Applied Scientist Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Applied Scientist salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 222,200 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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 | 1112 jobs Python | 909 jobs Engineering | 854 jobs Research | 795 jobs Deep Learning | 758 jobs Statistics | 675 jobs LLMs | 650 jobs ML models | 645 jobs Computer Science | 573 jobs PhD | 568 jobs Java | 416 jobs NLP | 398 jobs Generative AI | 332 jobs AWS | 322 jobs SQL | 317 jobs PyTorch | 316 jobs TensorFlow | 306 jobs Testing | 301 jobs Mathematics | 276 jobs Computer Vision | 244 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 Conferences. 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 | 1058 jobs Equity / stock options | 569 jobs Conferences | 446 jobs Startup environment | 403 jobs Medical leave | 337 jobs Health care | 321 jobs Competitive pay | 272 jobs Salary bonus | 248 jobs Flex hours | 236 jobs Team events | 204 jobs Flex vacation | 176 jobs Parental leave | 175 jobs Insurance | 137 jobs 401(k) matching | 80 jobs Flexible spending account | 76 jobs Fitness / gym | 42 jobs Relocation support | 42 jobs Wellness | 30 jobs Home office stipend | 27 jobs Transparency | 24 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 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. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can significantly increase total compensation, especially if the company performs well.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry can also affect salary composition, with tech and finance sectors typically offering higher compensation packages compared to academia or non-profit organizations. Company size can influence the availability of stock options, with larger companies more likely to offer them as part of the compensation package.

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 and expand your skill set, particularly in emerging technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Specializing in niche areas 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: Build a strong professional network to learn about new opportunities and gain insights into industry trends.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions, which typically come with higher salaries.
• Negotiation: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher compensation during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements for an Applied Scientist

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 Mathematics. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive positions or roles in academia. The educational background should include a strong foundation in machine learning, data analysis, and programming languages like Python or R.

Helpful Certifications for an Applied Scientist

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate expertise. Some valuable certifications include:

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

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge, making you more competitive in the job market.

Experience Required for an Applied Scientist Role

Typically, an Applied Scientist position requires several years of experience in data science or machine learning roles. This experience should include hands-on work with data analysis, model development, and deployment. Experience in a specific industry can also be beneficial, as it provides domain knowledge that can be crucial for certain projects.

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