Research Engineer Salary in 2022

💰 The median Research Engineer Salary in 2022 is USD 149,925

✏️ This salary info is based on 8 individual salaries reported during 2022

Salary details

The average Research Engineer salary lies between USD 41,809 and USD 240,000 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.

Job title: Research Engineer

Experience: all levels

Region: global/worldwide

Salary year: 2022

Sample size: 8

Top 10%: $ 250,000

Top 25%: $ 240,000

Median: $ 149,925

Bottom 25%: $ 41,809

Bottom 10%: $ 16,455

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Research Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Research Engineer job listings are Research, Engineering and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2022 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Research Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Research 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 2022 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Salary Composition

The salary for a Research Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but the cost of living is also elevated. Bonuses can range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, often tied to individual or company performance. In larger companies, stock options or equity can form a significant part of the compensation package, providing long-term financial benefits. In contrast, smaller startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with more substantial equity stakes.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, reinforcement learning, or natural language processing can make you more valuable.
Advanced Education: Pursuing a higher degree, such as a Ph.D., can open doors to more advanced roles and higher pay.
Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities. Attending conferences and workshops can lead to new opportunities.
Leadership Roles: Transitioning into roles that involve team leadership or project management can increase your earning potential.
Industry Switch: Some industries, like finance or healthcare, may offer higher salaries for AI/ML expertise compared to others.

Educational Requirements

Most Research Engineer positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or Engineering. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles focused on cutting-edge research and development. The educational background should include a strong foundation in algorithms, statistics, and programming.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your 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 and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Research Engineer role requires 3-5 years of experience in a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in research, either in academia or industry, is highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to conduct experiments, analyze results, and contribute to scientific knowledge.

Related salaries

Research Engineer @ $ 240,000 (United States) Details

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