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: Dec. 15, 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 | 2064 jobs Machine Learning | 1683 jobs Python | 1542 jobs PhD | 1324 jobs Computer Science | 1315 jobs Engineering | 1196 jobs Deep Learning | 948 jobs PyTorch | 862 jobs NLP | 816 jobs Computer Vision | 746 jobs Physics | 739 jobs NeurIPS | 697 jobs LLMs | 673 jobs Statistics | 603 jobs ICLR | 590 jobs Mathematics | 580 jobs ICML | 580 jobs TensorFlow | 561 jobs Architecture | 531 jobs VR | 524 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, Equity / stock options and Health care. 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 | 1670 jobs Equity / stock options | 1085 jobs Health care | 1085 jobs Conferences | 1031 jobs Salary bonus | 668 jobs Flex vacation | 408 jobs Medical leave | 390 jobs Insurance | 374 jobs Parental leave | 364 jobs Flex hours | 354 jobs Competitive pay | 333 jobs 401(k) matching | 321 jobs Startup environment | 291 jobs Team events | 253 jobs Flexible spending account | 191 jobs Wellness | 182 jobs Transparency | 89 jobs Relocation support | 87 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 50 jobs Fitness / gym | 43 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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