Research Scientist Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Research Scientist salary lies between USD 145,900 and USD 225,000 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: Nov. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Research Scientist job listings are Research, Machine Learning and Python. 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:

Research | 444 jobs Machine Learning | 362 jobs Python | 308 jobs PhD | 261 jobs Computer Science | 257 jobs Engineering | 230 jobs Deep Learning | 207 jobs PyTorch | 164 jobs NLP | 145 jobs R | 129 jobs Mathematics | 129 jobs TensorFlow | 127 jobs Computer Vision | 125 jobs LLMs | 120 jobs Statistics | 110 jobs Architecture | 90 jobs R&D | 82 jobs Robotics | 79 jobs Testing | 78 jobs Industrial | 77 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Research Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 309 jobs Health care | 195 jobs Flex hours | 176 jobs Conferences | 160 jobs Equity / stock options | 139 jobs Competitive pay | 108 jobs Startup environment | 107 jobs Flex vacation | 99 jobs Parental leave | 94 jobs 401(k) matching | 90 jobs Insurance | 84 jobs Team events | 83 jobs Wellness | 73 jobs Medical leave | 63 jobs Salary bonus | 62 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 23 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 21 jobs Fitness / gym | 20 jobs Home office stipend | 18 jobs Fertility benefits | 18 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Research Scientist 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 base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the largest part of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies and startups, providing long-term incentives aligned with the company's growth.

Regional differences also play a significant role. For instance, salaries in the United States, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, tend to be higher than in other regions. Industry also affects salary composition; for example, finance and healthcare sectors might offer higher bonuses compared to academia or government roles. Company size can influence the availability of stock options, with larger companies more likely to offer them as part of the compensation package.

Increasing Salary

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

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of AI/ML that is in high demand, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision. This can make you more valuable to employers.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as leading a research team or project. These positions often come with higher pay.

• Publications and Patents: Contribute to high-impact research publications or secure patents. This can enhance your reputation and bargaining power for salary negotiations.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Attend conferences, workshops, and industry events to build a strong professional network. This can lead to opportunities for higher-paying roles.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML through courses, workshops, and certifications. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and can justify a salary increase.

Educational Requirements

Most Research Scientist positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or mathematics. However, a Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles focused on cutting-edge research and development. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analysis is essential. Publications in reputable journals and conferences can also be a significant advantage.

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 in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Research Scientist role requires several years of experience in AI/ML or data science. This experience can be gained through academic research, industry projects, or a combination of both. Experience with programming languages such as Python or R, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, is often expected. Additionally, experience in handling large datasets and applying statistical methods is crucial.

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