Head of Machine Learning Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Machine Learning salary lies between USD 245,000 and USD 438,000 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 Machine Learning roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Head of Machine Learning job listings are Machine Learning, Python and Computer Science. 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 | 17 jobs Python | 12 jobs Computer Science | 12 jobs R | 11 jobs ML models | 10 jobs Statistics | 10 jobs PhD | 7 jobs Big Data | 6 jobs Research | 6 jobs Data Mining | 6 jobs Engineering | 6 jobs Security | 6 jobs Architecture | 6 jobs Statistical modeling | 6 jobs R&D | 5 jobs Generative AI | 5 jobs NLP | 4 jobs GPU | 4 jobs Industrial | 4 jobs Pipelines | 4 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Head of Machine Learning roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Head of Machine Learning job listings are Career development, Startup environment 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 | 16 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Flex hours | 2 jobs Health care | 2 jobs 401(k) matching | 1 jobs Flex vacation | 1 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Team events | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs Salary bonus | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of Machine Learning

The salary for a Head of Machine Learning typically comprises several components: a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In the United States, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher compared to other regions, but the cost of living is also elevated. In Europe, salaries might be slightly lower, but benefits such as healthcare and vacation time can be more generous.
• Industry: In industries like finance or healthcare, bonuses might be more substantial due to the high stakes and profitability of these sectors. Conversely, in academia or non-profits, the base salary might be lower, but the work-life balance and job satisfaction could be higher.
• Company Size: Larger companies often offer more comprehensive compensation packages, including significant bonuses and stock options. Startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with equity, which could be lucrative if the company succeeds.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary further from the position of Head of Machine Learning, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing multiple teams or leading strategic initiatives, to demonstrate your value to the organization.
• Pursue Executive Education: Enroll in executive education programs or an MBA to enhance your leadership skills and business acumen, making you a candidate for higher-level executive roles.
• Network and Build Industry Presence: Attend conferences, publish papers, and engage with the AI/ML community to build your reputation and open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, be prepared with data on industry standards and your contributions to the company to negotiate a better package.

Educational Requirements

Most Heads of Machine Learning hold advanced degrees in fields such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially in research-intensive roles, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of machine learning algorithms and methodologies. However, a Master's degree combined with significant industry experience can also be sufficient.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise:

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

These certifications can validate your skills in specific platforms and tools, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Machine Learning is expected to have at least 8-10 years of experience in the field, with a proven track record of leading successful machine learning projects. Experience in managing teams, developing machine learning strategies, and deploying models in production environments is crucial. Additionally, experience in a specific industry can be beneficial, as it provides domain knowledge that can be leveraged in machine learning applications.

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