Salary for Senior-level / Expert AI Architect in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert AI Architect salary lies between USD 149,000 and USD 266,000 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: Jan. 19, 2025

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert AI Architect roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Architect job listings are Machine Learning, Architecture and Generative AI. 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 | 236 jobs Architecture | 190 jobs Generative AI | 167 jobs Engineering | 156 jobs Python | 131 jobs Computer Science | 116 jobs LLMs | 104 jobs Security | 101 jobs NLP | 99 jobs Statistics | 96 jobs AWS | 92 jobs Azure | 88 jobs GCP | 74 jobs Research | 72 jobs Big Data | 67 jobs Pipelines | 67 jobs TensorFlow | 64 jobs Deep Learning | 63 jobs PyTorch | 63 jobs Agile | 62 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert AI Architect roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Architect job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Team events. 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 | 230 jobs Flex hours | 104 jobs Team events | 99 jobs Health care | 95 jobs Startup environment | 86 jobs Competitive pay | 62 jobs Insurance | 52 jobs Equity / stock options | 46 jobs Medical leave | 41 jobs 401(k) matching | 39 jobs Flex vacation | 39 jobs Salary bonus | 39 jobs Parental leave | 33 jobs Conferences | 20 jobs Wellness | 16 jobs Transparency | 12 jobs Fitness / gym | 7 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 7 jobs Relocation support | 6 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level or Expert AI Architect typically includes a mix of base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley. The base salary often constitutes the largest portion, ranging from 70% to 85% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or tied to company success, might account for 10% to 20%. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, equity, or profit-sharing, can vary significantly depending on the company size and industry. For instance, startups might offer more equity to compensate for a lower base salary, while large corporations might provide a more balanced package with substantial bonuses and benefits.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 196,500, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Chief AI Officer or Head of AI. These positions often come with higher compensation due to their strategic importance. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas like AI ethics, explainable AI, or AI in cybersecurity can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing research can also enhance your visibility and reputation, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your compensation package by leveraging offers from other companies or demonstrating your impact on business outcomes.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level AI Architect positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that involve research and development or require deep technical expertise. Educational backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, or engineering are also common, as they provide a strong foundation for understanding complex algorithms and data structures.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can bolster your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. Certifications such as the Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP), TensorFlow Developer Certificate, or AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty can be beneficial. These certifications validate your skills in specific AI/ML tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level AI Architect role requires at least 8-10 years of experience in the field of AI/ML or data science. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and developing AI strategies is also crucial. Familiarity with industry-specific applications of AI, such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing, can be a significant advantage.

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