Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Research Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Research Engineer salary lies between USD 138,000 and USD 256,500 globally. 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.

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 Research Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Research Engineer job listings are Research, 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:

Research | 260 jobs Engineering | 215 jobs Python | 156 jobs Machine Learning | 155 jobs Computer Science | 126 jobs Security | 87 jobs PyTorch | 86 jobs PhD | 84 jobs Deep Learning | 72 jobs Statistics | 72 jobs TensorFlow | 66 jobs NLP | 60 jobs R | 59 jobs LLMs | 54 jobs Testing | 52 jobs Architecture | 46 jobs Computer Vision | 43 jobs Physics | 41 jobs R&D | 40 jobs Java | 39 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Research Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Research Engineer 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 | 177 jobs Health care | 95 jobs Equity / stock options | 70 jobs Flex hours | 63 jobs Competitive pay | 46 jobs Conferences | 44 jobs Flex vacation | 43 jobs Startup environment | 40 jobs Parental leave | 37 jobs Insurance | 36 jobs Medical leave | 34 jobs Relocation support | 31 jobs Team events | 27 jobs Salary bonus | 24 jobs 401(k) matching | 23 jobs Wellness | 17 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 13 jobs Home office stipend | 8 jobs Flexible spending account | 8 jobs Gear | 7 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Research Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science 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, like stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the total compensation, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living or smaller firms might offer fewer stock options and bonuses, focusing more on the base salary.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Research Engineer or Lead Data Scientist. This often requires demonstrating leadership skills, taking on more complex projects, and contributing to strategic decision-making. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can make you more valuable. Networking within the industry, attending conferences, and publishing research can also enhance your reputation and open up higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your salary during performance reviews or when taking on additional responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level research engineer positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or electrical engineering. Some positions may accept a bachelor's degree if accompanied by significant experience or proven expertise in the field. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles focused on research and development, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to conduct independent research.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. Popular certifications include:

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

These certifications can provide a competitive edge by validating your skills in specific tools and platforms commonly used in the industry.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level research engineer role requires 3-5 years of experience in AI/ML or data science. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in a specific industry, such as healthcare, finance, or technology, can also be beneficial, as it provides domain knowledge that can be crucial for certain projects.

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