Head of AI Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Head of AI salary lies between USD 200,000 and USD 290,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Head of AI roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Head of AI job listings are Machine Learning, Computer Science and Research. 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 | 67 jobs Computer Science | 53 jobs Research | 48 jobs Engineering | 46 jobs LLMs | 38 jobs NLP | 35 jobs PhD | 28 jobs Privacy | 27 jobs Computer Vision | 26 jobs Python | 25 jobs Generative AI | 25 jobs PyTorch | 20 jobs Architecture | 19 jobs AI strategy | 18 jobs R | 17 jobs TensorFlow | 16 jobs ML infrastructure | 16 jobs JavaScript | 14 jobs R&D | 14 jobs MLOps | 13 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Head of AI roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Head of AI 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 | 67 jobs Startup environment | 32 jobs Health care | 26 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Competitive pay | 21 jobs Team events | 17 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 12 jobs Parental leave | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Transparency | 9 jobs Medical leave | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Gear | 3 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of AI Role

The salary for a Head of AI position typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for 60-70% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, equity can be a substantial part of the package, whereas in other regions, it might be less significant. Larger companies or those in high-demand industries like finance or healthcare may offer more competitive packages compared to smaller firms or those in less lucrative sectors.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Head of AI Position

To increase your salary beyond the Head of AI role, consider transitioning into executive leadership positions such as Chief AI Officer or Chief Technology Officer. These roles often come with higher compensation packages and greater responsibilities. Additionally, expanding your expertise into emerging AI technologies or leading high-impact projects can make you more valuable to your organization. Networking with industry leaders and participating in high-profile conferences can also enhance your visibility and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Pursuing further education, such as an executive MBA, can provide the business acumen needed for top-tier positions.

Educational Requirements for a Head of AI Role

Most Head of AI positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, or artificial intelligence. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially in research-intensive industries or academic settings. The educational background should include a strong foundation in machine learning, data analysis, and statistical modeling. Additionally, coursework in business management or leadership can be beneficial, as the role often involves strategic decision-making and team management.

Helpful Certifications for a Head of AI Role

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications for a Head of AI role. Certifications such as the Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP) or the TensorFlow Developer Certificate can demonstrate technical proficiency. Additionally, certifications in project management, like PMP or Agile, can be advantageous, as they highlight your ability to lead projects and manage teams effectively. These certifications can be particularly useful in industries where AI is applied to complex systems or large-scale projects.

Experience Required for a Head of AI Role

Typically, a Head of AI role requires extensive experience in AI and machine learning, often 10-15 years, with a proven track record of leading successful AI projects. Experience in managing teams and collaborating across departments is crucial, as the role involves overseeing AI strategy and implementation. Prior experience in a senior management position, such as a Director of AI or a similar role, is often expected. Industry-specific experience can also be important, as it provides insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within that sector.

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