Salary for Senior-level / Expert AI Scientist during 2023

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert AI Scientist salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 219,000 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 Senior-level / Expert AI Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Scientist job listings are Machine Learning, Python and PhD. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Machine Learning | 10 jobs Python | 9 jobs PhD | 9 jobs Engineering | 8 jobs Deep Learning | 7 jobs Industrial | 7 jobs TensorFlow | 6 jobs Computer Science | 6 jobs NLP | 5 jobs Data analysis | 5 jobs Pharma | 5 jobs Keras | 4 jobs PyTorch | 4 jobs Security | 4 jobs Biology | 4 jobs LLMs | 4 jobs Reinforcement Learning | 4 jobs Generative AI | 4 jobs R | 3 jobs Research | 3 jobs

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

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert AI Scientist job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Team events. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 7 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Team events | 4 jobs Insurance | 2 jobs Conferences | 1 jobs Salary bonus | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Senior-level or Expert AI Scientist typically comprises several components, which can vary based on region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is divided into:

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually forms the largest portion of the total compensation. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, the base salary might be higher to compensate for living expenses.

• Bonus: Performance-based bonuses are common and can be tied to individual, team, or company performance. These bonuses can range from 10% to 30% of the base salary, depending on the company's policies and the individual's performance.

• Equity/Stock Options: Especially in tech companies and startups, equity or stock options are a significant part of the compensation package. This component can vary widely but offers potential for substantial financial gain if the company performs well.

• Other Benefits: Additional remuneration might include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other perks like wellness programs or professional development allowances.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level AI Scientist position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within AI/ML, such as deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as AI Team Lead or Director of AI, which typically offer higher compensation.

• Consulting or Freelancing: Consider consulting or freelancing, where you can leverage your expertise to command higher hourly rates or project fees.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML and acquire new skills or certifications that can enhance your value to employers.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level AI Scientist positions require at least a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or Statistics. A Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles that involve research and development of new algorithms or technologies. The educational background should include a strong foundation in machine learning, data analysis, and programming.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise:

• 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 in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level AI Scientist is expected to have at least 5-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include:

• Hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Proven track record of deploying AI/ML models in production environments.
• Experience in leading projects or teams and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• A portfolio of successful AI/ML projects or publications in reputable journals or conferences.

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