Research Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Research Engineer salary lies between USD 143,100 and USD 251,000 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 Research Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Research Engineer job listings are Research, Engineering 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:

Research | 1239 jobs Engineering | 937 jobs Machine Learning | 908 jobs Python | 833 jobs Computer Science | 685 jobs PyTorch | 491 jobs Deep Learning | 433 jobs PhD | 431 jobs LLMs | 364 jobs TensorFlow | 350 jobs Architecture | 342 jobs NLP | 303 jobs ML models | 262 jobs Security | 259 jobs R | 249 jobs Testing | 249 jobs Statistics | 243 jobs Computer Vision | 241 jobs Pipelines | 237 jobs Privacy | 232 jobs

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, Health care 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 | 944 jobs Health care | 507 jobs Equity / stock options | 411 jobs Conferences | 285 jobs Flex hours | 274 jobs Startup environment | 264 jobs Competitive pay | 222 jobs Flex vacation | 217 jobs Salary bonus | 210 jobs Insurance | 187 jobs Parental leave | 184 jobs Team events | 181 jobs Medical leave | 175 jobs Relocation support | 155 jobs 401(k) matching | 124 jobs Wellness | 84 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 66 jobs Lunch / meals | 42 jobs Flexible spending account | 41 jobs Home office stipend | 38 jobs

Salary Composition for AI/ML/Data Science Research Engineer

The salary for a Research 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 composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size.

• Region: In the United States, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary is often higher, and companies frequently offer stock options as part of the compensation package. In Europe, the base salary might be slightly lower, but benefits such as healthcare and vacation days are more generous.
• Industry: In tech companies, bonuses and stock options are common, whereas in academia or research institutions, the focus might be more on the base salary with fewer bonuses.
• Company Size: Larger companies often provide more comprehensive compensation packages, including bonuses and stock options, while startups might offer lower base salaries but higher equity stakes.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from a Research Engineer 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 eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a managerial or lead role can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engaging with industry professionals can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.
• Negotiate Offers: Always negotiate your salary and benefits when receiving a job offer or during performance reviews.

Educational Requirements

Most Research Engineer positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in a related field such as computer science, data science, or electrical engineering. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles focused on cutting-edge research and development. Strong mathematical and statistical skills are essential, and coursework in machine learning, data analysis, and programming is highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate 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 make you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with several years of experience in AI/ML 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 portfolio of projects or publications can be crucial. Experience in applying AI/ML techniques to real-world problems is highly valued.

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