Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Research Scientist in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Research Scientist salary lies between USD 136,000 and USD 209,720 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. 17, 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 | 319 jobs Python | 242 jobs Machine Learning | 237 jobs Computer Science | 220 jobs PhD | 216 jobs Engineering | 208 jobs Deep Learning | 125 jobs Physics | 123 jobs PyTorch | 121 jobs NLP | 119 jobs NeurIPS | 113 jobs Computer Vision | 103 jobs Statistics | 96 jobs VR | 95 jobs ICLR | 94 jobs TensorFlow | 92 jobs R | 90 jobs ICML | 88 jobs Mathematics | 84 jobs Generative AI | 77 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 | 233 jobs Conferences | 188 jobs Equity / stock options | 156 jobs Health care | 152 jobs Salary bonus | 134 jobs Competitive pay | 66 jobs Flex vacation | 50 jobs Team events | 49 jobs Parental leave | 48 jobs Flex hours | 48 jobs Medical leave | 46 jobs Insurance | 44 jobs Startup environment | 34 jobs 401(k) matching | 32 jobs Wellness | 31 jobs Relocation support | 15 jobs Flexible spending account | 11 jobs Fitness / gym | 7 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a mid-level/intermediate research scientist in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 60% to 80%. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can be a significant part of the package in larger tech companies or startups, potentially making up 10% to 30% of the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job markets.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from this position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set, particularly in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche 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 higher-level roles and salary brackets.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Actively participate in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, as management experience can significantly boost your earning potential.

• Company Transition: Consider moving to a larger company or a different industry that offers higher compensation for your skill set.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level research scientist 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 mathematics. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for research-intensive roles, as it demonstrates a high level of expertise and the ability to conduct independent research.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications can validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level research scientist role requires 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in AI/ML or data science. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and programming in languages such as Python or R. Experience in a specific industry, such as healthcare, finance, or technology, can also be advantageous.

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