Machine Learning Researcher Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Machine Learning Researcher salary lies between USD 110,000 and USD 160,000 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

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Machine Learning Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Machine Learning Researcher job listings are Machine Learning, Python and Deep 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:

Machine Learning | 366 jobs Python | 336 jobs Deep Learning | 330 jobs Engineering | 326 jobs Statistics | 311 jobs LLMs | 311 jobs ML models | 309 jobs Testing | 293 jobs AWS | 288 jobs Git | 286 jobs MLOps | 284 jobs GCP | 281 jobs SQL | 278 jobs Kubernetes | 278 jobs Docker | 278 jobs Data visualization | 276 jobs Looker | 274 jobs Business Intelligence | 274 jobs Research | 88 jobs Computer Science | 62 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Machine Learning Researcher roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Machine Learning Researcher job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Equity / stock options. 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 | 346 jobs Startup environment | 298 jobs Equity / stock options | 205 jobs Competitive pay | 190 jobs Salary bonus | 185 jobs Conferences | 48 jobs Health care | 39 jobs Team events | 18 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Relocation support | 17 jobs Flex hours | 15 jobs Parental leave | 9 jobs Medical leave | 9 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Transparency | 4 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 2 jobs Lunch / meals | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Machine Learning Researchers

The salary composition for a Machine Learning Researcher can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components: a fixed base salary, a performance-based bonus, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living, with bonuses and stock options forming a significant part of the total compensation package. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with higher bonuses or equity. In larger tech companies, stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs) are common, while startups might offer more equity to attract talent. Industries such as finance or healthcare might offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of AI applications in those fields.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary further from a Machine Learning Researcher position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or reinforcement learning, which are in high demand.
• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transition into roles that involve leading teams or projects, such as a Machine Learning Lead or Manager.
• Contribute to Open Source Projects: Building a strong portfolio through contributions to open-source projects can enhance your reputation and lead to higher-paying opportunities.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Attend conferences, workshops, and meetups to connect with industry leaders and explore new opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher compensation based on your skills and contributions.

Educational Requirements

Most Machine Learning Researcher positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, mathematics, or statistics. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive roles, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of complex algorithms and the ability to conduct independent research. Coursework in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, and statistical analysis is essential.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some valuable certifications include:

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

These certifications validate your skills in deploying machine learning models and working with specific platforms, which can be advantageous in job applications.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in machine learning or data science roles. Experience in developing and deploying machine learning models, working with large datasets, and using programming languages such as Python or R is crucial. Experience in a specific industry, such as finance, healthcare, or technology, can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates domain knowledge.

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