AI Engineer Salary in London, UK
London is Europe's largest tech hub with strong AI demand. Median total comp: £95K.
Finance (Citadel, Two Sigma) and big tech (Meta, Apple) pay £180K-£265K+.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
You're Considering AI Engineering in London.
What Should You Expect to Earn?
London has a thriving AI scene with fintech, healthtech, and big tech, but salary ranges vary wildly.
UK salaries look lower than US numbers, but the finance sector pays premiums that rival Silicon Valley.
Cost of living in London is high. You need to know if AI engineering salaries justify the expense.
Here's What AI Engineers Actually Earn in London
The AI Career Accelerator
Based on levels.fyi data verified January 2026. AI engineers typically earn a 15-25% premium over general software engineers, with finance sector roles paying significantly more.
Entry/Junior (0-2 years)
Base: £50K-£75K | Total Comp: £55K-£90K
Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Base: £75K-£100K | Total Comp: £85K-£130K
Senior (5+ years)
Base: £100K-£140K | Total Comp: £120K-£180K+
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
London AI Companies Are Hiring Now
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies pay the most for AI engineers in London?
Finance leads with Citadel at £267K average total comp, followed by Meta (£244K) and Apple (£191K). Google, Amazon, and Bloomberg typically pay £120K-£160K for senior AI engineers. DeepMind (Google) offers competitive packages for research-oriented roles.
Should I join finance or tech for AI engineering in London?
Finance pays 30-50% more but demands longer hours and has higher pressure. Hedge funds like Citadel, Two Sigma, and Jane Street pay £200K-£300K+ for senior AI/ML roles. Big tech offers better work-life balance at £120K-£180K. AI startups pay £80K-£120K plus significant equity.
How do London AI engineer salaries compare to US salaries?
London salaries are typically 30-40% lower than comparable US roles in dollar terms. A senior AI engineer earning $300K in SF might earn £140K-£180K in London. However, NHS healthcare is free, and employer pension contributions are mandatory. The finance sector is the exception - top quant/AI roles can match or exceed US compensation.
What visa options exist for AI engineers moving to London?
The Skilled Worker visa is most common, requiring employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds (currently £38,700 for most tech roles). The High Potential Individual visa allows graduates from top global universities to work without sponsorship for 2 years. Global Talent visa suits those with 'exceptional promise' in AI research.
Can I work remotely for a London company as an AI engineer?
Many London companies offer hybrid work (2-3 days in office). Fully remote roles exist but are less common than in the US. Some AI engineers work remotely for US companies while living in the UK, often through employer of record services at 70-85% of US rates.
How does cost of living affect AI engineer salaries in London?
London is expensive - rent averages £2,000-£3,000/month for a 1-bed in Zone 1-2. However, free NHS healthcare, no health insurance costs, and good public transport (no car needed) partially offset this. A £100K salary in London has similar purchasing power to £70K outside London.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available