AI Developer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average AI Developer salary lies between USD 110,000 and USD 218,900 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 15, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for AI Developer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with AI Developer job listings are Python, Machine Learning and Engineering. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Python | 318 jobs Machine Learning | 216 jobs Engineering | 210 jobs Generative AI | 201 jobs Computer Science | 185 jobs Azure | 135 jobs LLMs | 131 jobs JavaScript | 119 jobs NLP | 118 jobs AWS | 117 jobs Research | 114 jobs Java | 99 jobs Prompt engineering | 97 jobs APIs | 94 jobs Testing | 93 jobs TensorFlow | 92 jobs Agile | 90 jobs OpenAI | 90 jobs Architecture | 88 jobs LangChain | 88 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for AI Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with AI Developer job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 294 jobs Flex hours | 165 jobs Health care | 70 jobs Team events | 59 jobs Startup environment | 46 jobs Equity / stock options | 45 jobs Salary bonus | 37 jobs Flex vacation | 35 jobs Parental leave | 33 jobs Competitive pay | 33 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Medical leave | 27 jobs 401(k) matching | 18 jobs Wellness | 17 jobs Conferences | 14 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Travel | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an AI Developer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the compensation package is composed of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech startups or large tech companies. In regions like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living, while bonuses and stock options can form a significant part of the total compensation. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be lower, but companies might offer other perks like flexible working hours or remote work options. Industry-wise, tech companies and financial institutions often offer higher salaries compared to academia or non-profit organizations. Larger companies might provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the position of an AI Developer, consider the following steps:

• Specialize in a Niche Area: Developing expertise in a niche area of AI, such as natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning, can make you more valuable to employers.
• Pursue Advanced Education: Obtaining a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field can open doors to higher-level positions and salary brackets.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a leadership role, such as a team lead or project manager, can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Network and Build a Personal Brand: Attend industry conferences, contribute to open-source projects, and publish research to enhance your visibility and reputation in the field.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate your salary and benefits package assertively.

Educational Requirements

Most AI Developer roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or Ph.D., especially for more advanced positions. A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming is essential, as is familiarity with machine learning algorithms and data analysis techniques.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some valuable certifications include:

• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

These certifications can validate your skills in specific platforms and tools, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, AI Developer positions require at least 2-5 years of experience in a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience with popular programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn, is often expected. Additionally, experience in deploying machine learning models in production environments is highly valued.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?