Machine Learning Scientist Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Machine Learning Scientist salary lies between USD 150,000 and USD 222,000 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: 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 Computer Science. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Machine Learning | 141 jobs Python | 128 jobs Computer Science | 115 jobs Engineering | 100 jobs Research | 94 jobs Statistics | 88 jobs PyTorch | 86 jobs Deep Learning | 84 jobs ML models | 82 jobs TensorFlow | 79 jobs Mathematics | 70 jobs PhD | 69 jobs SQL | 58 jobs Scikit-learn | 55 jobs NLP | 49 jobs R | 47 jobs Testing | 44 jobs Architecture | 42 jobs Spark | 40 jobs AWS | 39 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 Startup environment. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 124 jobs Health care | 62 jobs Startup environment | 57 jobs Equity / stock options | 48 jobs Flex hours | 48 jobs Parental leave | 44 jobs Salary bonus | 42 jobs Flex vacation | 40 jobs Conferences | 39 jobs Competitive pay | 36 jobs Wellness | 35 jobs Team events | 33 jobs Insurance | 29 jobs Medical leave | 24 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Gear | 18 jobs Home office stipend | 15 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 12 jobs Yoga | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 4 jobs

Salary Composition for Machine Learning Scientists

The salary for a Machine Learning Scientist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, 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, individual performance, and industry standards. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, bonuses and stock options can be substantial, reflecting the high demand for talent and the competitive nature of the industry. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer smaller bonuses and fewer stock options. Company size also plays a role; larger companies often provide more comprehensive compensation packages, including benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from the median level, 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 and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial role can significantly boost your earning potential. This might involve leading a team of data scientists or managing AI projects.
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Attending workshops, conferences, and online courses can enhance your skills and make you more valuable to employers.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate your salary and benefits package. Research industry standards to make informed requests.

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 or positions at top-tier tech companies. The advanced education provides a strong foundation in the theoretical aspects of machine learning and data analysis, which is crucial for developing innovative solutions and conducting cutting-edge research.

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 specific platforms and tools, making you more attractive to employers who use these technologies.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in machine learning or data science roles. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and programming in languages such as Python or R. Experience with big data technologies, cloud platforms, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch is also highly valued.

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