Lead Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Lead Engineer salary lies between USD 154,000 and USD 231,000 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 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 | 141 jobs Python | 134 jobs Machine Learning | 113 jobs Computer Science | 95 jobs Security | 80 jobs Architecture | 65 jobs Java | 62 jobs AWS | 61 jobs Testing | 60 jobs Privacy | 60 jobs Research | 56 jobs Azure | 52 jobs SQL | 50 jobs APIs | 50 jobs Big Data | 49 jobs Pipelines | 49 jobs Generative AI | 46 jobs Agile | 42 jobs LLMs | 41 jobs Scala | 37 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 | 136 jobs Competitive pay | 66 jobs Health care | 58 jobs Team events | 47 jobs Flex hours | 41 jobs Startup environment | 28 jobs Insurance | 28 jobs Salary bonus | 27 jobs Flex vacation | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 18 jobs Medical leave | 13 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs Transparency | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Parental leave | 5 jobs Flat hierarchy | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Relocation support | 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 a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the total compensation, especially in high-growth regions like Silicon Valley. In contrast, companies in other regions or industries might offer less in terms of equity but could compensate with higher base salaries or bonuses.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Lead Engineer Position

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

• Specialize Further: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into roles with more managerial responsibilities, such as an Engineering Manager or Director of AI/ML, which typically offer higher salaries.
• Industry Switch: Consider moving to industries that pay higher salaries for AI/ML expertise, such as finance, healthcare, or autonomous vehicles.
• Networking and Visibility: Increase your visibility in the industry by speaking at conferences, publishing papers, or contributing to open-source projects, which can lead to higher-paying opportunities.
• Negotiation Skills: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for higher compensation during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

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 computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve complex problem-solving and research. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of machine learning algorithms, statistical methods, and data analysis techniques, which are crucial for leading AI/ML projects.

Helpful Certifications for a Lead Engineer Role

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise in AI/ML:

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

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 at least 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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