Research Scientist Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Research Scientist salary lies between USD 145,900 and USD 220,000 in the United States. 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: 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

In the United States, the salary composition for a Research Scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is often the largest component, making up about 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-20% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package, particularly in larger tech companies or startups, where they might account for 10-30% of the total compensation. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and equity options compared to other regions. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and tech industries tend to offer higher bonuses and equity compared to academia or government roles. Company size can influence the package as well, with larger companies often providing more comprehensive benefits and equity options.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Research Scientist 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 and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transition into roles with more responsibility, such as leading a research team or managing projects, which often come with higher pay.
• Enhance Your Skills: Continuously update your skills and knowledge through advanced courses, workshops, or certifications in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
• Network and Collaborate: Engage with industry professionals through conferences, seminars, and online platforms to increase your visibility and open up new opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, negotiate for higher compensation by highlighting your achievements and market value.

Educational Requirements

Most Research Scientist positions in AI/ML/Data Science require an advanced degree, typically a Ph.D. in a related field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or electrical engineering. A strong academic background with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analysis is essential. Some positions may accept candidates with a master's degree, provided they have significant research experience and a strong portfolio of work.

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 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 research or applied machine learning. This experience can be gained through academic research, industry projects, or a combination of both. Employers often look for candidates with a proven track record of publishing in reputable journals or conferences, as well as experience in developing and deploying machine learning models in real-world applications.

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