AI engineering jobs in the UK: Why demand is growing despite a weaker market
The UK job market has softened compared with last year, but demand for AI Engineering jobs continues to grow at pace. AI related roles in the UK are expanding at roughly three and a half times the rate of the wider job market, and despite economic caution, companies across technology, healthcare, logistics, finance and the public sector are investing heavily in AI capability. For anyone hiring or job seeking within Technology and Engineering, AI remains one of the strongest growth areas.
What counts as an AI engineering role
AI Engineer is a broad term that can include Machine Learning Engineers, Computer Vision Engineers, Prompt Engineers, Data Scientists, MLOps Engineers and other emerging specialisms. Because of this breadth, it is difficult to map the entire landscape with complete precision, but what is clear is that AI Engineering roles are becoming more common and demand for these skills is increasing across the UK.
Why UK companies are investing in AI engineering talent
From our work across the Technology and Engineering sector, organisations are investing in AI talent because it increases productivity, reduces manual workload and unlocks operational efficiency. AI enables repetitive tasks to be automated, giving engineers and non technical employees more time to focus on complex, high value work. For companies under pressure to deliver more with leaner teams, AI Engineering capability has become strategically important.
The types of tasks companies are automating using AI
Within the businesses we support, we are seeing a broad range of tasks automated or enhanced through AI adoption. Routine work such as data entry, report generation and customer support through chatbots is being streamlined. Chatbots still require refinement, but their accuracy is improving as organisations train models with industry specific data.
Beyond administrative tasks, more advanced AI applications are being deployed. Clients are using AI to improve supply chain management, optimise logistics, support clinical decision making, widen access to healthcare, speed up research and build tools for legal and regulated industries. These examples reflect how AI Engineering is moving from early experimentation toward practical, operational deployment.
What AI engineers earn in the current UK market
Salaries for AI Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers and AI focused software roles have remained relatively stable over the past year. However, AI Engineering roles continue to command a premium. On average, AI related engineering positions pay approximately 10 to 20 percent more than equivalent non AI roles. This premium reflects both the current talent shortage and the business value generated by AI capability.
AI Engineering as a Growing Area Within a Slower UK Job Market
Although the broader UK job market remains subdued, AI Engineering continues to expand and is likely to grow further as companies identify new areas for automation and process optimisation. For engineers looking to future proof their careers, developing skills in Machine Learning, AI Engineering, LLM integration and MLOps will become increasingly beneficial.
At Zebra People, we support organisations building AI teams as well as engineers moving into AI related roles.
For guidance on hiring AI Engineers or understanding the AI jobs market, speak with Mitch Hooper, our Technology and Engineering expert, who advises clients and candidates across AI, software engineering and emerging technology.
