Lead Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Lead Engineer salary lies between USD 154,000 and USD 231,000 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Lead Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Lead Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python 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:

Engineering | 160 jobs Python | 149 jobs Machine Learning | 131 jobs Computer Science | 106 jobs Security | 91 jobs Architecture | 78 jobs AWS | 71 jobs Testing | 67 jobs Privacy | 67 jobs Java | 67 jobs Research | 65 jobs Azure | 64 jobs Pipelines | 58 jobs APIs | 58 jobs Big Data | 54 jobs SQL | 54 jobs Agile | 54 jobs Generative AI | 49 jobs LLMs | 43 jobs Spark | 39 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Lead Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Lead Engineer job listings are Career development, Competitive pay 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 | 153 jobs Competitive pay | 72 jobs Health care | 66 jobs Team events | 51 jobs Flex hours | 47 jobs Startup environment | 34 jobs Insurance | 32 jobs Salary bonus | 31 jobs Flex vacation | 24 jobs Equity / stock options | 20 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Conferences | 9 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Flat hierarchy | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for a Lead Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science

The salary for a Lead Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components, which can vary based on region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is divided into:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary tends to be higher to compensate for living expenses.

• Bonus: Bonuses can be performance-based or company-wide. Performance bonuses are tied to individual or team achievements, while company-wide bonuses depend on the overall success of the organization. In tech-heavy industries, bonuses can be a significant part of the compensation package.

• Equity/Stock Options: Particularly in startups or tech companies, equity or stock options are common. This component can be lucrative if the company performs well and its stock value increases.

• Other Benefits: These may include health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks like wellness programs, which can add substantial value to the overall compensation package.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Lead Engineer Position

To increase your salary from a Lead Engineer position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Developing strong leadership and project management skills can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay, such as Engineering Manager or Director of AI.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to build a strong professional network. Engaging with industry leaders can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

• Negotiation: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for a higher salary or better benefits. Research industry standards to make informed arguments.

Educational Requirements for a Lead Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science

Most Lead Engineer positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or Engineering. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles involving complex research and development tasks. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and statistical modeling.

Helpful Certifications for a Lead Engineer Role

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

• 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.

Experience Required for a Lead Engineer Position

Typically, a Lead Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science is expected to have 5-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience leading projects or teams is also crucial, as the role often involves overseeing the work of other engineers and coordinating with cross-functional teams.

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