AI Developer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average AI Developer salary lies between USD 123,400 and USD 218,900 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. 22, 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 | 323 jobs Machine Learning | 218 jobs Engineering | 215 jobs Generative AI | 205 jobs Computer Science | 188 jobs Azure | 138 jobs LLMs | 131 jobs JavaScript | 120 jobs NLP | 119 jobs AWS | 117 jobs Research | 114 jobs Java | 101 jobs Prompt engineering | 99 jobs APIs | 95 jobs Testing | 94 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 | 298 jobs Flex hours | 169 jobs Health care | 72 jobs Team events | 59 jobs Equity / stock options | 49 jobs Startup environment | 47 jobs Salary bonus | 41 jobs Parental leave | 36 jobs Flex vacation | 36 jobs Competitive pay | 35 jobs Insurance | 29 jobs Medical leave | 28 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Wellness | 18 jobs Conferences | 14 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs Gear | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 5 jobs Travel | 4 jobs Home office stipend | 4 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 package includes a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Bonuses are also a common component, often tied to performance metrics or company profitability. These can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additionally, stock options or equity are frequently offered, especially in startups or tech companies, providing long-term financial benefits. Larger companies might offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, which can add significant value to the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from the median of USD 168,000, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior AI Developer, AI Architect, or Machine Learning Engineer. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can also enhance your value. Gaining experience in leading projects or managing teams can position you for leadership roles, which typically offer higher compensation. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest AI trends and technologies can open opportunities for higher-paying positions. Additionally, negotiating your salary based on market research and your contributions to the company can lead to better compensation.

Educational Requirements

Most AI Developer roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for positions involving complex problem-solving and research. Advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of machine learning algorithms, data structures, and statistical models, which are crucial for developing AI solutions. Universities with strong AI research programs can also offer networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Some valuable certifications include:

• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer: Validates your ability to design, build, and productionize ML models.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Demonstrates your skills in building, training, and deploying ML models on AWS.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: Focuses on using Azure services to build AI solutions.
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate: Shows proficiency in using TensorFlow for machine learning and deep learning tasks.

Required Experience

Typically, AI Developer roles require 2-5 years of experience in software development or data science. Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn is essential. Practical experience in data analysis, model development, and deployment is highly valued. Internships, research projects, or contributions to open-source projects can also provide relevant experience.

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