AI Developer Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average AI Developer salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 230,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 1, 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, Computer Science and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Python | 15 jobs Computer Science | 13 jobs Machine Learning | 12 jobs Engineering | 12 jobs NLP | 9 jobs R | 8 jobs TensorFlow | 8 jobs Java | 8 jobs Deep Learning | 7 jobs Computer Vision | 7 jobs PyTorch | 7 jobs OpenAI | 6 jobs Generative AI | 6 jobs Scikit-learn | 5 jobs AWS | 5 jobs Research | 5 jobs Testing | 5 jobs Architecture | 5 jobs Azure | 5 jobs Agile | 5 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, Team events and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 17 jobs Team events | 8 jobs Flex hours | 6 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Health care | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Parental leave | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for an AI Developer can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components: base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity.

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation package. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, the base salary tends to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

• Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses are common and can vary widely. They are often tied to individual performance, team success, or company profitability. In larger tech companies, bonuses can be a significant part of the compensation package.

• Additional Remuneration: This includes stock options, equity, or other long-term incentives. Startups might offer more equity to compensate for a lower base salary, while established companies might provide a mix of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs).

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the current position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set. Specializing in emerging areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can make you more valuable.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, can open doors to higher-paying roles.

• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership or managerial positions can significantly boost your salary. This might involve leading a team of developers or managing AI projects.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Actively participating in industry conferences, workshops, and networking events can lead to new opportunities and salary negotiations.

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 higher, especially for more advanced positions. A strong foundation in programming, statistics, and machine learning is essential.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

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

Required Experience

Typically, AI Developer roles require 3-5 years of experience in related fields such as software development, data analysis, or machine learning. Experience with programming languages like Python, R, or Java, and familiarity with AI frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, is often expected. Experience in deploying AI models in production environments is also highly valued.

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