Head of Machine Learning Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Machine Learning salary lies between USD 245,000 and USD 438,000 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: 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 in the United States typically comprises several components: a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity. The base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the total salary, depending on individual and company performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can make up the remaining 10-20%, especially in tech companies or startups where equity is a significant part of the compensation strategy.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial equity components due to the competitive job market. Industry and company size also play crucial roles; larger tech companies or those in high-demand sectors like finance or healthcare may offer more lucrative packages compared to smaller firms or less tech-centric industries.

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 Skill Set: Continuously update your technical skills and stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning. Specializing in emerging areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can make you more valuable.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Enhance your leadership capabilities by taking on more strategic roles within your organization. Demonstrating your ability to lead large teams and manage complex projects can position you for higher-level executive roles.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Build a strong professional network by attending industry conferences, participating in AI forums, and contributing to research publications. Being recognized as a thought leader can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.

• Consider Relocation or Industry Change: Sometimes, moving to a different region or industry can lead to a significant salary increase, especially if you transition to a sector with higher demand for AI expertise.

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 for roles that require deep technical expertise and research capabilities. However, a master's degree combined with substantial industry experience can also be sufficient.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 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 in specific tools and platforms, 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 AI/ML projects. Experience in managing teams, developing AI strategies, and implementing machine learning solutions at scale is crucial. Prior roles might include positions such as Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, or AI Researcher.

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