Applied Scientist Salary in United States during 2022

Salary details

The average Applied Scientist salary lies between USD 184,000 and USD 205,000 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: 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 Research. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Machine Learning | 151 jobs Python | 134 jobs Research | 126 jobs PhD | 115 jobs Engineering | 111 jobs Computer Science | 102 jobs ML models | 93 jobs Deep Learning | 90 jobs Statistics | 89 jobs Mathematics | 70 jobs NLP | 59 jobs Computer Vision | 57 jobs AWS | 49 jobs PyTorch | 45 jobs TensorFlow | 40 jobs Spark | 28 jobs Data analysis | 28 jobs Economics | 27 jobs Big Data | 26 jobs R | 23 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, Conferences and Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 108 jobs Conferences | 74 jobs Startup environment | 33 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Health care | 30 jobs Equity / stock options | 27 jobs Competitive pay | 27 jobs Flex vacation | 21 jobs Team events | 20 jobs Parental leave | 18 jobs Insurance | 14 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Wellness | 8 jobs Fitness / gym | 8 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs Signing bonus | 4 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 3 jobs

Salary Composition for an Applied Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science

The salary for an Applied Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the largest portion, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company profits, usually make up 10-20% of the salary package. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, which can significantly increase total earnings depending on the company's performance.

Regional differences can affect salary composition, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, and New York offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and tech industries tend to offer higher bonuses compared to academia or non-profits. Company size can influence stock options and bonuses, with larger companies often providing more substantial equity packages.

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 emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. 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.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to build a strong professional network. Engaging with industry leaders can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions within your organization, which typically come with higher compensation.

• Negotiation: Don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary during performance reviews or when offered a new position. Research industry standards to make a compelling case.

Educational Requirements for an Applied Scientist Role

Most Applied Scientist roles in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or Electrical Engineering. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive positions or roles in academia. The educational background should include a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming.

Helpful Certifications for an Applied Scientist

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 expertise in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

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 deploying ML models in production environments and working with large datasets is highly valued. Prior experience in a research setting or contributions to significant projects can also be beneficial.

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