Applied Scientist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Applied Scientist salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 222,200 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: Nov. 17, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Applied Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Applied 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 | 950 jobs Python | 801 jobs Engineering | 730 jobs Deep Learning | 672 jobs Research | 667 jobs Statistics | 591 jobs LLMs | 562 jobs ML models | 560 jobs Computer Science | 493 jobs PhD | 485 jobs Java | 350 jobs NLP | 333 jobs AWS | 301 jobs SQL | 285 jobs PyTorch | 282 jobs Generative AI | 276 jobs TensorFlow | 275 jobs Testing | 273 jobs Mathematics | 229 jobs Computer Vision | 214 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Applied Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Applied Scientist job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Startup environment. 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 | 911 jobs Equity / stock options | 501 jobs Startup environment | 370 jobs Conferences | 370 jobs Medical leave | 291 jobs Health care | 270 jobs Competitive pay | 253 jobs Salary bonus | 232 jobs Flex hours | 212 jobs Team events | 177 jobs Parental leave | 155 jobs Flex vacation | 152 jobs Insurance | 110 jobs 401(k) matching | 70 jobs Flexible spending account | 66 jobs Relocation support | 34 jobs Fitness / gym | 32 jobs Wellness | 27 jobs Home office stipend | 25 jobs Transparency | 23 jobs

Salary Composition for an Applied Scientist Role

The salary for an Applied Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, equity or stock options can form a substantial part of the compensation, sometimes equaling or exceeding the base salary. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living or smaller firms might offer less in terms of equity but compensate with higher base salaries or bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary from an Applied Scientist Position

To increase your salary from an Applied Scientist position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as a Ph.D. or specialized certifications, can position you for higher-level roles.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership or managerial roles can significantly boost your salary. This might involve leading a team of scientists or managing cross-functional projects.
• Industry Switch: Moving to industries with higher pay scales, such as finance or healthcare, can also increase your earnings.
• Networking and Visibility: Building a strong professional network and increasing your visibility through conferences, publications, or speaking engagements can open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements for an Applied Scientist

Most Applied Scientist roles require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive positions or roles in academia. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming, along with specialized knowledge in machine learning and data analysis.

Helpful Certifications for an Applied Scientist

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

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS): Validates your skills in data science and analytics.
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate: Demonstrates proficiency in using TensorFlow for machine learning tasks.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Shows expertise in implementing machine learning solutions on the AWS platform.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: Indicates skills in using Azure services for AI solutions.

Experience Required for an Applied Scientist Role

Typically, an Applied Scientist role requires 3-5 years of experience in a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in applying these skills to solve real-world problems is crucial. Additionally, experience in a specific industry can be beneficial, as it provides domain knowledge that can enhance the application of AI/ML solutions.

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