Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Machine Learning Researcher in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Machine Learning Researcher salary lies between USD 138,900 and USD 220,000 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 Mid-level / Intermediate Machine Learning Researcher roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Machine Learning Researcher job listings are Machine Learning, Research and Engineering. 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 | 18 jobs Research | 17 jobs Engineering | 14 jobs PhD | 13 jobs Deep Learning | 12 jobs PyTorch | 12 jobs Computer Science | 11 jobs ML models | 10 jobs Python | 9 jobs TensorFlow | 8 jobs Diffusion models | 8 jobs Generative AI | 8 jobs NLP | 7 jobs R | 6 jobs Architecture | 6 jobs Statistics | 6 jobs JAX | 6 jobs Scikit-learn | 5 jobs Transformers | 5 jobs Computer Vision | 4 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Machine Learning Researcher roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Machine Learning Researcher job listings are Career development, Conferences 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 | 15 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs Health care | 4 jobs Startup environment | 4 jobs Competitive pay | 4 jobs Salary bonus | 4 jobs Flex hours | 3 jobs Flex vacation | 3 jobs Equity / stock options | 2 jobs Parental leave | 2 jobs Team events | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Transparency | 1 jobs Insurance | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary for a mid-level/intermediate machine learning researcher typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies and startups, providing long-term incentives aligned with the company's growth. The composition can vary by region, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley offering higher base salaries and more substantial equity packages compared to other regions. Industry also plays a role; for instance, finance and healthcare sectors might offer higher bonuses, while tech companies might provide more in stock options. Company size can influence the package, with larger companies offering more structured bonuses and smaller startups offering potentially lucrative equity.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a mid-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills with the latest tools and technologies in AI/ML. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing further education, such as a Ph.D. or specialized certifications, can position you for senior roles.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities. Attending conferences and contributing to open-source projects can increase your visibility and open up new opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, as leadership experience can significantly boost your earning potential.
• Industry Switch: Consider moving to industries that pay higher salaries for AI/ML expertise, such as finance or healthcare.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level machine learning researcher positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or electrical engineering. A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly in areas like linear algebra, calculus, and probability, is essential. Some positions may require a Ph.D., especially those focused on research and development, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of complex algorithms and the ability to conduct independent research.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

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

These certifications demonstrate proficiency in specific tools and platforms, which can be advantageous in job applications and salary negotiations.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level machine learning researcher is expected to have 3-5 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and programming in languages such as Python or R. Experience with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn is often required. Additionally, experience in deploying models in production environments and working with large datasets is highly valued.

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