In today’s tech-driven world, breakthroughs in software development and AI are constant—it’s an industry that never stands still! If you’ve considering a program like the 1-Year AI Software Engineering Program at Ironhack, you’re not just thinking about joining a course—you're stepping into a field where exciting innovations and big opportunities are the norm. But what does this mean for your future?
This article is here to break down the career paths you can explore, the salary trends you can expect, and how to keep leveling up your game. Buckle up, because the tech world is always evolving, and you’re about to be part of it!
The Demand for Software Developers and AI Experts
The demand for professionals skilled in both software development and AI has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by an increased reliance on technology across all sectors. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 97 million new roles may emerge by 2025 in the AI and software development fields. Companies are investing heavily in AI-driven technologies such as machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing (NLP), and robotics to improve efficiency, drive innovation, and remain competitive.
Career Paths After Graduation
Okay, we get it. Software developers skilled in AI are in hot demand, but what awesome roles and career paths can you dive into after your training? Let’s jump into the exciting opportunities waiting for you:
Full stack developer
Full stack developers are versatile professionals who work on both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server, database) of applications. A full stack developer might be expected to develop entire web applications from concept to deployment, ensuring seamless interaction between all components.
Skills required: proficiency in front-end languages (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end languages (e.g., Python, Ruby, PHP). Familiarity with databases and version control tools like Git is essential. AI integration, such as using machine learning models within an application, is an increasingly valued skill.
Career progression: entry-level developers typically begin as junior full stack developers, progressing to mid-level and senior roles as they gain experience. Senior developers often take on leadership roles such as lead developer, tech lead, or CTO.
Salary expectations: according to We Are Developers, full stack developers in Germany can expect to earn between €54,000 and €74,000 annually, with an average salary of €62,000 per year.
Machine learning engineer
Machine learning engineers focus on building algorithms and models that enable machines to perform tasks without explicit human instructions. Their work underpins the AI advancements seen in sectors like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.
Skills required: strong knowledge of programming languages like Python, R, or Java, along with familiarity in frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras. Experience in data preprocessing, model training, and deployment is key.
Career progression: entry-level roles such as junior machine learning engineer can evolve into senior positions. Experienced engineers may move into specialized roles such as AI architect, where they lead the development of large-scale AI solutions, or into research-oriented roles in academic or R&D labs.
Salary expectations: machine learning engineers can expect high earning potential, especially in major tech hubs. In Germany salaries range from €65,000 to €85,000 annually, with the top 10% earning over €92,000.
Natural language processing (NLP) engineer
NLP engineers develop and improve algorithms that allow machines to understand and process human language. Their work is integral to creating systems like chatbots, speech recognition software, and machine translation tools. According to Fortune Business Insights, the NLP market is projected to grow to $158 Billion by 2032, underscoring the high demand as AI-powered communication tools become increasingly important across industries.
Skills required: expertise in machine learning, linguistics, and NLP frameworks like NLTK, spaCy, and Hugging Face is essential. Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with deep learning models such as transformers (BERT, GPT) are also important.
Career progression: NLP engineers can progress from junior roles to senior positions as they gain more experience with complex language models and large-scale datasets. With advanced expertise, they may move into AI research, developing state-of-the-art language models, or become AI architects leading AI implementations in language-heavy applications.
Salary expectations: the average yearly salary for an NLP engineer in Germany is around €55,000, but some reports show this highly in-demand skill commanding salaries of over €100,000 annually, depending on location and level of expertise.
DevOps engineer (AI focus)
DevOps engineers with a focus on AI manage the deployment, scaling, and maintenance of AI models in production environments. They automate workflows and ensure that AI systems are continuously integrated and delivered (CI/CD), working closely with data scientists and engineers to optimize AI infrastructure.
Skills required: proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes), and automation frameworks is key. DevOps Engineers must also be familiar with machine learning model deployment and monitoring, ensuring that AI models perform efficiently at scale.
Career progression: starting from entry-level DevOps roles, professionals can move into AI-focused positions, eventually progressing to senior DevOps or site reliability engineer (SRE) roles. Some may transition to AI architect roles, leading AI infrastructure design at a strategic level.
Salary expectations: according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, DevOps engineers in Germany typically earn around €65,000 per year, with the top 10% earning over €80,000 per year.
AI consultant
AI consultants advise companies on how to leverage AI technologies to solve business problems and optimize processes. They assess a company’s needs, recommend AI strategies, and often assist in implementing these solutions. With the projected investments in AI startups in Europe expected to reach a staggering €35 billion by 2025 (Statista), the demand for AI consultants is poised to rise significantly.
Skills required: expertise in AI and machine learning, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders. Familiarity with various industries and business models is an asset.
Career progression: AI consultants may begin as junior consultants, progressing to senior consultant or partner roles in consulting firms. Many also branch out into starting their own AI consulting businesses.
Salary expectations: according to Payscale, the average AI consultant in Germany earns €70,000 annually, with a range of up to €100,000 per year.
Salary Factors in Software Development and AI
Although the figures mentioned above serve as general benchmarks, various factors can affect salary levels for professionals in software development and AI. Let’s take a look:
Experience level: entry-level positions typically will offer lower salaries, but as you gain years of experience and demonstrate your skills, you can expect substantial salary increases. In software development and AI, professionals often see sharp jumps in pay as they move from junior to mid-level, and then to senior positions.
Geographic location: cities like Berlin and Munich typically offer higher salaries, driven by their booming tech ecosystems. For example, Berlin’s tech industry has expanded rapidly, with a 75% rise in tech job opportunities in the past 5 years, as reported by TerraTern.
Specialization: niche-roles in machine learning, natural language processing, or AI architecture typically command higher salaries than more general software development positions.
Industry: different sectors value tech talent differently. For example, positions in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce often pay more due to the critical nature of technology in those industries and the complexity of the problems being solved.
Company size and type: larger tech companies and startups often have different salary structures. While established firms may offer higher salaries and more benefits, startups might provide equity or rapid career advancement opportunities that can be financially rewarding in the long run.
Educational background: graduates from renowned programs or those holding advanced degrees may find themselves at an advantage in salary negotiations. Ironhack graduates, equipped with skills in software development and AI, can leverage their course experience to demonstrate their readiness for roles in these competitive fields.
Career Progression in Software Development and AI
AWS reports that 36% of German businesses have already adopted AI, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As the software development field continues to expand alongside AI, developers have the opportunity to skyrocket their careers in this thriving sector. But how can you stand out? Let’s dig into some key strategies that can help you stay on top of your game:
Skill development: continuing to sharpen your skills is key to career progression. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and certifications in advanced AI technologies, cloud platforms, or project management.
Networking: building connections within the industry can open doors to future job opportunities. Engage with fellow alumni, attend tech meetups, and join professional organizations to expand your network and gain insights from seasoned professionals.
Mentorship: seeking out mentors who can guide you through your career journey can make a difference. Mentors can provide valuable advice, share experiences, and help you navigate challenges as you progress in your career.
Taking on new responsibilities: volunteering for challenging projects or responsibilities at work not only enhances your skills, but also demonstrates your initiative and readiness for higher roles.
Leadership skills: developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution are essential—especially if you’re interested in progressing to roles like team lead, engineering manager, or director in the future.
Professional development programs: taking advantage of these resources can further your career. Many companies offer internal training and development programs aimed at fostering leadership skills and technical expertise.
And that’s a wrap! We hope this article has given you a glimpse into the exciting and rapidly expanding worlds of software development and AI. With the fields evolving at breakneck speed, you have the chance to not only shape the future of tech but also build a lucrative and rewarding career.
If you’re intrigued by the intersection of software development and AI, take a look at Ironhack’s 1-Year AI Software Engineering Program! It’s tailored to help you gain the skills and know-how to thrive in the industry. Don’t wait—jump in and take the next step!
