This playbook serves as a guide, but always consult with financial and legal professionals to tailor advice to your specific situation. It is a combination of Build Club knowledge and best in class web research
This playbook for contract AI engineering work in Australia covers essential aspects such as regularly updating skills, using varied payment structures, and ensuring clear IP agreements. It provides insights into market rates for different AI roles, pricing strategies, and payment structures. The hiring process is detailed with best practices for interviews and candidate evaluation. Financial considerations include tax obligations and superannuation requirements. Clear IP agreements are emphasized to avoid disputes. Overall, the guide aims to help AI engineers navigate the market effectively and build successful contracting careers.
The role of an AI engineer is relatively new and rapidly evolving, reflecting significant advancements in AI and machine learning technologies. Unlike traditional software engineering roles, AI engineering requires a specialized skill set focused on developing and deploying complex models that can learn and adapt. This playbook provides a comprehensive guide for community members interested in contract AI engineering work in Australia.
Summary: Gain insights into various AI engineering roles and their associated rates in Australia. Compare these with typical software engineering roles to understand market positioning.
The AI engineering field encompasses various roles, each with distinct responsibilities and associated price ranges. Below are some common roles, their hourly rates, and their annual and monthly equivalents:
| Role | Hourly Rate (AUD) | Monthly Rate (AUD) | Annual Rate (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior AI Engineer | 40-60 | 6,933 - 10,400 | 83,200 - 124,800 |
| Mid-Level AI Engineer | 60-90 | 10,400 - 15,600 | 124,800 - 187,200 |
| Senior AI Engineer | 90-130 | 15,600 - 22,533 | 187,200 - 270,400 |
| AI Consultant | 150-250 | 26,000 - 43,333 | 312,000 - 520,000 |
| Data Scientist | 70-110 | 12,133 - 19,066 | 145,600 - 228,800 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | 80-120 | 13,866 - 20,800 | 166,400 - 249,600 |
For Lead AI Engineers, daily rates typically range from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500. Rates can vary significantly depending on the client and project complexity.