Head of AI Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Head of AI salary lies between USD 200,000 and USD 290,000 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: Dec. 1, 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 | 82 jobs Computer Science | 66 jobs Research | 62 jobs LLMs | 51 jobs NLP | 47 jobs Engineering | 47 jobs PhD | 40 jobs Privacy | 40 jobs Computer Vision | 38 jobs Python | 37 jobs PyTorch | 33 jobs R | 29 jobs TensorFlow | 29 jobs ML infrastructure | 28 jobs R&D | 27 jobs Generative AI | 27 jobs JavaScript | 26 jobs CUDA | 25 jobs JAX | 25 jobs Finance | 20 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 | 81 jobs Startup environment | 33 jobs Health care | 27 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Competitive pay | 22 jobs Transparency | 21 jobs Team events | 18 jobs Wellness | 15 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Conferences | 13 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 12 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 6 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 is often the largest component, accounting for 60-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly based on company performance and individual achievements, ranging from 10-30% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package, particularly in startups or large tech firms, and may account for 10-20% or more of the total compensation. The composition can vary depending on the region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher equity components, while traditional industries might focus more on cash bonuses. Company size also plays a role, with larger companies often providing more structured bonus plans and smaller companies offering more equity.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Head of AI Position

To increase your salary from a Head of AI position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities or oversee larger teams to demonstrate your capability to handle more complex challenges.
• Industry Transition: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as finance or healthcare, where AI expertise is highly valued, can lead to a salary increase.
• Negotiation Skills: Enhance your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher compensation during performance reviews or when considering new job offers.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network to stay informed about higher-paying opportunities and to gain recommendations for top positions.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest AI advancements and trends to maintain your competitive edge and justify salary increases.

Educational Requirements for a Head of AI

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 roles or at leading tech companies. The educational background should include a strong foundation in machine learning, statistics, and data analysis. Additionally, coursework or experience in business management can be beneficial, as the role often involves strategic decision-making and team leadership.

Helpful Certifications for a Head of AI Role

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

• Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP): Validates your ability to implement AI solutions.
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer: Demonstrates proficiency in designing and building machine learning models on Google Cloud.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Focuses on building, training, and deploying machine learning models on AWS.
• Data Science Certifications: Such as those offered by Coursera or edX, can also be beneficial.

Experience Required for a Head of AI Position

Typically, a Head of AI role requires extensive experience, often 10-15 years, in AI, machine learning, or data science. This experience should include a proven track record of leading AI projects, managing teams, and delivering successful AI solutions. Experience in a specific industry can also be advantageous, as it provides domain knowledge that can be critical for developing effective AI strategies.

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