Salary for Entry-level / Junior Machine Learning Engineer during 2021

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Machine Learning Engineer salary lies between USD 21,844 and USD 85,000 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: Dec. 29, 2024

Salary trend

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior machine learning engineer typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include bonuses and additional remuneration. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher due to the cost of living and competition for talent. Bonuses can be performance-based or tied to company success, and additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in startups or tech companies. In larger corporations, you might find more structured bonus schemes and benefits packages, while smaller companies might offer equity as a significant part of the compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider gaining specialized skills or certifications that are in high demand. Pursuing a master's degree or further education in AI/ML can also be beneficial. Networking within the industry and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Additionally, gaining experience in a niche area of machine learning, such as natural language processing or computer vision, can make you more valuable to employers. Seeking roles in industries that heavily invest in AI, like finance or healthcare, can also lead to higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level machine learning engineer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Some positions may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially if the role involves more complex machine learning tasks. A strong foundation in programming, particularly in languages like Python and R, is essential. Understanding of algorithms, data structures, and statistical modeling is also crucial.

Helpful Certificates

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some popular certifications include:

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

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

For an entry-level position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, projects, or contributions to open-source projects. Experience with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn is often expected. Familiarity with data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation techniques is also important. While extensive professional experience may not be required, demonstrating hands-on experience through a portfolio of projects can be advantageous.

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