AI Specialist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average AI Specialist salary lies between USD 100,493 and USD 183,330 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

Top 20 Job Tags for AI Specialist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with AI Specialist job listings are Machine Learning, Generative AI and Python. 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 | 133 jobs Generative AI | 113 jobs Python | 109 jobs Engineering | 106 jobs LLMs | 97 jobs Computer Science | 93 jobs NLP | 79 jobs Azure | 74 jobs AWS | 73 jobs Research | 73 jobs Deep Learning | 68 jobs Consulting | 60 jobs TensorFlow | 54 jobs PyTorch | 54 jobs Architecture | 53 jobs GCP | 48 jobs Security | 45 jobs Computer Vision | 44 jobs SQL | 44 jobs APIs | 42 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for AI Specialist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with AI Specialist job listings are Career development, Team events 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 | 160 jobs Team events | 70 jobs Health care | 68 jobs Flex hours | 65 jobs Competitive pay | 57 jobs Equity / stock options | 56 jobs Startup environment | 33 jobs Conferences | 31 jobs Medical leave | 23 jobs Insurance | 20 jobs Flex vacation | 19 jobs 401(k) matching | 18 jobs Parental leave | 15 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Fitness / gym | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 13 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Flexible spending account | 6 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs

Salary Composition for AI Specialist Roles

The salary for an AI Specialist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is the fixed component and often represents the largest portion of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options can form a substantial part of the compensation. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be more prominent. Larger companies or those in competitive industries like finance or tech often offer more lucrative bonus structures and additional perks compared to smaller firms or those in less competitive sectors.

Steps to Increase Salary from an AI Specialist Position

To increase your salary from an AI Specialist position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills with the latest AI technologies and methodologies. Specializing in high-demand 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 AI or related fields, can open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership or managerial roles can significantly boost your salary. This might involve leading a team of AI specialists or managing AI projects.
• Industry Change: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as finance or healthcare, where AI skills are in high demand, can result in a salary increase.
• Networking and Visibility: Building a strong professional network and increasing your visibility in the AI community through conferences, publications, or speaking engagements can lead to better job offers.

Educational Requirements for AI Specialist Positions

Most AI Specialist 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 more advanced positions. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of AI concepts and research methodologies, which are crucial for developing innovative AI solutions.

Helpful Certifications for AI Specialists

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some valuable certifications include:

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

These certifications can validate your skills in specific AI tools and platforms, making you a more attractive candidate.

Experience Requirements for AI Specialist Roles

Typically, AI Specialist positions require several years of experience in related fields such as data science, machine learning, or software engineering. Experience with AI frameworks, programming languages like Python or R, and hands-on project work is crucial. Employers often look for candidates who have successfully implemented AI solutions in real-world scenarios and have a track record of innovation and problem-solving.

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