Salary for Entry-level / Junior Research Scientist in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Research Scientist salary lies between USD 120,000 and USD 200,000 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 Entry-level / Junior Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior 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 | 69 jobs Machine Learning | 52 jobs Python | 51 jobs Computer Science | 39 jobs Engineering | 35 jobs PyTorch | 28 jobs Mathematics | 27 jobs Deep Learning | 26 jobs PhD | 26 jobs NLP | 24 jobs R | 23 jobs NeurIPS | 23 jobs Computer Vision | 22 jobs ICML | 20 jobs TensorFlow | 19 jobs ICLR | 19 jobs Statistics | 18 jobs R&D | 14 jobs Robotics | 13 jobs Privacy | 11 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Research Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Conferences and Health care. 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 | 35 jobs Conferences | 32 jobs Health care | 30 jobs Flex hours | 21 jobs Startup environment | 19 jobs Flex vacation | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Wellness | 12 jobs 401(k) matching | 10 jobs Competitive pay | 10 jobs Insurance | 9 jobs Team events | 8 jobs Parental leave | 7 jobs Salary bonus | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 7 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 5 jobs Medical leave | 5 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior research scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. 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 policies and the individual's performance. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, and benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The composition can vary by region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City might offer higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options due to the high cost of living and competitive job market. In contrast, companies in smaller cities or less competitive markets might offer lower base salaries but compensate with other benefits. Larger companies often have more structured bonus programs and stock options, while startups might offer more equity to attract talent.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's or Ph.D. can open up higher-level positions and increase earning potential.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to new opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.
• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceeding performance expectations can lead to promotions and salary increases.
• Industry Transition: Moving to a higher-paying industry, such as finance or healthcare, can also result in a salary boost.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering. However, a master's degree is often preferred and can significantly enhance job prospects. Some roles, especially those in research, may require a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate expertise:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Certifications

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

For entry-level roles, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects. Experience with programming languages like Python or R, familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, and a solid understanding of data analysis and statistical methods are often expected.

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