Salary for Senior-level / Expert AI Engineer during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert AI Engineer salary lies between USD 121,400 and USD 220,000 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. 15, 2024

Salary trend

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

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Engineer job listings are Machine Learning, Python 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 | 664 jobs Python | 658 jobs Engineering | 636 jobs Computer Science | 459 jobs LLMs | 416 jobs Generative AI | 366 jobs Research | 353 jobs AWS | 347 jobs Architecture | 329 jobs PyTorch | 326 jobs Azure | 312 jobs NLP | 308 jobs TensorFlow | 286 jobs Pipelines | 277 jobs Deep Learning | 265 jobs Security | 261 jobs ML models | 231 jobs GCP | 209 jobs APIs | 190 jobs Agile | 185 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 630 jobs Health care | 286 jobs Flex hours | 229 jobs Startup environment | 201 jobs Equity / stock options | 166 jobs Competitive pay | 161 jobs Team events | 112 jobs Salary bonus | 107 jobs Flex vacation | 100 jobs Parental leave | 95 jobs Insurance | 88 jobs Medical leave | 83 jobs 401(k) matching | 79 jobs Wellness | 76 jobs Conferences | 45 jobs Transparency | 35 jobs Relocation support | 28 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 28 jobs Gear | 25 jobs Fitness / gym | 24 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert AI Engineer typically comprises several components: a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but bonuses and stock options can also form a substantial part of the total compensation package. In contrast, companies in regions with a lower cost of living might offer a lower base salary but compensate with other benefits. Industries such as finance or healthcare might offer higher bonuses due to the critical nature of AI applications in those fields. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits packages, including retirement plans and health insurance, which can add significant value to the overall compensation.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the median of USD 170,500, consider pursuing leadership roles such as AI Team Lead or AI Director, which often come with higher compensation. Specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or AI ethics can also make you more valuable. Additionally, gaining expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies can set you apart. Networking within the industry and building a strong personal brand through speaking engagements, publications, or contributions to open-source projects can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, consider negotiating your salary by leveraging offers from other companies or demonstrating your impact on the business's bottom line.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level AI Engineer positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Electrical Engineering. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles focused on research and development. The educational background should include a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming. Courses in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analysis are essential. Some positions might also require knowledge of specific tools and technologies, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or cloud computing platforms.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile and demonstrate your expertise. Certifications like the Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, or Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate are well-regarded in the industry. These certifications validate your skills in deploying machine learning models and working with cloud-based AI services. Additionally, completing courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udacity in specialized AI topics can also be beneficial.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level AI Engineer is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include hands-on work with machine learning models, data analysis, and software development. Experience in leading projects or teams is often required, as these roles involve significant responsibility and decision-making. Familiarity with industry-specific applications of AI, such as in finance, healthcare, or autonomous systems, can also be crucial depending on the job.

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