Research Engineer Salary in United Kingdom during 2024

Salary details

The average Research Engineer salary lies between USD 262,500 and USD 485,000 in the United Kingdom. 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. 22, 2024

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 | 1248 jobs Engineering | 946 jobs Machine Learning | 915 jobs Python | 840 jobs Computer Science | 691 jobs PyTorch | 494 jobs Deep Learning | 437 jobs PhD | 432 jobs LLMs | 366 jobs TensorFlow | 353 jobs Architecture | 345 jobs NLP | 307 jobs ML models | 264 jobs Security | 263 jobs R | 252 jobs Testing | 250 jobs Statistics | 246 jobs Computer Vision | 243 jobs Pipelines | 240 jobs Privacy | 233 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 | 951 jobs Health care | 510 jobs Equity / stock options | 411 jobs Conferences | 288 jobs Flex hours | 277 jobs Startup environment | 265 jobs Competitive pay | 225 jobs Flex vacation | 220 jobs Salary bonus | 210 jobs Insurance | 190 jobs Parental leave | 184 jobs Team events | 182 jobs Medical leave | 177 jobs Relocation support | 155 jobs 401(k) matching | 126 jobs Wellness | 84 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 66 jobs Flexible spending account | 44 jobs Lunch / meals | 42 jobs Home office stipend | 38 jobs

Salary Composition for AI/ML/Data Science Research Engineers in the UK

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. In the UK, the base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech firms or startups and can constitute 5-10% of the total package. The composition can vary based on the region, with London-based roles often offering higher base salaries due to the cost of living. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and tech sectors tend to offer more competitive packages compared to academia or public sector roles.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Research Engineer Position

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, reinforcement learning, or natural language processing can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as a Ph.D. or specialized certifications, can position you for higher-paying roles.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities. Attending conferences and workshops can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into leadership or managerial roles can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Industry Switch: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as finance or tech, can also lead to a salary increase.

Educational Requirements for a Research Engineer Role

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 statistics, machine learning, and programming languages like Python or R.

Helpful Certifications for AI/ML/Data Science Research Engineers

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate expertise. 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 and knowledge, making you more competitive in the job market.

Experience Requirements for a Research Engineer Role

Typically, employers look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in AI/ML or data science roles. Experience in research and development, particularly in applying machine learning models to real-world problems, is highly valued. Experience with data analysis, model deployment, and working in cross-functional teams is also beneficial.

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