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

Salary details

The average executive-level / director Machine Learning Engineer salary lies between USD 183,400 and USD 259,850 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 Executive-level / Director Machine Learning Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with executive-level / director Machine Learning Engineer job listings are Machine Learning, Engineering and Python. 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 | 46 jobs Engineering | 44 jobs Python | 32 jobs ML models | 27 jobs Computer Science | 26 jobs Architecture | 25 jobs PyTorch | 21 jobs LLMs | 21 jobs Research | 19 jobs AWS | 18 jobs Pipelines | 18 jobs Statistics | 16 jobs Deep Learning | 15 jobs TensorFlow | 15 jobs Scikit-learn | 15 jobs PhD | 15 jobs Testing | 14 jobs Java | 12 jobs NLP | 11 jobs RAG | 11 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with executive-level / director Machine Learning Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Startup environment. 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 | 46 jobs Health care | 29 jobs Startup environment | 29 jobs Equity / stock options | 20 jobs Competitive pay | 19 jobs Flex hours | 17 jobs Salary bonus | 16 jobs 401(k) matching | 14 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Wellness | 13 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Home office stipend | 9 jobs Team events | 5 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs Pet friendly | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs Paid sabbatical | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Executive-level or Director Machine Learning Engineer in the United States typically comprises several components:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual salary and usually forms the largest portion of the total compensation package. It can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often offer higher base salaries compared to other regions.

• Bonus: Bonuses are often performance-based and can be a significant part of the compensation package. They may be tied to individual performance, team performance, or the company's overall success. In some industries, bonuses can range from 10% to 30% of the base salary.

• Equity/Stock Options: Many companies, especially in the tech industry, offer equity or stock options as part of the compensation package. This can be a lucrative component, particularly if the company is growing or planning an IPO.

• Other Benefits: Additional remuneration may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks like wellness programs or professional development allowances.

Increasing Salary Further

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

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within AI/ML that are in high demand, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Enhance your leadership and management skills to take on more significant responsibilities, potentially moving into a VP or C-level role.

• Networking and Industry Presence: Build a strong professional network and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry through speaking engagements, publications, or active participation in industry conferences.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in AI/ML to maintain a competitive edge.

Educational Requirements

For an Executive-level or Director Machine Learning Engineer position, the most common educational requirements include:

• Advanced Degree: A Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field is often preferred. These degrees provide a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of AI/ML.

• Relevant Coursework: Courses in statistics, mathematics, computer programming, and data analysis are crucial. Knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles is also important.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate expertise:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP): This certification validates your skills in machine learning and data science.

• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: This certification is beneficial if you work with AWS technologies and want to demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and maintain machine learning solutions.

• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer: This certification is useful for those working with Google Cloud technologies.

Required Experience

The usual experience required for this role includes:

• Extensive Industry Experience: Typically, 10+ years of experience in AI/ML or related fields, with a proven track record of leading successful projects.

• Leadership Experience: Experience in managing teams, projects, and budgets is crucial. Demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives and influence stakeholders is often required.

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, data processing, and software development is essential.

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