responsible for the design and deployment of AI systems and ML pipelines. They also ensure the regular maintenance of these systems and specialise in computer vision, AI, and NLP. The role is generally mid-level, meaning professionals have around 2-5 years of experience in the area.
Top responsibilities:
- Designing and maintaining data infrastructure.
- Building and testing AI applications’ prototypes to obtain feedback before developing them on a full scale.
Key skills:
- In-depth knowledge of ML algorithms and deep learning.
- Proficiency in cleaning, handling data, and data analysis through tools such as SQL.
Also read: 10 Advanced Generative AI Techniques to Boost Workflow
3. Senior AI Engineer
Senior AI Engineers are more experienced software developers who are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining advanced AI systems. They have a strong proficiency in Large Language Models (LLMs), ML, and agent development.
Top responsibilities:
- Creating and integrating end-to-end solutions – from front-end interfaces to back-end services.
- Managing databases such as SQL and NoSQL.
Key skills:
- Advanced knowledge in the Python language, in addition to Go or Java.
- Experience in cloud platforms and CI/CD tools.
4. Machine Learning Engineer
These professionals are known for researching, creating, and maintaining AI/ML systems. They design algorithms that allow machines to learn from data and make appropriate predictions. ML Engineers implement machine learning models and conduct programming and statistical analysis.
Top responsibilities:
- Writing code to apply ML algorithms practically.
- Overseeing and updating the existing ML systems.
Key skills:
- Strong background in software engineering.
- Working experience with tools such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
Also read: The Definitive Guide to Mastering Machine Learning
5. Computer Vision Engineer
Computer Vision Engineers are responsible for designing systems that enable computers to interpret visual data, such as images and videos, and for building and refining algorithms. They apply their knowledge of ML and deep learning to classify images, detect objects, and deploy these models in real-world applications.
Top responsibilities:
- Testing and troubleshooting systems to maintain the reliability, accuracy, and adherence to regulations.
- Cleaning, pre-processing, and handling large sets of data for specific vision tasks.
Also read: 5 Best Generative AI Tools for Text Generation to Simplify Your Work
Factors Influencing AI Engineer Salaries
Some key factors that affect the salaries of AI Engineers include the type of specialisation, years of work experience, academic background, and job location. In addition, other criteria, such as the type of organisation and industry, are key determinants in determining the salary packages of professionals applying for various AI Engineer jobs.
- Academic credentials: The qualifications and skills of the applicant are among the top criteria for determining their salary. An advanced degree in AI, computer science, or a related field generally commands higher pay packages. So do technical skills such as proficiency in programming languages like Python and experience with cloud platforms like AWS.
- Work experience: As a general practice, the higher the number of years of professional experience in the field, the greater the salary packages they can command. This is attributed to the in-depth understanding they gain in their area of work, which comes with experience, and makes them eligible for higher pay.
- Type of company: The type of organisation that AI Engineers choose to work for also helps determine their salaries. For instance, big tech firms generally offer higher salary packages, along with additional perks and benefits, than small startups.
Also read: AI Career Opportunities in Singapore
Emerging AI Trends Impacting Salaries
There is a high demand for specialized skills in Singapore’s AI industry because the domain is growing rapidly. This results in substantial wages for professionals with the desired skills.
The following are the top trends in this regard:
- Large Language Models (LLMs) and GenAI
- MLOps
- Cloud Integration Expertise
- Specialization in Niche Domains
- AI Ethics and Business Acumen
Apart from these, talent shortage also plays a significant role in this regard. All these trends impact these salaries in different ways. For example, the rapid growth of GenAI has been a significant factor in driving salary increases.
Skills Required for AI Engineers in Singapore
Working as an AI Engineer in Singapore calls for a potent blend of soft skills and technical expertise, such as the following:
1. Technical Skills
- Programming Languages
- Deep Learning and Machine Learning (ML)
- ML Libraries and Frameworks
- Big Data Technologies and Data Analysis
- ML Operations (MLOps) and Cloud Platforms
- Specialized AI Domains
- Statistics and Mathematics
2. Soft Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Collaboration and Communication
- Business Acumen
- Continuous Learning and Adaptability
- Bias Awareness and Ethics
You should also demonstrate practical experience in this regard through project portfolios, programs & certifications.
Career Path and Progression for AI Engineers
In Singapore, the career of an AI Engineer typically starts as a Junior AI Engineer, after which they progress to the role of an AI Engineer or Mid-Level AI Engineer. After this, they graduate to being Senior AI Engineers, followed by an AI Team Lead, AI Architect, or AI Director.
Apart from these, AI Engineers in Singapore can also specialize in any of the following tracks:
- ML Engineer
- AI Research Scientist
- Data Scientist with AI Focus
- AI Product Manager
- AI Architect
Additionally, they can also serve as AI Ethics Specialists.
Certifications for AI Engineers in Singapore
In Singapore, the top certifications for AI Engineers are widely recognized, including vendor-specific credentials from leading professional bodies and major cloud providers. Apart from these, you also have practical programs supported by the national government.
AI Engineers Job Market and Demand in Singapore
In Singapore, the job market for AI Engineers is expanding rapidly, and the demand levels are currently relatively high. The most significant drivers of this growth and prosperity are government initiatives, industry adoption, the boom in generative AI (GenAI), and the talent shortage.
The top job roles and opportunities for AI Engineers in Singapore right now are:
- ML Engineer
- AI Research Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Computer Vision Engineer
- Natural Language Processing Engineer
- AI Product Manager
- AI Consultant or Transformation Lead
Apart from these, you can also work as a Prompt Engineer or Specialist.
The top recruiters of such professionals in Singapore are:
- Amazon Web Services
- Microsoft
- ByteDance
- Grab
- Shopee
- DBS Bank
Along with these, you have various AI-focused startups, such as AIDA Technologies and Taiger, offering opportunities for eligible AI professionals.
The job market in Singapore offers a relatively positive outlook for AI engineers, characterized by strong growth, excellent career stability, diverse industry applications, and high earning potential.
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FAQs on AI Engineer Salary and Career in Singapore
The exact pay scale may vary from one engineer to another. However, on average, the salary range is expected to be between SGD 40,000 and SGD 170,000 per annum.
Entry-level AI Engineers in Singapore may earn an average of SGD 55,000-60,000 per annum. This, however, is likely to vary across professionals within different organisations.
Yes, AI Engineers are in high demand in Singapore in 2025, owing to a booming tech landscape, strong government support, and Singapore’s positioning as a global AI hub.
Senior AI Engineers with 5-10 years of experience in the field are likely to earn a salary range of SGD 90,000 – SGD 170,000 per annum, depending on the organisation, skills, and experience of the candidate.
The general career route that AI Engineers in Singapore can take after completing their degree program includes Junior AI Developer (entry-level) →ML Engineer →AI Architect or Data Scientist (senior roles).
