Salary for Executive-level / Director Director of Machine Learning in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Director of Machine Learning salary lies between USD 174,100 and USD 205,800 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Director of Machine Learning roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Director of Machine Learning job listings are Machine Learning, Engineering and Research. 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:

Machine Learning | 16 jobs Engineering | 13 jobs Research | 11 jobs Computer Science | 11 jobs ML models | 9 jobs Python | 8 jobs Generative AI | 8 jobs Deep Learning | 7 jobs PyTorch | 7 jobs AWS | 7 jobs Statistics | 7 jobs NLP | 6 jobs TensorFlow | 6 jobs Architecture | 6 jobs PhD | 6 jobs R | 4 jobs Big Data | 4 jobs Scikit-learn | 4 jobs Spark | 4 jobs Airflow | 4 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Director of Machine Learning roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Director of Machine Learning 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 | 14 jobs Health care | 11 jobs Equity / stock options | 10 jobs Competitive pay | 8 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs Insurance | 7 jobs Flex hours | 6 jobs Salary bonus | 6 jobs Flex vacation | 5 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs 401(k) matching | 3 jobs Parental leave | 3 jobs Transparency | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Gear | 1 jobs Team events | 1 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level AI/ML Roles

In the United States, the salary for an Executive-level or Director of Machine Learning position typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech giants and startups in Silicon Valley might offer substantial equity packages, while companies in other regions or industries might provide smaller equity stakes or other benefits like profit-sharing.

Steps to Increase Salary from This Position

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 205,800, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Skill Set: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML technologies and methodologies. Specializing in emerging areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can make you more valuable.
• Pursue Leadership Opportunities: Take on more significant leadership roles within your organization, such as leading larger teams or spearheading strategic initiatives.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with industry peers through conferences, seminars, and online platforms. Networking can open doors to higher-paying opportunities.
• Consider Relocation: Some regions, particularly tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, may offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for talent.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, highlight your achievements, the value you bring to the company, and market salary data to negotiate a better package.

Educational Requirements

For a Director of Machine Learning position, a strong educational background is essential. Most candidates hold at least a Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that require deep technical expertise and research capabilities. Additionally, a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming is crucial.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Some valuable certifications include:

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

These certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market and may be particularly beneficial if you lack formal education in AI/ML.

Experience Requirements

Typically, candidates for an Executive-level AI/ML role have extensive experience in the field, often 10+ years, with a proven track record of leading successful AI/ML projects. Experience in managing teams, developing AI strategies, and implementing machine learning solutions at scale is crucial. Additionally, experience in a specific industry, such as finance, healthcare, or technology, can be advantageous.

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