Machine Learning Scientist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Machine Learning Scientist salary lies between USD 129,400 and USD 201,000 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 Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Machine Learning Scientist job listings are Machine Learning, Python and Engineering. 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 | 431 jobs Python | 336 jobs Engineering | 303 jobs Computer Science | 293 jobs Research | 273 jobs Statistics | 263 jobs ML models | 251 jobs Deep Learning | 247 jobs PyTorch | 245 jobs PhD | 216 jobs TensorFlow | 205 jobs Mathematics | 185 jobs SQL | 178 jobs NLP | 154 jobs LLMs | 128 jobs Scikit-learn | 126 jobs Security | 117 jobs AWS | 114 jobs Architecture | 108 jobs Pipelines | 105 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Machine Learning Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Machine Learning Scientist job listings are Career development, Health care and Wellness. 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 | 390 jobs Health care | 257 jobs Wellness | 144 jobs Equity / stock options | 131 jobs Flex hours | 130 jobs Competitive pay | 124 jobs Insurance | 118 jobs Conferences | 112 jobs Parental leave | 107 jobs Salary bonus | 105 jobs Flex vacation | 96 jobs Startup environment | 94 jobs Team events | 86 jobs Medical leave | 81 jobs 401(k) matching | 53 jobs Home office stipend | 30 jobs Relocation support | 26 jobs Gear | 25 jobs Travel | 22 jobs Fitness / gym | 22 jobs

Salary Composition for a Machine Learning Scientist

The salary for a Machine Learning Scientist 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. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, stock options or equity can be a substantial part of the compensation, reflecting the company's growth potential. In contrast, companies in other regions or industries might offer smaller equity components but could compensate with higher base salaries or bonuses. Larger companies often provide more structured and generous compensation packages, while startups might offer lower base salaries but higher equity stakes.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a Machine Learning Scientist 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 computer vision, which are in high demand.
• Pursue Advanced Education: Obtaining a Ph.D. or additional certifications can make you more competitive and justify a higher salary.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into roles that involve leading teams or projects can significantly boost your earning potential.
• Negotiate Effectively: Develop strong negotiation skills to advocate for higher pay during performance reviews or when switching jobs.
• Network and Build a Personal Brand: Engage with the AI/ML community through conferences, publications, or online platforms to increase your visibility and attract better opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Machine Learning Scientist positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or mathematics. 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 highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. 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 can validate your skills in using specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 2-5 years of experience in machine learning or data science roles. Experience with programming languages such as Python or R, familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, and a strong background in data analysis and model development are crucial. Experience in deploying machine learning models in production environments and working with large datasets is also highly valued.

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