AI Scientist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average AI Scientist salary lies between USD 156,499 and USD 216,150 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. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for AI Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with AI Scientist job listings are Machine Learning, Python 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:

Machine Learning | 128 jobs Python | 121 jobs Engineering | 109 jobs Research | 94 jobs Computer Science | 84 jobs LLMs | 82 jobs PyTorch | 77 jobs Deep Learning | 69 jobs NLP | 69 jobs Generative AI | 62 jobs Statistics | 59 jobs TensorFlow | 56 jobs PhD | 56 jobs Mathematics | 51 jobs ML models | 49 jobs Architecture | 43 jobs AWS | 40 jobs Computer Vision | 37 jobs R | 32 jobs Scikit-learn | 31 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for AI Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with AI Scientist 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 | 115 jobs Flex hours | 46 jobs Health care | 35 jobs Competitive pay | 27 jobs Conferences | 26 jobs Team events | 22 jobs Startup environment | 21 jobs Equity / stock options | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 16 jobs Insurance | 14 jobs Transparency | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 12 jobs Parental leave | 8 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Medical leave | 8 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs Lunch / meals | 3 jobs

Salary Composition for AI Scientist Roles

The salary for an AI Scientist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, equity or stock options are common, providing long-term incentives aligned with the company's success. In contrast, companies in other regions or industries might offer higher cash bonuses instead of equity. Larger companies often have more structured compensation packages, while startups might offer more equity to compensate for lower base salaries.

Steps to Increase Salary from an AI Scientist Position

To increase your salary beyond the median of $173,000, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or lead roles can significantly boost your earning potential. This might involve leading a team of data scientists or heading a project.
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Advanced courses or certifications can enhance your expertise and marketability.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences. Networking can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate your salary and benefits package assertively.

Educational Requirements for AI Scientist Positions

Most AI Scientist roles require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, mathematics, or engineering. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive positions, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of complex algorithms and the ability to conduct independent research. Strong academic credentials from reputable institutions can also be advantageous.

Helpful Certifications for AI Scientists

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications demonstrate proficiency in specific tools and platforms, which can be beneficial in practical applications of AI/ML.

Experience Required for AI Scientist Roles

Typically, AI Scientist positions require several years of experience in data science or machine learning roles. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and programming in languages such as Python or R. Experience in deploying AI solutions in real-world scenarios and a track record of successful projects can significantly strengthen your application.

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