Research Scientist Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Research Scientist salary lies between USD 145,000 and USD 240,240 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. 17, 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 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Research | 1880 jobs Machine Learning | 1541 jobs Python | 1423 jobs Computer Science | 1221 jobs PhD | 1220 jobs Engineering | 1101 jobs Deep Learning | 875 jobs PyTorch | 792 jobs NLP | 763 jobs Physics | 682 jobs Computer Vision | 667 jobs NeurIPS | 645 jobs LLMs | 608 jobs Statistics | 564 jobs ICLR | 549 jobs Mathematics | 547 jobs ICML | 540 jobs TensorFlow | 521 jobs Architecture | 487 jobs VR | 478 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 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 | 1517 jobs Health care | 1029 jobs Equity / stock options | 1013 jobs Conferences | 947 jobs Salary bonus | 629 jobs Flex vacation | 395 jobs Medical leave | 377 jobs Insurance | 355 jobs Parental leave | 344 jobs Flex hours | 329 jobs Competitive pay | 304 jobs 401(k) matching | 303 jobs Startup environment | 264 jobs Team events | 232 jobs Flexible spending account | 188 jobs Wellness | 173 jobs Transparency | 88 jobs Relocation support | 81 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 49 jobs Fitness / gym | 39 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 composition can vary significantly based 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. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller base salary but compensate with substantial bonuses or stock options. Large tech companies often provide competitive base salaries with significant equity components, while startups might offer lower base salaries but higher equity stakes to attract talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following steps:

• 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 Leadership Roles: Transition into roles that involve leading teams or projects, as these often come with higher compensation.
• Enhance Your Skills: Continuously update your skills with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML.
• Network and Collaborate: Engage with industry professionals and participate in conferences or workshops to increase your visibility and opportunities.
• Negotiate Offers: When switching jobs, negotiate your salary based on your experience and the value you bring to the company.

Educational Requirements

Most Research Scientist positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in a related field such as computer science, data science, mathematics, or statistics. 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.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current in the field.

Required Experience

Typically, a Research Scientist role requires several years of experience in AI/ML or data science. This includes hands-on experience with machine learning models, data analysis, and programming languages such as Python or R. Experience in publishing research papers or contributing to open-source projects can also be beneficial.

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