Salary for Executive-level / Director Head of AI in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Head of AI salary lies between USD 200,000 and USD 290,000 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

Top 20 Job Tags for Executive-level / Director Head of AI roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Head of AI job listings are Machine Learning, Engineering and Computer Science. 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 | 52 jobs Engineering | 44 jobs Computer Science | 38 jobs Research | 35 jobs Generative AI | 26 jobs LLMs | 24 jobs NLP | 21 jobs AI strategy | 19 jobs Architecture | 17 jobs PhD | 14 jobs Privacy | 13 jobs Python | 12 jobs Computer Vision | 12 jobs Azure | 12 jobs MLOps | 12 jobs ML models | 12 jobs AWS | 11 jobs Deep Learning | 10 jobs Testing | 10 jobs Responsible AI | 10 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Executive-level / Director Head of AI roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Head of AI job listings are Career development, Startup environment 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 | 51 jobs Startup environment | 31 jobs Health care | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 20 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Team events | 18 jobs Flex hours | 13 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Conferences | 13 jobs Parental leave | 12 jobs Insurance | 12 jobs Home office stipend | 11 jobs Medical leave | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 9 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs 401(k) matching | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 6 jobs Fitness / gym | 3 jobs Lunch / meals | 2 jobs

Salary Composition for Executive-Level AI/ML Roles

In the United States, the salary for an executive-level AI/ML or Director Head of AI position typically comprises a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity. The base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for approximately 60-70% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly, ranging from 10-30% of the base salary, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package, especially in tech companies or startups, where it might constitute 10-20% of the total compensation. The exact composition can vary based on factors such as the region (with higher salaries often found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley), the industry (tech and finance typically offer higher compensation), and the size of the company (larger companies may offer more comprehensive packages).

Steps to Increase Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median for this role, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Network: Building a strong professional network can open doors to higher-paying opportunities and provide insights into industry trends.
• Pursue Further Education: Advanced degrees or specialized certifications can enhance your expertise and make you more valuable to employers.
• Demonstrate Impact: Clearly showcase your contributions to the company's success, such as leading successful projects or driving significant revenue growth.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, be prepared with data on industry standards and your unique qualifications to negotiate a better package.
• Seek Leadership Roles: Taking on additional responsibilities or moving into a more strategic role can justify a higher salary.

Educational Requirements

For an executive-level position in AI/ML, a strong educational background is typically required. Most candidates hold at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, or engineering. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that require deep technical expertise or involve cutting-edge research. Additionally, an MBA or a similar degree in business administration can be beneficial for those looking to move into leadership roles, as it provides a solid foundation in management and strategic decision-making.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): Validates your ability to transform data into valuable insights.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Demonstrates expertise in building, training, and deploying machine learning models on the AWS platform.
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer: Certifies your ability to design, build, and productionize ML models using Google Cloud technologies.

Experience Requirements

Typically, candidates for executive-level AI/ML roles have extensive experience in the field, often 10-15 years or more. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise in AI/ML, project management, and leadership roles. Experience in managing teams, developing AI strategies, and successfully implementing AI solutions in a business context is crucial. Additionally, a track record of innovation and staying current with the latest AI trends and technologies is highly valued.

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