Backend Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Backend Engineer salary lies between USD 142,500 and USD 218,400 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Backend Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Backend Engineer job listings are Python, Engineering and Machine Learning. 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:

Python | 389 jobs Engineering | 369 jobs Machine Learning | 345 jobs AWS | 246 jobs APIs | 244 jobs Computer Science | 238 jobs Architecture | 235 jobs Kubernetes | 217 jobs Docker | 188 jobs Java | 183 jobs Pipelines | 174 jobs Security | 155 jobs PostgreSQL | 154 jobs Testing | 149 jobs Research | 137 jobs GCP | 132 jobs Kafka | 115 jobs LLMs | 114 jobs Agile | 109 jobs Privacy | 109 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Backend Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Backend Engineer job listings are Career development, Startup environment 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 | 355 jobs Startup environment | 175 jobs Health care | 160 jobs Equity / stock options | 157 jobs Flex hours | 136 jobs Competitive pay | 124 jobs Flex vacation | 95 jobs Parental leave | 88 jobs Team events | 79 jobs Salary bonus | 71 jobs Insurance | 67 jobs Medical leave | 61 jobs Home office stipend | 49 jobs Wellness | 37 jobs 401(k) matching | 30 jobs Gear | 28 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 26 jobs Transparency | 23 jobs Relocation support | 14 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Backend Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components: a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly based on the region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but companies often offer substantial equity packages. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller base salary but compensate with bonuses or other benefits. Large tech companies and startups often provide competitive packages with a mix of salary, bonuses, and stock options, while smaller companies might focus more on base salary and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following steps:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in the latest AI/ML technologies and backend frameworks. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning or cloud computing can make you more valuable.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial role can significantly boost your salary. This might involve leading a team of engineers or managing projects.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions. Attend industry conferences, join professional groups, and engage with the community.
• Negotiation: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher pay during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a Backend Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that require a deep understanding of machine learning algorithms and data science methodologies. Advanced degrees can also help in securing positions in research-oriented companies or roles that involve complex problem-solving.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications demonstrate your expertise in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Backend Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in software development, with a focus on backend technologies. Experience with AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn is often required. Additionally, familiarity with data processing tools and cloud platforms can be crucial. Experience in deploying machine learning models and working with large datasets is also highly valued.

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