Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Research Scientist during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Research Scientist salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 210,000 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: Dec. 22, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate Research Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Research Scientist job listings are Research, Python and Machine Learning. 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 | 351 jobs Python | 265 jobs Machine Learning | 262 jobs Computer Science | 238 jobs PhD | 232 jobs Engineering | 228 jobs Deep Learning | 140 jobs PyTorch | 137 jobs Physics | 132 jobs NLP | 127 jobs NeurIPS | 122 jobs Computer Vision | 113 jobs Statistics | 106 jobs TensorFlow | 104 jobs VR | 103 jobs ICLR | 102 jobs R | 100 jobs ICML | 97 jobs Mathematics | 91 jobs Generative AI | 86 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Research Scientist job listings are Career development, Conferences 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 | 258 jobs Conferences | 204 jobs Equity / stock options | 169 jobs Health care | 162 jobs Salary bonus | 142 jobs Competitive pay | 73 jobs Flex vacation | 54 jobs Parental leave | 53 jobs Flex hours | 52 jobs Team events | 52 jobs Medical leave | 48 jobs Insurance | 48 jobs Startup environment | 37 jobs Wellness | 35 jobs 401(k) matching | 34 jobs Relocation support | 15 jobs Flexible spending account | 11 jobs Fitness / gym | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 6 jobs Fertility benefits | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Mid-level/Intermediate Research Scientist 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 profitability and individual performance metrics. In regions like Silicon Valley, equity or stock options are common, providing long-term incentives aligned with company growth. In contrast, companies in other regions might offer higher cash bonuses instead. Industry and company size also play a role; larger tech firms or those in high-demand sectors like finance or healthcare might offer more competitive packages compared to smaller startups or companies in less lucrative industries.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider pursuing advanced roles such as Senior Research Scientist or Lead Data Scientist. This often requires demonstrating leadership capabilities, managing 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 doors to higher-paying opportunities. Negotiating skills are crucial; understanding your market value and effectively communicating your contributions can lead to better compensation packages.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level research scientist roles in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or applied mathematics. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive positions, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to conduct independent research. Candidates with a strong academic background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline are typically favored.

Helpful Certificates

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile. Certificates from recognized institutions like the Certified Data Scientist (CDS) or the TensorFlow Developer Certificate can demonstrate proficiency in specific tools and methodologies. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer specialized courses and certifications in AI and machine learning that can be beneficial. These certifications can help bridge any gaps in formal education and keep you updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level research scientist is expected to have 3-5 years of relevant experience in AI/ML or data science roles. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and possibly some exposure to research and development projects. Experience in specific industries, such as finance, healthcare, or technology, can be advantageous, as it provides context-specific insights and problem-solving skills.

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